9.1a Breastfeeding Decisions

Question 1

Cluster Feeding

Answer 1

• The more you feed baby the more milk your body will produce
• A lot of quick frequent feeds

Question 2

Night Feedings

Answer 2

• It is normal for a baby to wake up at night
• Do not wake up baby to feed unless your breasts are full and uncomfortable, or the baby fed infrequently during the day

Question 3

Breast Feeding Basics

Answer 3

• Feed 8-12 times a day (minimum of 8 for healthy living) for the first few weeks
• After the first 3 weeks babies may need to feed more due to growth spurts (10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months)
• Milk supply increases with more feedings
• Avoid long intervals over 3 hours between feedings to reduce breast fullness. If uncomfortable you can use warm compress and breast massage. Gel packs can be used but not directly over nipple.
• Use cool compress to reduce swelling after feedings for 20 minutes
• Improper position can cause nipple soreness

Question 4

Breastfeeding Cues

Answer 4

• At least 6 wet diapers a day

- Minimum of 3 bowel movements every 24 hours

Question 5

What if Baby Falls Asleep While Breastfeeding

Answer 5

• Normally not a problem but if baby does it often and it is affecting their nutrition, try massaging or rubbing the baby, burping the baby, or changing position. Skin to skin contact or blowing on the babies face will help.

Question 6

Infant Nutrition

Answer 6

• Exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months and continued as complementary foods are introduced
• Breastfeeding should continue until 2 years of age or beyond
• Adequate complimentary food should be introduced at 6 months

Question 7

Breast Feeding Reduced Risk

Answer 7

• Mortality
• Nonspecific GI Infections
• Celiac Disease (Digestive/Immune disorder)
• IBD
• Necrotizing Enterocolitis
• Asthma
• Atopic Dermatitis
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
• Otitis Media
• Obesity
• Type 2 DM
• Acute Lymphocytic and myeloid leukemia
• Dental malocclusions
• Enhanced Neurodevelopmental Outcomes including higher intelligence

Question 8

Mother Benefits of Breastfeeding

Answer 8

Reduced risk of

• Ovarian cancer
• Type 2 DM
• Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, CVD
• RA

Benefits

• Rapid postpartum weight loss
• Delayed return of menses
• Unique bonding experience
• Increased maternal role attainment
• Reduced postpartum bleeding and slow uterine involution

Question 9

Infant Feeding Decision

Answer 9

• Usually decided before or during pregnancy
• Most choose to do it for the benefits to their baby
• Overweight/Obesity women are less likely to breastfeed than underweight and average weight
• Widespread formula marketing sways women into formula feeding
• Breast pumps can help mothers continue to breast feed while returning to work

Question 10

Strategies to promote Breast Feeding

Answer 10

• Breastfeeding friendly offices
• Intentional promotion and education
• Support for breastfeeding throughout prenatal care
• Discussion of breastfeeding at every visit

Question 11

Breastfeeding Contraindications

Answer 11

• Newborns with galactosemia (inability to convert galactose to glucose)
• Mothers with T-cell lymphotropic virus
• Untreated brucellosis
• Active TB
• Active herpes lesions on breasts
• HIV