Whether you have decided to breastfeed or are still considering your options, we are here to help. Below you will find some of the most common breastfeeding questions and tips from our physicians.
Common Breastfeeding Questions
When Does Breastmilk Production Start?
Around 16 weeks of pregnancy, your breasts begin milk production. At this time, your body will start to make colostrum, often called “liquid gold,” because of its color and densely packed nutrient content. Some women will notice some leakage of colostrum from the breasts near the end of pregnancy.
Will Breastfeeding Hurt?
While it is true that breastfeeding should not be painful, it can be uncomfortable initially. You will feel a tug as the baby nurses, and in the beginning, you may experience some soreness. However, when babies latch correctly, it should not be painful. If you experience pain, you should talk with your nurse, lactation consultant, or physician to ensure the baby is latching on appropriately. You may also feel increased discomfort when your breasts are engorged and full of milk. If you can’t feed your baby right away, you should pump or manually express milk from your breasts to avoid clogged ducts or infection.
What About Pumping?
There are a variety of reasons moms choose to pump. Sometimes pumping is advised to help encourage breast milk production, even in the hospital or during the first days at home.
Breast stimulation encourages the body to produce more milk. Some women pump to help establish a supply of milk at home, which can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. Some moms, who are with their baby consistently, choose not to pump at all. While others prefer not to feed the baby directly from the breast and exclusively pump and give breastmilk from a bottle.
Your doctor is a great resource that can help determine if pumping is needed and how often it makes sense.
Is my Baby Getting Enough Milk?
This is a very common worry for almost all new breastfeeding mothers. The simple answer is likely yes, but there are signs to watch for to ensure your baby is getting enough. Read our article, “How Do I Know if My Baby is Getting Enough Breast Milk?” to learn more.
Can I Take Medication?
Not all medications are safe to use when breastfeeding. You should always consult your doctor first.
Can I Drink Alcohol?
When you drink alcohol, it passes to your breast milk in concentrations similar to those found in your bloodstream. Care needs to be taken not to expose your baby. If you want to have an occasional alcoholic drink, wait at least 2 hours after a single drink before you breastfeed. The alcohol will leave your milk as it leaves your bloodstream—there is no need to express and discard it unless you feel engorged and need to pump. Any milk pumped prior 2 hours should be discarded. You should avoid excessive alcohol use while breastfeeding and caring for your baby.
Can I Smoke or Consume Tobacco Products?
If you have successfully quit smoking during your pregnancy – good for you! Do all you can to remain a non-smoker.
Infants of smokers are at increased risk for colic, respiratory infections, and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Remaining a non-smoker will be better for both you and Baby. Talk with your doctor if you could use support. If you do smoke, you may still breastfeed. Baby will still receive many benefits from your breastmilk, including reducing the risk of infection and SIDS mentioned above. Smokers should smoke as little as possible and should wait until after feeding Baby to have a cigarette. Keep cigarette smoke away from your baby.
Have other questions about breastfeeding? Ask us! We are here to help support you. If you are just starting, it will get easier!