Breast Feeding Support

Breastfeeding

Choosing how to feed your baby can feel like a daunting decision. We want you to know that we are here for you and can guide you through the process. If you choose to breastfeed, we will assist with ordering a breast pump/supplies and offer a breastfeeding education class taught by our Nurse Practitioner and Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Garland Andres. 

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful opportunity for bonding between mother and child and also confers many benefits for the health of both. Children who were breastfed tend to have fewer illnesses in general, including lower rates of ear infections, severe diarrhea, lower respiratory illnesses, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), childhood leukemia, diabetes, obesity, asthma and atopic dermatitis. Breastfeeding can have a positive impact on a mother’s health as well; women who breastfed had decreased incidence of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. 

Breastfeeding Education Class for pregnant mothers: All classes are on Saturdays 10 am – 1 pm.

Dates below are for 2024

Jan.Feb.Mar.Apr.May.Jun.
 13
Sat.
 24
Sat.
 23
Sat.
27
Sat.
 11
Sat.
29
Sat.
Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
 20
Sat.
 03
Sat.
 
     

During pregnancy your breasts will change

  • Your breasts may seem heavier and larger
  • Your breasts may be more tender or sensitive to touch
  • The dark area around the nipple, the areola, may become darker and may have small pimple-like bumps
  • Your breasts may leak early milk (colostrum) during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters
You do not have to prepare your breasts during pregnancy. Your body does that for you. Your breasts are planning on you breastfeeding your baby. You will have milk. Take a breastfeeding class to learn more about breastfeeding. Join a support group so you can talk to other mothers and help each other out.

In the hospital:

  • Let everyone know that you are a breastfeeding mother.
  • Begin breastfeeding after the delivery, when the baby is awake and alert.
  • Always ask for help if you are having problems or experiencing pain.
  • Avoid the use of bottles or pacifiers, if possible.
  • Feed your baby often.
  • Watch for hunger signs: sucking on fingers, turning his/her head toward you when holding, opening the mouth and rooting, hiccupping
  Keep your baby with you as much as possible. You should sleep when the baby sleeps, in order to get your rest. If your baby sleeps more than 3 hours since the last feed, wake him/her.

At home your baby should:

  • Suckle and swallow during the feeding.
  • Breastfeed 8-12 times in 24 hours.
  • Have 6-8 soaking wet diapers and 3 or more stools a day after the 6th day.
  • Appear content after feedings.
At home, your breasts will seem very full, usually by the 4th or 5th day. Feed your baby frequently, this will cause your breasts to soften. If the baby has difficulty latching on because of the fullness, try hand expression or using a breast pump for a few minutes to soften the breast. You can also apply warm towels to your breasts between feeds for comfort.  Remember: The more your baby breastfeeds the more milk you produce. Two good resources for breastfeeding are medications safe in breastfeeding and Kelly Mom

For any problems:

For any problems, you may call our office to schedule an appointment with or speak to our lactation consultant, Garland Andres. Northside/Northpoint OB-GYN at 404-255-3633 To learn more about our breastfeeding support or to schedule an appointment, please call our main office at (404) 255-3633.
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