Lola&Lykke Experts Answer: 5 most asked questions about breastfeeding

How often should I feed my baby? Should I put my baby on a feeding schedule? Should I wake my baby up to feed?

Following your baby’s cues is often the best approach. Babies let us know they are hungry when they:

• Turn their head and open their mouth
• Put hands, fists, or fingers in their mouth
• Lip-smacking or opening and closing their mouth
• Crying is a “late-stage” cue. Try to feed before this stage.

Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to eat frequently—usually every two to three hours or about 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. Breastfed babies may feed a bit more often since breast milk is easily digestible.

Breastfeeding time is also a chance for you to recharge and bond with your baby. It releases oxytocin and prolactin, the “feel-good” hormones, providing a sense of well-being. Remember, regardless if you choose to breastfeed or formula feed, feeding time is a special moment for close contact and connection.

Tip: Most health care providers recommend introducing solid foods around six months old.

Answered by Ann Bacon, Registered Nurse, Chair of WGH Advisory Board

Learn more: Best Tips and Advice for Nursing Your Baby

Breastfeeding hurts! Am I doing this wrong?

You may have heard that breastfeeding is “easy” and “your baby will know just what to do,” but sometimes that is not the case. It can take time to get used to breastfeeding. During the first two weeks, nipples can become raw and very tender. Ensuring your baby has a proper latch can alleviate some discomfort.

A proper latch involves positioning your baby close to your breast, in a cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying position, and coordinating that with having your baby’s mouth wide open before latching them onto the breast. Once latched, make sure the baby’s tongue is down, lips are flanged like a fish, and the nipple and a portion of your areola are deep in the baby’s mouth.

Try letting your breast get some air—go topless for periods each day. Express some drops of breast milk and gently rub them on your nipples and let them air dry. Lanolin cream is another soothing option.

Tip: Pack some lanolin ointment in your hospital bag.

Answered by Ann Bacon, Registered Nurse, Chair of WGH Advisory Board

Learn more: When Does Breastfeeding Get Easier: Tips to Alleviate the Early Struggles

What if I can’t or choose not to breastfeed?

Breastfeeding seems to get all the gold stars when it comes to feeding your little one, right? But let's be real, it's not always smooth sailing for every new mum. Maybe you're not producing enough milk, your baby's having a tough time latching, or you've decided that breastfeeding isn't the right choice. And you know what? That's perfectly okay. Your baby will still get all the nutrients they need with plenty of other options out there.

Choosing whether or not to breastfeed is a personal decision. Fortunately, if you decide to opt for formula feeding, there are many high-quality infant formulas available. These formulas are designed to provide your baby with all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. You can always chat with your midwife, health care provider, or your baby's doctor about which one to choose.

Regardless if you breastfeed or not, about 2-3 days after having your baby, your milk will 'come in', and your breasts will become full and hard. If you don't plan to breastfeed, you can alleviate this discomfort by wearing a tight-fitting bra, placing ice packs on your breasts (15 min/hour), and taking ibuprofen as needed. It may take a few days for this period of engorgement to subside, but eventually, your body will recognize that 'the factory is closed', and your breasts will stop producing milk.

Formula feeding allows others, like dad or grandma, to share those special bonding moments with the baby, giving you a much-deserved breather.

Answered by Ann Bacon, Registered Nurse, Chair of WGH Advisory Board

Do you need to eat more while breastfeeding?

Your body uses up to 500 calories per day to produce breast milk. Naturally, this will make you feel hungrier more often, so it is encouraged to add snacks in between meals to compensate. Producing breast milk requires a lot of energy and nutrient-dense food to sustain your energy levels. Snacks should be in addition to three main meals throughout the day (or 5 smaller meals spread out during the day). By eating regular meals, you will reduce the need to eat random snacks.

Easy snack ideas you can try are:

• Toast topped with nut butter or cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Sliced vegetables with hummus
• Dried fruit with nuts

As the weeks go by and your baby grows, the amount of breast milk they need will change, so you can adapt your calorie intake accordingly.

Answered by Marika Luukkonen, Registered Dietitian

Learn more: What to Eat While Breastfeeding

Can I breastfeed right after a C-section?

We often hear false rumors that mums can’t breastfeed after a Caesarean, but this is absolutely untrue. It is perfectly safe for mums to breastfeed after a C-section.

In most cases, you’ll be able to breastfeed almost immediately. The only scenarios where you may have to delay breastfeeding for an hour or so is if you have to be put under general anesthetic, or if your baby is placed in a humidicrib after the birth. But don’t worry, an hour’s delay shouldn’t affect your milk supply or ability to breastfeed.

One thing that may help is pumping or manually expressing your colostrum, or your thick, nutrient-rich early breast milk which is full of concentrated protein and immunity factors. This can help your baby have their first bowel movement, prevent engorgement, and get your milk supply started until you and your baby can be reunited. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to pump soon after birth and every couple of hours thereafter.

Answered by Marika Luukkonen, Registered Dietitian

Learn more:  Breastfeeding After a C-Section

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a journey filled with questions and learning curves, but remember, you’re not alone. Many mums have walked this path and faced similar challenges. By leaning on expert advice and understanding that it’s okay to seek help, you can make informed decisions that best suit you and your baby. Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula feed, or a combination of both, the most important thing is your baby’s health and your comfort. You've got this, and there’s a whole community here to support you every step of the way.

Read our complete breastfeeding guide: Breastfeeding 101: A Guide for the New mothers