Breastfeeding FAQs

 Breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby.Breast milk is a whole food created by the human body to sustain life.

Many women swear they will use only breast milk with their newborns only to revert to formula soon after birth because they simply did not know enough about breast milk feeding to stick with it longer.

Breast milk comes from mom ready to eat and warmed to perfection, but that does not mean there will be no questions along the way. Here are answers to 10 important questions about baby breast feeding with breast milk.

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Do I have enough breast milk for baby breast feeding?Most moms have no trouble producing breast milk with many producing too much in the first few weeks of baby breast feeding. As the body gets used to baby’s demands, the breast milk supply will even out and your body will product just enough. Dehydration and trying to lose weight will affect breast milk supplies. Baby breast feeding is not the time for a strict diet.

How can I increase my supply of breast milk for baby breast feeding?Increasing breast milk supply is simple. If baby is feeding every four hours, pump breast milk at two hours. The body will think baby is feeding more often and produce more milk. This can be a helpful trick for women having trouble producing enough breast milk for baby.

I am having trouble baby breast feeding, where can I find help?There are online and offline resources for women with detailed questions about breast milk and baby breast feeding. La Leche League offers information,counceling and classes on baby breast feeding. The local hospital nursery will also have information for women who need baby breast feeding support.

How is breast milk stored for baby breast feeding?Breast milk can be stored at room temperature, under refrigeration or in a freezer. New moms simply need to remember the number six. Breast milk will stay safe for six hours at room temperature, six days in the refrigerator and six months in a typical home freezer. Turn the freezer to the lowest setting.

Breast milk can be stored and frozen in disposable bottle liners. After filling each liner, secure the top shut and place in a small freezer safe zipper bag.

Can I reheat breast milk?Breast milk can be reheated with warm water. Pull the milk from the refrigerator or freezer and immerse in warm water. Do not allow the top of the container to go under the water line as this could taint the breast milk. Never heat breast milk on the stove or in the microwave.

I am having trouble with baby latching on during baby breast feeding, are there different positions for baby breast feeding?Yes, there is the cradle hold, football hold and the side lying hold. There are pictures and slideshows available online with details about how to use these holds.

Can baby consume too much breast milk?Babies are born with a natural ability to stop eating when they are full. Babies, therefore, will not overeat or drink too much breast milk.

Can baby consume too little breast milk?Some babies are born with failure to thrive syndrome making it difficult to consume enough breast milk. Typically, babies will gradually increase how much breast milk they are consuming with age. The pediatrician can offer guidelines for how many wet diapers a baby should have each day to ensure proper feeding is happening.

When should I stop baby breast feeding?In some cultures baby breast feeding goes on for five years or more. Western cultures tend to brestfeed for the first 12 to 24 months. There are no set guidelines for the best time to stop baby breast feeding

Can breast milk be served cold to older babies?There is no reason why breast milk cannot be served cold as long as it is stored at a safe temperature from the time breast milk is pumped until it is served. Refrigerated breast milk should be used within seven days of pumping.

The only way a new mother will learn about breast milk and baby breast feeding is to ask questions. Women who get answers to common baby breast feeding questions are more likely to stick with baby breast feeding and offer breast milk longer – perfect for baby.