Breastfeeding Tips and Resources

Congratulations on deciding to breastfeed your baby! Breastfeeding is the best start for baby and although “natural” those first few weeks can sometimes come with challenges. We want to support your breastfeeding goals, whatever that may look like!

Breastfeeding Books: The Art of Breastfeeding by LLL, Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Made Simple

Early Breastfeeding Resource https://firstdroplets.com/abcs/

Free Breastfeeding Education https://www.breastmilkcounts.com/

Great online breastfeeding class https://milky-mama.com/collections/courses

La Leche League group: https://www.facebook.com/DallasLLL/

Latching and Positioning: https://kellymom.com/ages/newborn/bf-basics/latch-resources/

Deep Latch Technique video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l5BpqllTLg&t=15s

The second night or "my baby wants to nurse all night long" https://kellymom.com/ages/newborn/bf-basics/second-night/

Engorgement in the early days can be uncomfortable, here are some tips to help avoid and treat it:

• Recognize feeding cues and nurse on demand

• Be sure baby has a proper latch

• Wear supportive bra

• Ice (is your BEST friend!)

• Lymphatic drainage/massage (light touch only) prior to feeding

• Avoid pumping until breastfeeding is well established

Breastfeeding Supplies:

• Breast Pads

• Nipple butter, calendula oil or lanolin are all great topical aids for sore nipples

• Silverettes and Soothies are also helpful for soreness *it is normal for nipples to feel chapped or a slight sting when your baby first latches but should subside quickly. If you are having persistent pain, chapped or bleeding nipples please message your midwives or make an appointment with an IBCLC.

• Many find a nursing pillow helpful

• Some find nursing apps to track both input and output beneficial during the early weeks

• Silicone pumps to collect letdown (try not to overuse to avoid an oversupply)

• Keep snacks and water on hand

Vitamin D and breastfeeding: 6400IU daily is the recommendation so it passes through your breastmilk https://lilynicholsrdn.com/vitamin-d-supplement-breastfeeding-mothers-how-much/

Breast pumps: Most insurance companies will pay for a breast pump. Please let us know if you need a prescription. Companies like https://aeroflowbreastpumps.com/ may be helpful. Our fax number is (817) 612-3453.