Here’s a question from Carly in Huntsville, ON:

Q: I’m expecting my first baby soon. I’ve heard that in order to increase your milk production, you should wait at least 3 hours after you empty the breasts at a feeding to feed your baby again to allow the milk to fill up again. Is this true?

A: Good question, Carly, but this isn’t actually the case. Research shows that since milk is being produced at all times, the breast is never actually empty. In fact most babies remove an average of 75-80% of milk at a feeding, so there is always milk remaining in the breast after a feeding.

The strategy of waiting a set amount of time to nurse your baby (under the mistaken belief that the breasts need time to “refill”) will be counterproductive to your goal to increase your milk supply. This is because milk production slows down when milk accumulates in the breast. So, the best strategy is to feed your baby frequently, thus emptying the breasts as much as possible, especially in the early days. Newborns will often “cluster feed” which means that for a period of a few hours a day they will feed almost continuously, and this is very helpful in increasing your milk supply.

Nancy Lahn BScN
Deveoper of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

Originally posted 2015-04-28 13:13:10.

Here’s a question from Debbie in Niagara Falls, ON:

Q: My baby is due soon. I’ve heard that most mothers don’t have enough milk for their babies in the first 3 days after birth. Is this true?

A: No, Debbie, that’s not true – right now, you have colostrum that will be there for your baby right after birth. Colostrum, or “first milk”, is perfect for your newborn – it is thick, yellowish in colour, and packed full of nutrition and antibodies. It is so concentrated and full of energy that your baby only needs a small amount to meet all of his or her needs. As your baby latches on frequently and receives your colostrum, your body will be stimulated to produce your mature milk, which begins to come in on the second or third day after birth.

Originally posted 2014-03-18 13:53:32.

Here is a question from Carrie in Richmond Hill, ON:

Q: I wonder if you can help me with a question I have – I’m expecting my first child in August and plan to breastfeed. I like to go to the gym and some friends there told me that I should wait several hours after exercising to breastfeed, as the milk could be harmful to the baby. Is this true?

A: Breastfeeding mothers receive lots of strange (and wrong) advice and this is a good example of that! Absolutely not – there is no reason to delay breastfeeding after exercise. And by the way, good for you that you’re continuing to stay fit in pregnancy! Don’t exercise to the point of pain or discomfort, but a healthy level of fitness will benefit you in childbirth and a quicker recovery afterwards.

Nancy Lahn BScN
Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

Originally posted 2016-06-24 12:43:41.

Here’s a question from Roxanne in Toronto, ON:

Q: My daughter is a month old now and I’m breastfeeding her – my problem is that I think I have TOO much milk! When she latches on and the milk lets down, she seems to pull away and fuss, as if it’s too much for her. I also notice that her stools are often greenish, and they irritate her skin. What can I do to help with this problem?

A: Yes, it sounds like you have an abundant milk supply, Roxanne, which is great but it can be a bit daunting for a newborn! The cause of the problem is usually a combination of an overactive letdown reflex, and an imbalance of foremilk (the more watery, sweet milk at the beginning of the feeding) to hindmilk (the milk more rich in fat at the end of the feeding). In the course of a feeding, the milk gradually changes from more watery to fat-rich. If a mother with an over-abundant milk supply feeds at both breasts, the baby may receive a higher than normal proportion of foremilk, which can result in the greenish, irritating stools. It may help to offer the baby only one breast at a feeding. One breast will supply all she needs at a feeding, and the ratio of hindmilk will be higher.

Also, you can try positioning the baby so that gravity helps to slow the milk flow rate. The fastest flow rate will be when Mom is sitting up, so try lying on your side, or on your back with your head supported with a pillow (your Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow is perfect for this!) and with baby resting on your chest. If the milk sprays with let-down, try catching it with a towel until it slows down, and then latch the baby on. Try to avoid pumping or hand expression – if you do this for comfort, limit it to a few seconds as this will encourage more milk production.

The good thing is that as your baby matures, she will regulate the flow and will become accustomed to your abundant milk supply!

Nancy Lahn BScN
Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow

Originally posted 2016-11-16 13:09:43.