Breastfeeding Basics
What is the first milk produced after birth called?
Colostrum
Smell
Name one breastfeeding position
cradle, cross cradle, side lying, football, laid back
True or false - it is normal for your baby to lose 7 to 10 % of their birth weight in the first few days.
False - it is normal for your baby to lose 5 to 7 % of their birth weight.
Approximately how many hours does a parent spend breastfeeding in the first year?
A: 500 hours
B: 2,000 hours
C: 800 hours
C: 800 hours! Remember, this actively breastfeeding and this time does not account for the extra labour of pumping, washing/sterilizing, preparing feeds, etc.
What hormone is primarily responsible for milk production?
Prolactin
How can you tell if a baby is hungry and wants to eat?
Licking lips, opening mouth, rooting, mouthing hands
Name two signs that baby is getting enough milk.
Cracked or bleeding nipples can be a sign of what?
An incorrect latch.
True or false: Human milk can change in composition to meet needs as required.
True! Breast milk is constantly changing to meet baby's needs.
What does colostrum provide that is especially important for newborns?
Antibodies/Immune protection, calories
A newborn's stomach is roughly the size of what in the first few days?
Prolactin, a milk-making hormone peaks at what time of day?
Prolactin peaks at night time and early morning (between 2 and 6 am)
What is the best way to prevent engorgement, blocked ducts, and mastitis?
Frequently emptying the breasts - ie. feeding, pumping, hand expressing.
How many extra calories per day does breastfeeding require?
About 300 to 500 extra kcal per day.
True or false: Larger breasts produce more milk than smaller breasts
False. Breast size has nothing to do with milk production
True or false: every baby should feed for 10 minutes on each side
False - there is no universal timer for breastfeeding. Every baby is different!
If consuming alcohol, is it necessary to "pump and dump"?
No - pumping and dumping does not clear the alcohol from your bloodstream.
What should you do if you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms, along with a hard, sore lump in the breast?
Contact your healthcare provider or Public Health Nurse as this could be a sign of an infection called Mastitis.
True. This is due to oxytocin being released during breastfeeding, and helps the uterus return to pre-pregnancy size.
How often might a newborn breastfeed over a 24 hour period?
8-12 feedings. Or maybe more!
Does cluster feeding mean that a supplement is needed?
No! Cluster feeding is a cue to your body to produce more milk when a growth spurt is coming.
True or false: Breastfeeding always feels completely comfortable from the very first feed.
False - initial discomfort is normal but should improve with practice.
Who can help answer feeding questions and provide support and education?
Sam at the Infant Feeding Clinic (CRHCC), Public Health Nurses, Maggie's Place!
Is breast really best?
No! Not for everyone. Fed is best, and supported is even better.