Breastfeeding Class

I wanted to make this post it's own thing, mainly for my own reference and to look back on all the things we learned during this class.

I have to mention the little "incident" that happened on the way to the class though.... Chris and I arrived early and had the instructions to park in lot C or B (something like that anyways) and then we entered through the first entrance we saw connected to the parking lot. We asked the information desk where the class would be held and he navigated us to the "maternity ward". Without thinking twice, we went down the hall and buzzed to be let in. Obviously, if we had thought about it... they probably wouldn't be holding classes in the area of the hospital people were having babies and recovering in. The nurses at the desk told us we'd have to go across the parking lot to the other building (i guess next to the parking lot we were in). On the way out, I got slightly confused as we were "locked in" and went to go push on the exit bar... it set off the alarms and was SO embarrassing... not to mention I felt awful for all the sleeping moms and babies. What a mess. Needless to say, we ended up in the right place... and learned QUITE a bit to prepare myself for the constant feedings in my future.

First off, what I already knew... breastfeeding is the healthiest thing you can do for your baby and yourself (if it works out). I am 100% dedicated to trying to make it work for Zoey and myself. Another thing is being diligent about the latch. If she doesn't get a "deep" latch, to remove her and try again. If you don't get a correct latch, the baby will be hurting your nipple and won't be getting the best supply of milk... more like dribbles.

Different types of Milk:

• Colostrum (first milk) - birth to day 2-3 (thick and golden in color, small amount is perfect for newborn stomach
• Transitional Milk - days 3-5 (Mixture of colostrum and mature milk, more plentiful)
• Mature Milk - days 5-7 (Thinner, whitish, plentiful)

Tips for a good latch:

• Wait for the gape reflex - baby will open mouth wide and this is when you gently guide them in.
• You should always point the nipple to the roof of the baby's mouth when latching to make sure they get a deep latch. 
• To release a bad latch or switch sides, gently push on the baby's cheek or just inside the mouth to release the suction. 
• Don't put fingers on back of the baby's head towards your nipple, this will point them down and cause them to slip or a shallow latch. 
• Make sure the baby is straight across which gives better support. The ear, shoulder and hip should all align straight across the breasts. 
• Hand express if breast is not soft enough, baby can latch easier when breast is softened. 

We also learned that the more you feed, the more you produce. When your baby feeds, the sucking sends a message to your brain, then your brain releases oxytocin and prolactin hormones which tell your breasts to make and release milk for the baby. When your baby removes the milk from the breast, this triggers the alveoli to make more. The more your baby takes, the more you make.


Production tips:

• Feed baby for as long as they are actively sucking. You can burp then switch sides to offer the other breast. This should take 30-45 minutes. 
• Practice cluster feeding to increase milk supply. 
• Insurance will usually cover 6 appointments to help you breastfeed and for reassurance to weigh how much you are producing and giving baby. 
• Hand express after every feeding will also increase milk supply, this can also help to soften the breast so baby can latch easier. 

Milk storage and pumping tips:

• 5/5/5 rule - 5 hours on counter, 5 days in fridge and 5 months in freezer. 
• Label with date you pumped
• Store in the back of the fridge/freezer where the air is more consistent. 
• Breastfeed ONLY for the 1st month (if you can - supply, latch etc)
• When baby turns 1 month - pump 1 session per day - better to do it after first breastfeeding in the morning when your supply is more plentiful. 
• Try and use only level 1 nipples - level 2 and 3 have more milk flow and baby will become used to milk coming to them easier and it will be more difficult to get them to work at it when breastfeeding. 
• Mimic how a baby feeds while pumping to help milk supply - pump high speed 2 mins then adjust to lower speed with higher suction.

Additional information gathered:

• Find a pediatrician that has a lactation consultant in house
• You'll know if your baby has a dairy allergy if you are drinking cows milk and then baby's stool is green and "hulk" like. 
• If your baby's poop shows Urate Crystals (these look like brick dust) call your provider ASAP
• Dab breast milk on nipples or even when your baby may scratch their face for fast healing. 
• Change breast pads frequently
• Can use coconut oil - unscented also for healing
• Wonderful website and credible information: www.kellymom.com
• To freshen up on "hand expression" - search for the Stanford University video
• Charlotte also has a Le Leche group that meets up - could be helpful in the future. http://www.lllofnc.org/groups/charlotte/
• Any foods that make you gassy, will also make your baby gassy. 
• Put olive oil on "flange" of breast pump to protect skin. 

Whew, that's A LOT of information. I hope this gives me the knowledge and strength I need to go at this the right way. I do know that FED is always best... so no matter what, making sure baby is fed enough... any way it's done... that's the best way possible.

Are you ready for this Zoey? I hope so! Your Mom is prepared for whatever you decide. :)