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The Care Connection

716.725.6370

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When Your Baby Bites While Breastfeeding

What to do if your Baby Bites While Nursing

It is not uncommon as a breastfeeding mom to worry about your nursling biting even before they develop any teeth. Be reassured you can continue to breastfeed throughout teething and beyond. A baby may bite during feeds for various reasons. These can include teething, discomfort, distraction or fast milk flow. Read on for some helpful tips regarding what to do if your baby bites while nursing.

If your baby bites you at the start of a nursing session, they may have discomfort from erupting teeth. Offer your baby a cold teether prior to nursing to help numb their gums. A frozen washcloth can also be used. A baby may also bite at the start of a feeding session if mom has a fast or forceful let down of milk. To help remedy this feed your baby in a more upright position such as koala hold or football hold. You can also apply gentle compression with your hand above your areola to slow milk flow.

If the biting occurs at the end of a nursing session, your baby may be distracted or simply done feeding. To help with distraction try nursing in a dark, quiet room or while the baby is drowsy. Avoid having the tv on or looking at something else besides your baby. You can also wear a baby safe teething necklace during feeds to help keep your baby’s focus on the breast.

If you sense that your infant is about to finish the nursing session, take them off the breast before biting occurs. A baby that has an effective latch and is actively feeding will not be able to bite. The best way to prevent your baby from biting is by watching intently during the nursing session. If your baby appears disinterested or his sucking and swallowing slows, this may be a sign that your baby is done. Unlatch your baby at this point. Be sure to use your finger inside of your baby’s cheek to break the latch. Avoid pulling your baby off the breast.

If your baby does bite, there are a couple of things to do to discourage it from happening again. First, calmly remove your baby from your breast and say nothing. This should send the message that biting leads to ending the nursing session. Offer your baby a teething toy to bite on when you remove her from the breast. You can also calmly say something like “Okay. All done nursing.” Try to avoid yelling or wincing out loud. Depending on your child’s age this may either scare them into a nursing strike or if they are older, they may think this is funny and turn it into a game. Give your baby a few minutes to rest and try to offer the breast again.

If your child bites you and will not let go you can try to sneak your finger into their mouth and unlatch them by putting pressure on their gums with your finger. You can also try to pull your baby in close which makes it slightly more difficult to breathe which will in turn have them open their mouth and pull off the breast. Watch for any signs of nipple damage and treat your nipples as needed to avoid infection.

If you are having issues with biting during feeding sessions contact The Care Connection either by phone 716-725-6370 or by email at careconnection@hotmail.com to speak with one of our IBCLCs.

Baby in the NICU

There are many reasons as to why or how long a baby needs to be in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or “NICU”. Some babies only need to be monitored for a short period whereas other babies need extended stays. Either way, you can still provide your baby with the best nourishment possible, breastmilk. This is a contribution to the infant that only the mother can provide. If mom’s own milk isn’t available, donor milk is the next best option. There are many resources available to obtain donor breast milk. Ask your NICU staff or call The Care Connection so we may better direct you.

Each baby’s scenario is unique to them but if your baby was born preterm, or before 37 weeks gestation, they may have additional obstacles related to breastfeeding. Babies need to be able to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing to breastfeed. This typically happens around 32 to 35 weeks gestation. A preterm infant will not have as forceful of a suck. Therefore, mom may need additional stimulation to help increase milk volume. Frequent skin to skin care as permitted by the neonatologist is very important. Some infants as early as 28 weeks gestation may be able to lick expressed milk from mom’s nipple. Be sure to discuss when your baby can have oral feeds with your neonatologist.

Preterm breast milk is designed specifically to protect your premature infant for life outside of your womb. It has a higher concentration of calories, lipids, high nitrogen protein, sodium, chloride, potassium, iron, and magnesium compared to full-term breastmilk.

So, what can you do to encourage a full milk supply? Depending on your own health, it is ideal to start stimulating the breasts as frequently as your infant would, which is about 8-12 times every 24 hours. Using a hospital grade pump is highly recommended as this is one of the best ways to insure adequate stimulation in the early stages. Your NICU should be able to provide this pump for you but you may need to bring your own tubing/plastics with you at each visit. You will want to pump both breasts simultaneously for 15 minutes. Once milk has stopped flowing, try hand expressing to further empty the breast. This technique is very effective in helping to increase milk production. Warm, moist heat or a warm rice sock applied to the breasts prior to pumping can also help increase output.

Another key factor is to make sure your flanges fit well. An improper fit can negatively affect your milk supply and cause nipple trauma. Request to have your flange fit checked by a lactation consultant. Pain, pinching, or discomfort while pumping is not normal. Your nipple should move freely within the tunnel of the flange. If you have questions you can also get measured for the proper flange fit at The Care Connection.

Along with any other breastfeeding mother it is important to avoid things that are known to decrease your milk production. These things can include smoking, caffeine, birth control pills and injections, decongestants or antihistamines, and extreme weight loss diets. Excessive amounts of oregano, parsley, peppermint, and sage can also impact supply. Discuss any supplements or medications with your neonatologist prior to taking.

It is important for any infant, especially an infant in the NICU to avoid any possible bacterial contamination to breastmilk. This can happen with collection and storage. Prior to pumping wash your hands thoroughly including under your fingernails. Wipe your nipple area with water only (no soap). Plastic bags are not recommended for milk storage for preterm infants. Ask your NICU staff about the use of Snappies for milk storage. These are hard, plastic, leak proof storage bottles that are free of BPA. When milk collection is finished, wash all pump parts thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinse. Sterilize pump parts/collection bottles at least once a day. Be sure to label all expressed milk with labels printed from your NICU. If they do not provide you with labels make your own that includes your child’s name, date of birth, medical record number, and date and time of pumping. Check with your NICU staff about their current recommended storage guidelines.

Once your baby can start feeds at the breast, ask for a lactation consultant in the NICU to assist you in latching your baby to your breast.

Finally, having a baby in the NICU can be a challenging time for anyone involved so make sure to take care of yourself. Join support groups or speak to other NICU families. A follow up appointment with a lactation consultant after hospital discharge can also be very beneficial. If you have any questions or concerns or would like to speak to a lactation consultant contact The Care Connection by phone 716-725-6370 or by email at thecareconnectionlw@gmail.com.

Pacifier Use

Many mothers have questions or concerns regarding the use of a pacifier while breastfeeding. Pacifiers have long been used as a soothing technique for a crying baby. So why does this work so well and what complications can using a pacifier cause to breastfeeding? Let’s look at these issues below.

When a baby suckles, the hormone cholecystokinin is released into the intestine. Cholecystokinin is responsible for satiety and sleepiness, helping to soothe the infant. This hormone is released when a baby suckles on a pacifier or the breast. The first release occurs about 10 minutes after suckling and the second about 30 minutes after. Over use of pacifiers can result in missed hunger cues, missed feedings and inadequate weight gain.

Pacifier use can affect the initiation of breastfeeding. Many infants when placed skin to skin with mom, uninterrupted after birth will find the way to the breast on their own and begin to suck. Studies have also shown that the early use of a pacifier can reduce the frequency and duration of breastfeeding. Using a pacifier before 2 weeks of age and before breastfeeding is well established can result in ineffective suckling by the baby. Decreased stimulation to the breast results in decreased milk production. Early weaning or supplementation often occurs when a mom feels she has low milk supply.

If a pacifier is used, it should only be offered after about 3-4 weeks or until breastfeeding is well established. Some hospitals use pacifiers as a soothing technique for infants during painful procedures such as a circumcision.

The statement below is found in the Breastfeeding Policy by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“Given the documentation that early use of pacifiers may be associated with less successful breastfeeding, pacifier use in the neonatal period should be limited to specific medical situations. These include uses for pain relief, as a calming agent, or as part of structured program for enhancing oral motor function. Because pacifier use has been associated with a reduction in SIDS incidence, mothers of healthy term infants should be instructed to use pacifiers at infant nap or sleep time after breastfeeding is well established, at approximately 3 to 4 weeks of age”. If the pacifier falls from the infant’s mouth during sleep it does not need to be replaced.

Seek the assistance of a lactation consultant if you are having problems with your baby latching and sucking at the breast prior to introducing any artificial nipples or pacifiers. Often times a lactation consultant will recommend offering the infant a clean finger to suck on instead of using a pacifier. They can also counsel you on other soothing techniques that may work for you and your baby. Should you have any questions regarding the use of pacifiers and breastfeeding call The Care Connection at 716-725-6370 to speak with a lactation consultant.

I Wish I Knew: Common Tips from Breastfeeding Moms and Lactation Consultants

1. Take a breastfeeding class before delivery: Breastfeeding is a natural, healthy choice for mom and baby. Learning how to breastfeed can help you in your journey. Regardless if you’re a first-time mom, have had a negative experience, or you’ve never nursed before, a prenatal breastfeeding class will prepare you.

2. Breastfeed in the delivery room: Place your baby skin to skin after delivery. This will help regulate his body temperature, respirations, and glucose levels. Many babies will be interested in feeding shortly after birth and often find their way to the breast and latch! Early breast stimulation and skin to skin with your baby has a positive impact on your milk production. Remember your baby has a very small stomach capacity (about 1 teaspoon) so he does not require a large feeding. Your colostrum is all he needs at this point.

3. Learn to hand express: Learning this useful skill can help benefit both mom and baby. Studies have shown that early hand expression can also have a positive impact on milk production. See one of our previous blogs for details on this.

4. Latch is key: The position of your nipple and areola in baby’s mouth is very important for comfortable breastfeeding and removal of milk from the breast. If you are in pain get help asap!

5. Watch for hunger cues: rooting, hands to the mouth, tongue thrusting to name a few. Crying is a late sign of hunger. Offer the breast early and often. It is important to offer both breasts in the early weeks.

6. Feed your baby throughout the night at first: This helps bring about a good milk supply and assures that your baby gains weight appropriately.

7. Avoid skipping feedings especially in the early weeks: Frequent breast stimulation and removal of milk is key to establishing your milk supply. If milk is not removed this will signal your body to decrease production.

8. You don’t need a breast pump right away: Your baby is most efficient at emptying the breast. It is recommended your baby exclusively be at the breast for the first 3-4 weeks. As mentioned above frequent feedings help get breastfeeding off to a good start. You can focus on establishing a freezer stash of milk later. If you do require the use of a breast pump for a medical reason it is important to seek assistance of a lactation consultant to get you off to a good start.

9. Practice several nursing positions: these can include football, cross cradle, cradle, and side lying. Side lying can be a great position for mom to get a little rest while feeding baby. You will find what works best for you and adapt as baby becomes older.

10. Nutrition: Moms can often forget to care for themselves as they are busy caring for their baby. Try to keep a few snacks and bottle of water handy in areas where you nurse your baby or in a diaper bag.

11. Know your resources and have a support system: It is important to choose a pediatric provider for your baby that is supportive of breastfeeding. When choosing a provider for your baby research if they have a lactation consultant on staff. There are many support groups geared toward breastfeeding mothers including La Leche League, WIC, Baby Cafes, and Moms Morning Out at The Care Connection. Know who to direct your questions to before you have them. This can include a hospital lactation consultant, a pediatrician, or an outpatient lactation consultant. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Most of these professionals chose their careers to help moms just like you!

12. Don’t wait too long to offer a bottle: As mentioned above it is recommended to exclusively have your baby at the breast for at least the first 3-4 weeks. If you will be going back to work or will need to be away from home from time to time start offering a bottle weekly around 3-4 weeks. If you have questions and concerns about returning to work, offering a bottle, or pumping consider taking our Return to Work Pump for Success class here at The Care Connection.

13. Each mom is unique, and each mom has a different experience with breastfeeding: Do not get discouraged if your breastfeeding journey does not look like another mom’s. If you have questions or concerns reach out and speak with a board-certified lactation consultant.

I Was Told to Supplement My Baby…Now What??

If you are exclusively breastfeeding and your baby is not meeting the minimum weight gain requirements or is having difficulty transferring milk at the breast it may have been recommended by your pediatrician to supplement your baby. Ignore that mommy guilt, you are still doing a great job! There are probably as many opinions about how to supplement your baby as there are lactation consultants themselves. Each method has pros and cons.

First off, if you have any breast milk in your refrigerator or freezer, use this milk first before formula. Your baby needs it more than the freezer does. There may be other opportunities to replenish your stock pile later. If you have a very young baby and do not have any milk stored formula may be initially advised. Another option is to mix breastmilk with formula for supplementation if you have a small amount stored. Rest assured this is usually a temporary measure until your milk production increases. Be sure to discuss a plan for supplementation with your pediatrician and IBCLC including how much you should give and how often. Regular weight checks during this time will help to gauge when supplementation can be decreased. Gradually weaning down on the amount/frequency of supplementation while continuing to monitor baby’s weight and diaper output is usually the best course of action.

Whenever your baby gets any form of supplement away from your breast, you need to be stimulating your breasts by pumping or hand expressing. This goes back to the supply and demand of breastfeeding. Extra stimulation is demanding your body to make more milk.

A supplement does not always need to be given in the form of a bottle. If your baby has not taken a bottle yet and a supplement is needed, ask an IBCLC about options available to you. Often times if a bottle is introduced early on, especially if baby is having difficulty nursing at the breast it can pose complications. A baby can become used to the fast flow of a bottle and refuse the breast. Some babies may also start to prefer the firm shape of a bottle nipple over mom’s soft breast. Let’s review several of the options you can use to offer a supplement to your baby. One option is a Supplemental Nursing System, also known as an SNS. This device allows the baby to be fed extra milk through a small tube while latched onto your breast. If the SNS is not an option for you, your baby can be supplemented by giving breastmilk in a cup, spoon, oral syringe, or by finger feeding. Finger feeding is a method where your baby gets extra milk through a small tube attached to your finger while they suck. You may find that you need to try out several of these options to find the best one that works for you and your baby.

If a bottle is the only option for you and your baby, the best way to offer it is through paced bottle feeding. Please refer to one of our previous blog posts for further details on paced feeding.

Remember, supplementation may be a temporary situation. It is important to choose a supplementation method that is the most comfortable for you to prevent yourself from getting “burned out”. Call the Care Connection at 716.725.6370 to talk with an IBCLC to explore which option may be best for you and your baby. We can work through this together!

Breastfeeding During Cold and Flu Season

With cold and flu season upon us many mothers have questions such as: “Can I breastfeed if I am sick, will I pass the illness along to my baby?”, “What should I do if baby becomes sick?”, “What medications can I take to help manage symptoms?” Let’s address some of these concerns below.

The most important thing you can do is to take preventative measures to avoid colds and the flu. Avoid any sick contacts, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Disinfect surfaces regularly around your home and work place. Be sure to wash your hands regularly. Most importantly, discuss with your doctor receiving the flu vaccine for yourself and your baby. The flu vaccine is safe for breastfeeding mothers and infants older than 6 months. Refer to the CDC website for further details regarding this.

Continue breastfeeding if you come into contact with the flu or have the flu yourself. The flu is not transmitted through breast milk. It is spread through respiratory droplets when a person coughs/sneezes/talks or if a person touches an infected surface then touches their mouth or nose. Your breast milk has antibodies that will protect baby from many colds and the flu. These antibodies destroy bacteria in a baby’s gut before they have the chance to make them ill. A baby’s saliva will enter a mother’s breast and can signal milk to change its composition to help fight illness.

If you become ill yourself keep your baby close by and try to nurse while lying down. This will allow you much needed rest. Be sure to increase your fluid intake as well. Always check with your doctor prior to taking any medications. Other good resources for safety of medications include the LactMed app or The Infant Risk Hotline (1-806-352-2519). If you are feeling too ill, express your milk to protect your supply and feed to your baby using a cup/syringe/bottle. Expressing your milk is also very important should the situation arise where mom and baby are separated. You can discuss with your doctor bringing your baby to you to feed in the hospital. It can be normal for mothers to experience a brief decrease in milk production during periods of stress or illness.

If your baby has a cold or the flu he can continue breastfeeding. Breast milk is ideal nutrition for him. If your baby is too ill to feed directly at the breast, a cup or syringe can be used to feed him or her your expressed milk. Withholding breast milk during periods of illness can increase the likelihood of your baby getting sick and deprives them of the comfort that comes along with breastfeeding. Very rarely is a supplement of water or juice needed when your baby is sick. Increase the frequency of feedings for your baby to help keep him or her hydrated. Speak with your pediatrician about treatments for your baby that may help cold or flu symptoms. However, if your baby is having decreased diaper output and is unable to keep feedings down contact your pediatrician.

If you are experiencing any difficulties feeding during times of illness please contact The Care Connection at 716-725-6370 and speak with one of our lactation consultants.

Hand Expression

Hand expression of your milk is an important skill to have. Learning to hand express has proven to benefit both mom and baby in many situations.

In the first few days postpartum, hand expression has been shown to be more effective at removing colostrum than a breast pump. Colostrum as well as breast milk can be collected in a bottle or syringe to be given to your baby if needed. Studies have shown that frequent hand expression the first three days postpartum has a positive impact on milk production. The sooner a mother starts doing so the better.

Hand expression can be done anytime you need to empty your breasts, if you’re separated from your baby, or if your baby is unable to feed. It carries no documented risks to mother or baby. Hand expressing milk can protect milk production until baby is ready to latch, promote oxytocin release, and provide thorough breast drainage without the need for any additional tools. We can use hand expression to help provide your baby with breastmilk while assessing the cause of latch issues.

During hand expression a mother’s hands provide the body with the tactile and sensory stimuli it needs to release milk. Warmth and massage from mom’s hands aids in oxytocin and prolactin release. These are two hormones that work to produce milk and release it from the breast. Many mothers find that they can combine a pumping session followed by hand expression to help drain the breast, yielding more milk. Hand expression can often be more comfortable for a mother than pumping.

Learning to hand express your milk can be helpful during times of engorgement, soreness, should you develop a blocked duct or be diagnosed with mastitis. As mentioned previously, it can often drain the breast more comfortably and efficiently.

Hand expression just prior to feeding can help evert the nipple and entice your baby to latch. It can also be helpful in removing milk prior to latching for a baby having difficulty managing milk flow.

Follow these steps below for hand expression:

1. Using clean hands apply warm, moist heat to your breasts and massage

2. Position fingers near your areola.

3. Press back toward your chest.

4. Compress fingers together to express milk, gently rolling downward

5. Be sure to relax and get a rhythm going. It may be helpful to listen to sounds of your baby crying, listen to relaxing music, or look at a picture of your baby.

6. After five minutes move fingers to a different position on the breast and repeat.

You can also view these steps by following this link: http://newborns.Stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression.html

If you have any questions about hand expression of your milk don’t hesitate to call The Care Connection at 716-725-6370 and speak with one of our lactation consultants.

Myths About Breastfeeding

Common Myths about Breastfeeding

1) Women with larger breasts make more milk.

The size of a woman’s breasts does not determine how much milk she will make. However, women do have different storage capacity in their breasts. Storage capacity is the amount of milk in a woman’s breasts when they are at their fullest. When a woman’s breasts become full this sends a signal to slow milk production. A woman with large storage capacity may be able to remove milk fewer times per day without it decreasing her production.

2) I have flat nipples, so I must use a nipple shield to breastfeed.

Having an efficient latch is determined on the pliability of your skin and breast tissue. You may have flat nipples, but your baby can still most likely get enough breast tissue in his mouth for a successful latch. A woman may also have adhesions or fatty tissue near the nipple. If a baby is latching properly, they may be able to break up these internal adhesions allowing the nipple to evert naturally. Your nipple shape can also be distorted by excess edema during pregnancy and from intravenous fluids given in labor. Many women will see an improvement with this within 1-2 weeks postpartum.

3) I have breast implants or have had breast augmentation, so I cannot breastfeed.

Many women who have breast implants or have had breast augmentation can breastfeed successfully. Factors including where the incision is, how much breast tissue/nerves were affected, and if the nipple was repositioned during the surgery can make a difference. In this situation it would be best to meet with an IBCLC prenatally to discuss a plan.

4) My baby received a bottle or multiple bottles in the hospital now they cannot breastfeed.

With an evaluation from an IBCLC, we can work to bring your baby back
to the breast. The sooner and more frequently a baby is offered the breast the better.

5) I need to stop breastfeeding because my baby now has teeth.

Most babies are able to nurse without biting. If your baby does bite, there are ways to help prevent it from happening again.

6) If I get sick I should stop breastfeeding my baby until I am well again.

The best thing for your baby if you are sick is to continue to breastfeed. Your body makes antibodies against your illness which will pass through the breastmilk and protect your baby.

7) My newborn lost weight in the hospital so that means I do not make enough milk for my baby.

Most babies lose weight their first few days of life and it has nothing to do with your milk supply. The initial decrease in weight is usually linked to fluid loss in baby. Continue to breastfeed and your baby should catch up. In the first few days of life your baby’s stomach capacity is about the size of a small marble, so they do not need larger volumes at one time. Always follow up with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.

8) I cannot feel when I have a let-down, so I must not make enough milk.

Each woman has different sensations when they have a let-down, and some do not feel them at all. All are considered normal.

9) The older my baby gets the more and more milk they will consume.

Breastmilk composition changes to match your baby’s needs so they do not need an increased volume of breastmilk as they age. Typically, breastfed babies take between 3-5oz per feed. Even when they are close to 12 months! Remember that breastmilk is efficiently and easily digested.

10) During growth spurts I need to give my baby formula because I do not have enough milk for my baby.

If you nurse as frequently and as long as your baby wants, your milk supply will adjust to your baby’s needs. No need for formula to be added.

If you have any questions or concerns or would like clarity on any myths about breastfeeding not listed above, feel free to call The Care Connection to discuss with one of our IBCLCs at 716-725-6370.

Storing Breastmilk

You may be at the point in your breastfeeding journey where you have started a stockpile of milk. This may be because you are going back to work or just want to have a stash for outings where baby will be cared for by someone else, or for your partner to offer baby a bottle.

Before collecting any breastmilk be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Use only clean pump parts, bottles, and/or storage containers. This will prevent any bacteria from entering into the breastmilk.

We recommend following the current breastmilk storage guidelines provided by Medela:

At room temperature (66-78 degrees F) breastmilk is safe for 4-6 hours.

In a cooler with 3 frozen ice packs it is good for 24 hours (at 59 degrees F).

In a refrigerator (39 degrees F) it is safe for 3-8 days.

In a freezer (0-4 degrees F) it is safe for 6-12 months.

Thawed breastmilk should be used within 24 hours.

Storing milk:

When breastmilk settles, the fat content in the milk rises to the top creating a “fat layer”. This is normal. Swirling the bottle (not shaking) will mix the fat into the milk again before giving to your baby. Breastmilk can also vary in colors depending on mom’s diet or medications she may be taking.

It is best to store different quantities of milk in storage bags. Only store breastmilk in bags/containers approved for breastmilk collection and storage. If your baby is currently drinking 5 ounces per bottle, make sure along with storing some 5-ounce bags you also store some 1-2-ounce bags. Think of these as snack portions for baby. These smaller bags may be useful during growth spurts, times of lower supply, or even to add to your baby’s first cereals.

It is best to freeze milk if you know you will not be using it right away. Always store milk in the back of the freezer (not on the door). This will prevent frequent air exposure and temperature changes to breastmilk.

Combining milk:

If you have milk in the refrigerator that you would like to add fresh pumped milk to, first cool the fresh milk in the refrigerator. Once the 2 bottles of milk are the same temperature you can then combine them. Once you combine the milk it should now be labeled with the date of the oldest milk. For example: If you have pumped milk in the refrigerator from yesterday. You want to cool the milk that you just pumped today and combine it to yesterday’s milk. That bottle should now be labeled with yesterdays date. In general, do not add warm or room temperature milk to already cooled or frozen milk.

Defrosting milk:

Defrost the oldest milk in your freezer first to evenly rotate your stockpile. When defrosting you can either place the frozen milk in the refrigerator over night or you can

run warm water over the frozen milk until it thaws. Remember, once milk is thawed it is only good for 24 hours.

If you notice a soapy odor or taste to your thawed breastmilk you may have a high lipase level in your milk. Lipase is an enzyme that helps infants to easily digest fat in breastmilk. Milk with a soapy odor or taste is still safe to give to your baby although some babies still refuse it. You will only notice this odor in thawed breastmilk and not fresh breastmilk. It is best to thaw a bag of breastmilk early on in your storage process to avoid having a 6-month supply with high lipase that baby refuses. If you notice the odor or taste in your milk and your baby refuses it, you can heat up your breastmilk (just until tiny bubbles form around the edge, not to a boil) before freezing it. This process is called scalding. This will deactivate the lipase.

Remember, every woman produces different amounts of breastmilk and many times different amounts from each breast! You do not need to have a freezer full of milk to feel like you have a decent stockpile. Focus on feeding baby and not your freezer. You are already doing a great job providing this liquid gold for your baby!

If you have any questions or concerns about collecting or storing breastmilk please call The Care Connection (716.725.6370) and one of our lactation consultants will be happy to help you!