What To Expect When Breastfeeding Your Newborn Baby
October 29, 2024 2025-02-06 18:58What To Expect When Breastfeeding Your Newborn Baby
Unsure about breastfeeding your newborn once you get home?
We got you.
Pumping and Finding The Right Flange Fit
How to Bottle Feed a Breastfed Baby
Is Baby Getting Enough Breast Milk?
Help! My breasts are swollen and painful!
Engorgement usually happens between days 3-5 postpartum, and is a result of the transition from colostrum to mature milk. Increased milk volume, blood and lymph fluids in the breasts can cause discomfort and interfere with latching, and can lead to worse issues such as clogged ducts and breast infections. Here are some tips to help relieve the discomfort during this stage. If engorgement does not improve in 24 – 48 hours, click here to book a consult with one of our Lactation Consultants.
Help! Breastfeeding hurts and my nipples are damaged.
If you experience pain or nipple damage (soreness, bruising, blisters, cuts) while breastfeeding, this guide is for you. Contrary to popular belief, pain and bleeding are not normal and signal a need for adjustment. Ignoring these signs can lead to poor infant weight gain, low milk supply, clogged ducts, or infections like thrush and mastitis. In the video below, we share the best breastfeeding positions and latching techniques you can implement to achieve a pain-free breastfeeding experience.
While these breastfeeding latch and positioning tips can help, the core issue may not be within your control. A lactation consultant (IBCLC) can assess the cause your baby’s latching issues, aid in nipple healing, and support milk supply.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?
There is no gauge on the breast, and it can be hard to trust the process when you’re unsure about your milk production or your baby’s efficiency at the breast. Rest assured, there are signs that your baby is getting enough. Watch the video below to see!
How do I use my pump correctly?
Fact: Many mothers use the wrong size flanges or are pumping on a setting that’s too high or too low. This can lead to painful clogs, nipple damage, and reduced supply. Using your breast pump efficiently will improve comfort, help maximize your output and improve milk production. Consider a pump consult with one of our experienced lactation consultants. In your 30 minute consult, she will give you an overview of your pump, discuss its functions and settings, and measure you for the correct flange fit.
What size flanges do I need?
Flanges are the plastic funnel-shaped pieces that fit over your breast and nipple. Your pump will come with “standard” sized flanges, but they are not one size fits all! It’s estimated that 70% of people need a different size. In fact, one of our lactation consultants estimates that over 90% of her clients were using the wrong size! Watch our video to see how to measure to find your perfect fit.
To discuss pumping, milk supply issues or other breastfeeding concerns, please book a consultation with one of our IBCLCs.
For more detail on why flange size matters and how to determine your correct size, check out our article: Why Flange Size Matters.
How do I Bottle Feed My Breastfed Baby?
The ideal time to introduce a bottle is between 3-6 weeks. Watch us demonstrate how to pace your baby’s bottles to slow down their feeding and allow them to maintain control. With paced feeding, your baby will control the flow and work for their bottle like they do at the breast. This helps prevent bottle preference, overeating, and upset tummies. Babies are naturally good at pacing themselves and knowing when they’ve had enough!
Is your baby refusing the bottle or are you unsure how to introduce it? Book a consult today! We will assess how your baby feeds and make a plan tailored to your needs. Most insurance accepted!
Can I rent a Hospital Grade Breast Pump?
We’ve got you covered. At our Austin and Plano clinics, we offer Medela Symphony breast pump rentals (no need to be a client!) Hospital grade pumps often have stronger suction power, more powerful motors, and advanced settings that allow for more efficient milk extraction compared to standard personal-use pumps. Looking to rent a hospital-grade breast pump? Call us! 512-765-9959
Rentals are not covered by insurance. However, you may be able to receive reimbursement directly through your insurance provider. We are more than happy to provide you with a superbill to submit.
Your Rental Includes:
- Medela Symphony Hard Case with Adjustable Shoulder Strap
- Bottle Holder
- Instruction Manual
Accessories are sold separately! Personal accessory kits are available for purchase through us directly, at some retail stores, or online. The Medela Symphony Double Breast Pump Kit’s components are single-user items, and include tubing, bottles, membranes, breast shields (flanges) and valves. You may already have the needed items if you were given a Symphony pump to use in the hospital after delivery and brought these pieces home.
Medela Symphony’s Features & Benefits:
- 2-Phase Expression® technology: Designed to mimic a baby’s natural nursing rhythm.
- Convenient: Single or double pumping.
- Two separate, independent membrane units: Allows switching between single and double pumping by simply applying or removing the second collection kit to the breast
- Let-down button: Moms can easily return to stimulation by pressing the let-down button
- Initiate and maintain milk supply: If direct breastfeeding is not possible, as well as collect breastmilk at work or during other absences from the baby.
- Hospital grade: The pump’s kit is separate from the pumping mechanism and protected from overflow by a specially designed membrane.
- Whisper quiet operation.
- Easy to clean.
Requesting a pump is simple! Just give us a call to check availability.
