Frequently Asked Questions

A lactation consultant are persons who have received certification from the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Examiners or other certification in lactation management. They have received training and verification in breastfeeding and human lactation support and assistance.

Option 1) Home Visits 1 hour consultation Our 1 hour visit (home, in office, virtual) will include an assessment of the baby, a feeding evaluation and guidance with positioning and latch. We will discuss your goals and identify any challenges. We will also form a plan to improve your feeding journey. During this time, I will also address any concerns about newborn care and breast pump use. ** An additional $50 fee will be added to home visits greater than 20 miles. Option 2) In Office Visits 1 hour consultation Home, Virtual, and Telephone consults will require full payment prior to your appointment. A 50% deposit will be required for In Office consultations. Visits will include followup texts or email for up to 2 weeks. If you’re needing to reschedule, requests should be made 2 hours before appointment time. Option 3) Virtual 1 hour consultation Our 1 hour visit (home, in office, virtual) will include an assessment of the baby, a feeding evaluation and guidance with positioning and latch. We will discuss your goals and identify any challenges. We will also form a plan to improve your feeding journey. During this time, I will also address any concerns about newborn care and breast pump use. Option 4) Telephone 30 minute consultation I will answer any general feeding questions you may have. I will also address any concerns about newborn or postpartum care.

It is common for babies to nurse every 2 to 3 hours. Your baby should have at least 8-12 feedings each day.

On average, individuals that are breast/chest feeding require an extra 400-500 calories each day. Total calorie needs depends on activity level, BMI and body fat percentage. The goal is to have a well balanced diet. Each meal should have a vegetable or fruit, a grain or starchy vegetable, and a protein. Vitamin A, C, Chromium, copper, and iodine are some vitamins and minerals needed for lactation.

Sizing for the Correct Breast Pump Flange Using the correct size flange when using your breast pump will make the world of a difference! What are flanges? Breast pumps come with hard plastic shields called flanges. This is the part of the pump that comes in contact with the breast. Some breast pumps may have softer plastic or silicone flanges while others will offer inserts or liners. Pumping should not be painful. The key: The nipple should freely move in and out of the flange tunnel. If there is rubbing, the flange is likely too small. If extra tissue or areola fills the tunnel, the flange is too big. How to measure: Measure just your nipple. Take a ruler with millimeters and measure from one end to the other. Add an extra 4 millimeters. The number you get will be your flange size. These are two great websites for getting a pump through your insurance: BreastPump Depot https://breastpumpdepot.com Aeroflow Breast pumps https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com Exclusive Pumping If you are exclusively pumping for your baby, it is important to stay consistent. Pump on average, every 2 to 4 hours depending on how often your baby shows signs of hunger. On average, breasts will make about 1 ounce of milk per hour.

If nursing your baby directly is going well, there is no need to pump. If desired, you may begin pumping after feedings at 2 weeks.

Countertop: 4 hours Refrigerator: 4 days Freezer: 6 months Deep Freezer: 12 months Once milk is thawed it is good for 24 hours. Store your milk in the amount that baby typically eats. Storage bags are great!

Milk Donation Interested in donating your breastmilk? Visit https://milkbank.org for more information.

Your breasts go through several changes throughout pregnancy. Your breast size will increase in size as the cells within your breast gear up for milk production. Once the placenta is delivered, the hormone to sustain pregnancy, progesterone, decreases and the hormone prolactin increases. The hormone prolactin is needed for the initiation and maintenance of breast/ human milk.

Day 3 to day 8 Postpartum

In short, no.

There are several different ways to position your baby for feedings. Leaned Back Cross Cradle Cradle Side Lying Football

Noticing cracked or scabbed skin on your nipples? Don’t ignore it. Nipple pain is common for early termination of breast/ chest feeding. Nipple pain tends to peak in intensity around day 2 or 3. Pain can stem from pain with latch, constant pain during a feeding, persistent pain over a period of time, pain in between feedings or even burning pain. It’s important to seek help to ensure you have the optimal feeding experience.

Using the correct size flange when using your breast pump will make the world of a difference! What are flanges? Breast pumps come with hard plastic shields called flanges. This is the part of the pump that comes in contact with the breast. Some breast pumps may have softer plastic or silicone flanges while others will offer inserts or liners. Pumping should not be painful. The key: The nipple should freely move in and out of the flange tunnel. If there is rubbing, the flange is likely too small. If extra tissue or areola fills the tunnel, the flange is too big. How to measure: Measure just your nipple. Take a ruler with millimeters and measure from one end to the other. Add an extra 4 millimeters. The number you get will be your flange size. These are two great websites for getting a pump through your insurance: BreastPump Depot https://breastpumpdepot.com Aeroflow Breast pumps https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com Exclusive Pumping If you are exclusively pumping for your baby, it is important to stay consistent. Pump on average, every 2 to 4 hours depending on how often your baby shows signs of hunger. On average, breasts will make about 1 ounce of milk per hour.

Your baby’s ability to suckle at the breast will take time and practice. Baby should nurse at least 8-12 times each day. Baby should also appear calm/satisfied after nursing. Hearing swallows are a great sign that the baby is transferring milk. An average feeding should last about 10 to 15 minutes.

Infant Risk Center https://www.infantrisk.com LactMed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/

A list of the most current breastfeeding protocols. https://www.bfmed.org

Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas PPHA (pphatx.org) Postpartum Support International Postpartum Support International - PSI