FAQ on Breastfeeding and Your Newborn Care Specialist
For many new mothers a main topic and concern is breastfeeding. Hush Hush Little Baby is here to provide you with many Frequently Asked Questions surrounding breastfeeding, as well as how Newborn Care Specialist can help!
“What are the best resources for learning how to breastfeed?”
If you are sick of googling or reading books and still feel you have a lot to learn about breastfeeding, there are many wonderful resources available to you. Look in your area for breastfeeding classes or Mom clubs. Never hesitate to talk with other moms who have experience breastfeeding. If you have special needs or concerns, contact a Certified Lactation Counselor, which Hush Little Baby has on staff. These counselors have specialized training in breastfeeding issues.
“What is Engorgement and how long does it last?”
Its ok if your breasts start to feel large, tight, and warm. This may be referred to as engorgement. It is normal and is a product of mature milk being produced by your body. Up until this point you have been producing ultra-nutritious concentrated colostrum. Engorgement will go away after a few days but until it does it may pose a challenge for the baby to latch on. It may help to pump or hand express a little bit of milk before feeding to make things softer.
“What signs should I look for to tell me it’s time to breastfeed my baby?”
When starting to breastfeed it is key to pick up on your baby’s signals. Chewing on hands or bringing hands close to the face, making mouthing motions, or head turning from side to side are signs that the baby may be getting hungry or wants to be close to you. Try and notice these signals and respond by trying to feed the baby. This will allow you to breastfeed the baby before he/she gets fussy and begins to cry. At this point it may be too late and be far more difficult to get the job done.
“How can a Newborn Care Specialist assist me in Breastfeeding?”
Newborn Care Specialist often have specialized training in breastfeeding and common issues associated with breastfeeding. They can assist by setting up a feeding schedule, proper latching, and creating a customized pumping schedule/
“I would love to hire an Overnight Newborn Care Specialist but am breastfeeding. How does this work?”
Arrangements can be customized to your individual needs. However, it is common that the overnight caregiver bring the baby to you when it is time for a feeding. The specialist may assist with latching, pump milk storage, and positioning of the baby. Once the baby is comfortably feeding, the specialist will excuse herself and wait for the feeding to end. After the feeding she will than take the baby and burp, hold the baby upright, and change diapers as needed. All of these extra tasks can take 30 minutes to an hour. Mom gets to go right back to sleep and the specialist will tend to the baby. It is common that newborns feed 3-5 times a night. Having an Newborn Care Specialist can make your breastfeeding experience much easier, as well as provide you with a few extra hours of sleep!
I plan on returning to work after the baby is born. How should I handle working while Breastfeeding?
Before you giving birth or returning to work you should discuss with your employer about your plans to breastfeed after coming back to work. This can help set you up with a private location to pump as well as arrange your schedule to take breaks to do so. Some companies are conscious of the need for new mothers who breastfeed to pump and have designated areas or pumping rooms available to their employees.