A smiling woman of European descent sits in a comfortable chair and nurses her infant while speaking with a woman of African descent.
Authored by: TLN

5 Frequently Asked Breastfeeding Questions

Your biggest breastfeeding questions answered by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

As a new parent, you’re juggling a lot: From middle-of-the-night feedings to bizarre body changes to managing your pre-work mornings with a little one in tow—all on three hours of sleep. We know that this time is equal parts exciting and confusing, and you’ve got lots of questions, none of which are small. The Lactation Network has an entire Resource Library to help guide you through this murky period. Today, one of our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, Katie McGee, answers your five most common nursing questions. So read on and remember: We’re here to help with every step of your lactation journey. #1: I am on day three of my baby’s life. My milk has “come in,” and I’m experiencing increased breast size, fullness, and engorgement. Will my breasts stay this way? Just as your body has changed during pregnancy and delivery, your breasts are going through changes, but these breast changes are more rapid. Your milk coming in means you have entered into a new phase of lactation. The tiny amounts of colostrum that so powerfully and perfectly nourished your baby the first few days have given way to the ounces of breastmilk, designed to nourish your baby much longer-term. Often, the onset of this larger supply arrives just when your baby begins to demand more volume. The dramatic changes can be surprising, but you will settle into a new kind of normal. For this reason, you may want to wait a few weeks if you plan on purchasing nursing or pumping bras. #2 Should I pump for relief, or will this just signal my body to produce more milk? The fullness you are feeling is not all milk; there are a lot of changes on the cellular level that support milk production, storage, and transfer to your baby during breastfeeding. Pumping for a few minutes to provide relief is okay, but remember that pumping minutes, added to your nursing minutes in the early weeks, do have an impact on supply and demand. The breast is in control of production now. If significant, these pumping minutes may send signals to your body that you are nursing two babies, sending your supply up. #3 How long will this discomfort last? When will my body begin to self-regulate according to what my baby needs? The fullness, discomfort, or engorgement when the milk is coming in is usually very short-lived. Within a day or two, you should feel comfortable again. It is normal to feel more full before you nurse or pump and less full after. If at any time you are experiencing excessive swelling, pain, or extreme engorgement, seek one-on-one assistance. #4: I’m concerned my little one isn’t eating enough. How can I be certain my baby is getting enough breast milk? While this is a very common concern among new parents, weight checks at your pediatrician’s office or during your in-home IBCLC visit may reveal that the baby has regained or exceeded birthweight by 10 days to two weeks post-delivery. This is a very reassuring sign that breastfeeding is off to a great start. On a daily basis, remember that what goes in must come out. Watch for frequent wet and dirty diapers. #5: I’m experiencing some nipple soreness and researching nipple balms. I’ve noticed some products say lanolin-free. What are the positives and negatives of using lanolin? Although it is unusual, some parents do have a sensitivity to lanolin and seek a lanolin-free ointment. Nipple ointments can be applied in a thin layer after nursing or pumping. Pumping parents may apply a thin layer to the pump breast shield, where the tunnel begins. Usually, by the time you nurse or pump again the ointment has been absorbed by your skin. Wiping off the excess can lead to soreness, so avoid over-applying and wiping your nipples. Katie McGee, one of TLN’s International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, and our other IBCLCs are ready  to answer your questions, provide consultations, and help parents in any way they need, through every stage of their lactation journey. Request an insurance-covered IBCLC consultation today.

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