As a breastfeeding counselor this is one of the issues encountered by several mothers who are new to breastfeeding. They ask me this same question “Why is my breast not producing enough milk and how will I know that my baby is getting enough to eat?”

Why is my breast not producing enough milk?

• This may be due to baby not latching well.
• Not placing the baby on the breast to feed and feeding from the bottle which causes nipple confusion.
• Medications, supplements or herbs may reduce milk supply.
• Not feeding baby frequently on the breast. The more the baby sucks on the breast the more the breast makes more milk.
• No frequent Hand expression or wrong expression technique.
• Contact queen’s concierge care lactation consultants/counselors for help.
• Contact your health care provider if condition persist. Health conditions such as history of breast surgery and retained placenta tissues may prohibit adequate production of milk.

How will I know that my baby is getting enough to eat?

You know they are getting enough to eat:

• When they have 4 bowel movement on the 4th day of delivery.
• 6 or more wet diapers per day.
• The color of the stool is yellow by the 5th day.
• Urine may be clear or pale yellow.
• Sucking and swallowing during breastfeeding.
• Able to feed at least 8 times within 24hrs.
• Baby is active, happy and satisfied after feeding.
• Gaining about 5 ounces or more weekly after the 5th day of delivery. New born babies tend to lose weight in the first five days of delivery. They start to gain from then on. During this time some babies can lose up to 7% or less of their birth weight.

According to CDC before milk expression it is important to perform a good hand hygiene by washing with soap and water or a hand sanitizer with about 60% alcohol in the absence of soap and water. Pumps and pump kits should also be kept clean and the counter wiped with disinfectant wipes. Most insurance carriers cover the cost of breastfeeding pump and accessories under the Obama Care Act (ACA).

Start by labeling the container with baby’s name and date of expression to know how long to store the milk.

It is recommended that hand expressed, or pumped breast milk be stored;

• At room temperature for 4 hours at 77° F (25° C).
• In the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer at 0° (-18°) or colder for up to 6 months. Storage up to 1 year is also acceptable.
• Breastmilk should be frozen in small amount between 2 to 4 ounces.
• Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator or in a lukewarm water.
• Do not heat on the stove or thaw breast milk in a microwave. It could damage the nutrients and also burn the baby’s mouth from the hot spots created by not warming the milk evenly.
• Thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours.
• Left over milk should be used within 2 hours.
• Do not refreeze thawed milk. Discard leftover after 2 hours.

For help call Queen’s Concierge Care lactation consultants/counselors at 817-676-2100

Sources
” Proper storage and preparation of breastmilk” CDC
“Pumping and storing breast milk” OWH

While they recognized the benefits of breastfeeding, they also understand the struggles and setbacks encountered by women during breastfeeding. They are of the opinion that mothers need the support of skilled breastfeeding counselors to initiate breastfeeding and to continue breastfeeding successfully.

Breastfeeding counselors are able to support, educate, reassure and provide mothers with the information and confidence required for adequate nourishment of their baby.

Breastfeeding counselors help to boost women’s confidence and empowers them to face the challenges that may arise during breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding counselors help to promote exclusive breastfeeding and to increase the duration of breastfeeding.

In line with the theme of this year’s world breastfeeding week which is “Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet” UNICEF and WHO recommends that Governments should invest, train, partner, and protect health care worker.

Invest
Governments are called to invest in providing Skilled breastfeeding counseling to all families by increasing funding for breastfeeding programs and monitoring of breastfeeding policies and services.

Train
Provide training for “health care workers, including nurses and midwives” so that they are able to deliver skilled counseling to families.

Ensure the Availability and Accessibility of Counseling as part of routine health and nutrition services.

Partner
Partnerships with civil society and health care associations to ensure a reliable system for providing adequate breastfeeding counselling.

Protect
Health care workers should be protected from the power of baby food companies.

In accordance with the UNICEF and WHO recommendations, Queen’s concierge care is committed and dedicated to providing every woman and family a skilled breastfeeding counselor/consultant.

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