Breast Feeding Tips and Advice from a Renowned Lactation Consultant

When it came to breast feeding, I did an “ok” job the first time around, and a slightly better job the 2nd time around. I’m determined to do an even better job the third time around. I honestly think the only problem I had the 1st two times was that I didn’t ask anyone any questions. I just assumed it would be easy, and when it wasn’t, I didn’t really know who to ask. Since then, i’ve realized there are so many wonderful breast feeding resources available: from the professional advice of a lactation  consultant to just being active in a Facebook group full of other moms to chat with. This month, as part of National Breast Feeding Month, I had a chance to interview renowned lactation consultant and Registered Nurse, Shari Criso. I met Shari last year and I was so impressed with her words of wisdom and how simply she explained so many aspects of breastfeeding. To come up with the questions, I thought of some problems I had breastfeeding and also reached out to many moms to see what kinds of questions they had. Shari also offered some extra tips as well as some of the top breastfeeding myths. Her advice has me feeling more confident for my “3rd time around” and I hope the tips and advice can help you too.

Breast Feeding Tips and Advice from Renowned Lactation Consultant Shari Criso:

Interview: 

If nursing didn’t go well the first time around, what are some common issues that moms can focus on the 2nd time around?

The best thing that you can do when planning to give breastfeeding a second chance with baby number 2, is to plan ahead, educate yourself and get help early from a lactation consultant. Learn more about what is considered normal with breastfeeding and try to identify the factors that led to your difficulties the first time around so that you are as prepared as possible. Most importantly is not have your challenges or lack of success the first time, undermine your confidence the second time around. I have seen SO MANY moms who were not able to breastfeed their first babies, go on to have successfully breastfeed with their second.  Remember, most breastfeeding problems rarely have to do with a mom’s physical ability to breastfeed, but rather the misinformation and lack of knowledge that creates a perception of this inability, or the unnecessary supplementation with formula that can then create a real problem such as more difficulty latching and a decreased milk supply.

When baby #3 comes along and mom is chasing around other little ones, trekking all around town to preschool, activities, etc, what are some tips for still nursing baby? 

Breastfeeding #2 or #3 will definitely be different than the your first.  Even though you will find your moments (like at night when the older ones are asleep), those days of leisurely lying down and nursing your baby all day will more than likely just be a memory from your first experience.  Having #2 or #3 is completely different than your having #1 in all aspects of parenting and breastfeeding is no exception. It is important to be flexible, not with your feedings, but with yourself. Get clear about your priority, which should be to provide your second baby with the same benefits that you gave to your first and protect your milk supply by not skipping or delaying feedings. The flexibility will come in by being comfortable with nursing outside of your home, finding the moments to stop what you are doing (wherever that is) and feed your hungry baby. Ask for support!! You will need it…this is hard to do alone. Most of all, get clear about what is important and what is not. The laundry may not get done on time, the house may not look the way you want it…but something will have to “give”…let it be the house and not your breast milk or the time you have to spend with an older sibling that needs your love and reassurance more than ever.

For some moms & families exclusive breastfeeding is not always an option. What are tips for moms who want to breastfeed as much as they can but need/want to supplement?

Of course exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months and then a minimum of 12 with complementary foods is the recommendation and the ideal situation, it is not always what a mom can do or chooses to do.  A couple of things that you want to keep in mind is that by supplementing with formula your body will naturally start to decrease the amount of milk that you are making. This is a careful balance and the amount of feedings that you skip could potentially risk you losing all of your milk, so take it slow, start with one feeding at a time to see how your body responds, and try to at least wait until after the first 6 weeks while you are initially establishing your milk supply.  Also, try to choose a formula that is NOT soy based as too much soy can have negative effects on your baby’s health. What is important to remember is that breastfeeding does not have to be an all or nothing thing!  Any amount of breast milk that you give to your baby is better than none, so even if you plan to supplement while breastfeeding, your baby will still receive the benefits of that breast milk.

 

What are the best feeding positions? 

The best feeding positions are the ones where you are comfortable and your baby is able to get the most optimal latch.  This changes as your baby grows.  For the early days and weeks, the position that I recommend most commonly is the cross-cradle, which positions your baby across your body while you support your breast with the same side hand and your baby’s head with the other.  The easiest way to achieve this is with a sturdy breastfeeding pillow that will lift your baby up to the breast and give you the support so that you do not need to hold the baby’s weight. My other favorite position is lying down with the baby lying next to you.  This is great for those middle of the night feedings or to just get a rest while nursing.  Some moms can achieve this position great from the beginning, but most find that they need to wait a few weeks for their babies to be a bit larger to get a good latch this way.

 

For moms who had latch trouble, what are tips to be more successful 2nd time around?

If your issues with breastfeeding were due to an inability to latch, it is very important to prepare yourself prior to the delivery by lining up a Lactation Consultant that you will be able to call immediately for support if you encounter the same problem.  There are many things that you can do, try and use…but support on getting the best positioning and latch early on will be the best solution.  If your nipples are really flat, it can make latching difficult especially when your baby is first born, their mouths are small and your breast is full and firm with your milk coming in.  The use of a nipple shield can be extremely helpful for these situations, however you should not do this alone and without the help of a Board Certified Lactation Consultant.  Using it improperly, using the wrong size, or not ensuring that your milk is adequately transferring through the shield can lead to even more issues. Getting the proper support and help can alleviate even the most challenging issues, both quickly and easily.

What can I do to ensure I have enough milk supply? Or what can I do to boost my milk supply? I’ve seen a lot of teas/drinks on the market, but I’m not sure if they’re worth it.

The number one best way to ensure a good milk supply is to BREASTFEED frequently and get the right latch and positioning so that your baby is adequately removing the milk from your breasts.  By nursing “on demand”…whenever your baby is hungry…and not allowing more than 2-3 hours to go by between feedings or pumping sessions, your breasts should be able to produce just the right amount for your baby’s needs.  There are times where even with frequent nursing your supply could use a bit of help and there are teas and tinctures with herbs like Fenugreek on the market that can really help.  One of my favorites is Milkmaid Tea from Earth Mama Angel Baby….2-3 cups per day can really support and boost your milk supply.  The other way to increase your milk supply would be to use a breast pump between or after feedings to help stimulate the breasts to make more milk.  I recommend the Evenflo Feeding Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump since it has 32 settings, individual speed and suction control and a “closed system” which will prevent milk from backing up into your tubing and pump which can cause mold and bacteria to grow.

How will I know when the baby has had enough milk during each feeding? 

This is something all new parents are concerned about when they first get started with breastfeeding. Most people will think that by looking at the clock they can determine how much they’re feeding on each side. This is simply not true. Babies can be sleeping or improperly latched onto your nipple and not getting proper flow. The good news is there are several ways you can definitely tell your baby
is getting enough and it has nothing to do with time. First, feel your breast at the beginning of the feeding. If your breast is noticeably softer and emptier at the end of the feeding, you know milk went into the baby. Next, listen for audible swallows. Lots of gulping and swallowing, means lots of milk going into your baby! Your best indicator is wet diapers, at least 6 to 8 wet diapers in a 24-hour period. This is a sure sign your baby is well hydrated and getting enough breast milk. Look for signs that your baby is satisfied when done at the breast. Most babies will not be quiet if they’re still hungry!

 

 I’ve noticed a lot of daycare centers now have a breastfeeding rooms. Is there a benefit to visiting over my lunch break to breastfeed instead of bottle feeding for all feedings during the day?

Absolutely!!  This is great, if it is possible. Any time that you are able to spend more time with your baby and breastfeed directly from your breast the better.  Breastfeeding is more than just about the breast milk, and that time that you spend with your baby, skin to skin, has immeasurable benefits to not only your baby, but you too.  Of course this is not possible for all working moms and that is okay.  What I recommend is that you arrive to your daycare a few minutes early in the morning and a spend a few minutes at the end of the day when picking up to sit down and nurse before rushing off to work or back home.  This will increase the amount of feedings at the breast, help to maintain a better supply, require less amount to be pumped while away…and lets face it YOU MISS EACH OTHER!

 

How should I set up a pumping schedule for myself once I’m back at work?

It is important to create your feeding and pumping schedule before you go back to work. Try to create a schedule for pumping that closely mimics your breastfeeding schedule with your baby as much as possible. First thing in the morning start with breastfeeding.  Then pump your feedings while you’re at work. Typically three times a day is the average number of pumping sessions for a full eight-hour workday. Plan to breastfeed the baby directly when you get home from work and again before bed and during the night.  Most importantly, try not to go too many hours without feeding.  It’s going to make you engorged. It can lead to plugged ducts and mastitis and can start to decrease your milk supply. It’s so easy to get caught up when you’re back to work and let hours go by.  You do need to make this the priority if you want to maintain your milk.  Be flexible and see how your body responds, everyone is different and you will start to understand quickly what you need to do in order to be successful with this. Create a schedule and then see what works best for you.

Shari Criso’s Top Breastfeeding Myths:

Myth #1: A large percentage of our population just can’t make enough milk to fully nourish their babies.

Fact: Our bodies were made to breastfeed and our species has survived for hundreds of thousands of years this way. It is actually UNCOMMON for a mom to carry a pregnancy, deliver a baby, and then just not be able to feed it. It does not make sense. There are some moms who may have issues with milk supply, but most of the time it is due to inaccurate advice to supplement with formula because of a “perceived” low supply issue instead of a real supply issue.

Myth #2: That if your mom or sister couldn’t breastfeed, that you won’t be able to breastfeed as well.

Fact: I don’t know what happened with a woman’s mom or sister, but I do know that their mother’s mother, and her mother before that, and so on…were able to breastfeed or they would not be here. We come from a line of women that were able to produce enough and feed their babies because that was the only way. Although the ability to breastfeed can have a genetic factor, this is usually not the case. Most of the time the reason that the mom or sister was not able to breastfeed is due to reasons that were not medical issues, but rather misinformation or assumptions about their bodies ability to make enough milk.

Myth #3:  That you have to have the perfect diet and lifestyle to make good and enough milk.

Fact: This is just untrue. If having the perfect diet, enough rest, not too much stress, etc. were major factors in your body’s ability to feed your baby then our species would have died off long ago. People throughout history have lived through some of the most difficult situations and still were able to feed. Although our own health does make breastfeeding easier, it is not critical in making enough or good “quality” milk.  A good diet will keep you healthy, but regardless of what you are eating your milk is rarely effected except in the most         extreme cases.

Myth #4:  Breastfeeding will change the shape of your breasts.

Fact: Breastfeeding itself is not the culprit.  Other factors that can change your breast appearance more than breastfeeding includes BMI, age, history of smoking, large pre-pregnancy breast size and number of pregnancies.

Shari Criso’s Top 3 Breastfeeding Tips

Tip #1: Become as knowledgeable and educated as possible about breastfeeding BEFORE you have your baby. Trying to wing it after the baby comes or rely on the staff at the hospital to teach you could be a disaster and the reason why breastfeeding was not successful.

 

Tip #2: Purchase what you will need to make breastfeeding more comfortable and easier especially in the first few weeks when you are first adjusting and it is usually the most difficult time.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money to accomplish this, but assume that you WILL be successful and get what you need. You may be able to get help with breastfeeding at no cost, since your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump – and may offer to cover either a rental or a new one for you to keep.  I like the Evenflo® Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump: $99.99-$159.99

Tip #3:  Make sure you are surrounded with support. One of the biggest challenges and reasons for moms not having the success that they want with breastfeeding is not getting the support from the people around them.  Get your partner on board with education and information. A supportive partner is one of the biggest reasons for breastfeeding success. Find friends and other breastfeeding moms who were successful to speak to and line up a lactation consultant before you deliver so you can reach out for help as soon as you need it.

I’m so thankful that Shari was willing to share so much of her knowledge on our blog. With 8 weeks to go, I am focusing on her 3 top tips right now. I recently got the Evenflo Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump Shari recommended. The price is great and (from what I can tell) it’s very easy to set up and use. Along the new pump, I’m gathering as much info as I can and finding a good support network that I can talk to this time, instead of ignoring the questions that pop up along the way. Getting tips and help from a lactation consultant can be the key to your breastfeeding success, and so can the support of other moms.