Breast Pumps

Increasing and Maintaining Breastmilk

Most families give up on breastfeeding before three weeks postpartum. For success, it is crucial that breastfeeding be established early.

Pumping can be an effective method for increasing milk supply. A strategy is to pump both breasts at the same time with a double pump. Breast pumps also are useful for working mothers whom want to maintain their milk supply and leave a supply of human milk for their babies while they are away.

See the References list below for a list of best electric breast pumps from BabyCenter.

All health insurance plans started after 2010 must cover breast pumps. If your health insurance has denied you a breast pump, even after an appeal, contact your state department of insurance. In New York, health insurance companies are regulated by the Department of Financial Services: File a Complaint | Department of Financial Services (ny.gov)

Tips for Exclusively Breastfeeding

Aim to achieve the first latch within two hours of giving birth.
Express every two hours, even if your baby isn’t feeding yet.
Ask to see a lactation consultant before leaving the hospital.
Join a La Leche League.
Have the contacts of community lactation consultants and counselors.
Consult your health care provider for any breast anomalies.
Keep up with your infant’s pediatric appointments.

Some newborns aren’t strong enough to breastfeed at birth. Spoon and cup feeding are viable options for these infants. See my Fourth Trimester Post for information on Spoon feeding and Hand Expression.

The Fourth Trimester – Wisdom The Sweetness

Breastfeeding and Jaundice

Breastfeeding can be the cure or cause of jaundice in your infant. Jaundice is a serious but common condition in infants. It is identified by the yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bilirubin. Bilirubin is a natural byproduct of the breakdown of our red blood cells. Jaundice is serious because bilirubin can build up in the brain and cause brain damage. Luckily, it can be identified and treated well before damage is done.

The Three Types of Infant Jaundice

Neonatal ‘Physiologic’ Jaundice – caused by a not yet fully developed liver. The hospital will administer phototherapy. The condition should clear prior to hospital discharge.
Non-Breastfeeding ‘Starvation’ Jaundice – caused by insufficient breastfeeding leading to slowed bowel movements and reabsorption of bilirubin. Breastfeeding should be increased. This condition must be evaluated by a pediatrician. It begins at five days old and should clear by three weeks old.
Breastfeeding Jaundice – uncertain cause, may be reabsorption or inhibited liver functioning. This condition starts at two weeks old and must be evaluated by a pediatrician.

Because breastfeeding provides innumerable benefits to both baby and mother, stopping is rarely the answer. Always seek advice from your infant’s pediatrician, and ask for breastfeeding support referrals.

Also, enhance your baby’s gut health with Evivo – the infant probiotic. Coupon Code: EVIVO-WTS *

References

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