"Supplementing"? Start Pumping!

If you are told to start "supplementing" for any reason, start pumping! Pumped/expressed milk is the best supplement, followed by donor milk, and then by formula.

So many parents are led to believe they must start formula when asked to supplement. If babies start having formula and the parent is not pumping, that is when milk supply is at risk. Regular removal of milk (by an efficient baby ideally, or by a pump) is critical to build/protect supply, especially in cases where baby is struggling at the breast. As an IBCLC, it is so much easier to help get a struggling baby to breast with a robust milk supply already in place!

Here's a great article on "Hands On Pumping"

https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/maximizing-milk-production.html

Signs of "Wellness"

I am often talking to families about "signs of wellness" for their little ones, since most people don't have (nor should they need to invest in!) super sensitive scales to see how much baby gets at each feed! I spend a lot of time reassuring parents that baby is well ;) So, what are some of the thing I look at to determine this?

• Weight gain around an ounce a day in the early days

• Back to birth weight by (in and around) 2 weeks

• Plentiful wet and dirty diapers - especially lots of yellow seedy

• A baby who is content and relaxed after a feed, and has at least some stretches of time between feeds (some cluster feeding can be "normal" but ideally not 24/7!!)

• A parent whose breasts feel comfortable after feeds

• Overall, an alert little one who is growing and meeting milestones well, according to their doctor!

Prenatal Appointments!

It's been busy here at 4th Trimester Baby...lots of "follow-ups"! I love when I get to see families more than once, and really follow along on their journeys!

One reason for the follow-ups is that I am often seeing people prenatally! We get to discuss education, communication, the early days, positioning/latch tips, signs of wellness, and more - before baby even arrives! It's a great way to head into having a baby and feeling more prepared, and then when we meet for a "follow-up" we've already established a relationship :)

Send your pregnant friends our way!