Breastfeeding Preparation for Expectant Moms
Expectant parents may have specific concerns or challenges that cause anxiety before the baby is born. If there is anyway Lactation Consultants can help parents feel better prepared or supported, please allow us to help. Please call the Lactation Center to set up an appointment at (415) 925-7522.
Should I buy a pump before my baby is born?
Please wait until after the baby is born to determine specifically what type of pump is needed. Under some circumstances, such as premature birth, a hospital grade pump is recommended for use until the baby is adequately stimulating the breast for milk production. Pumps are readily available for patients in the hospital as well as for rent or purchase before discharge.
The BabyNook Store has a variety of competitively priced pumps and is located on the Maternity Unit of the hospital. The employees are trained to assist new parents with the best selection for individual needs needs. Staff will assemble the pump, teach the parents how to use it and discuss how to pump and store the milk. Staff will also assist with any pump issues and will help return the pump to the manufacturer. Parents in this situation qualify for a no-fee hospital grade pump replacement until the pump is returned in working condition from the manufacturer.
The store also has all the equipment needed for glass or safe plastic (BPA free) storage of breast milk, including bags, bottles, nipples and sets for milk transport.
Should I buy a nursing bra before my baby is born?
Our BabyNook carries a wide variety of styles and sizes, 34B to 44K. We carry a variety of maternity/nursing bras of stretchy material certain to carry moms through the end of pregnancy to the early stages of the postpartum period. Styles include Bravado, La Leche, Medela and Anita Bras. They range in price from $18 to $55. Washable and disposable nursing pads are also available. Our employees are experts in bra fitting. Call for an appointment at (415) 925-7474.
Should I consider other supplies?
The BabyNook carries a variety of supplies that have been recommended or requested by new mothers to make nursing or returning to work easier. These products include, My Breastfriend feeding pillows, twin feeding pillows, bustiers for hands-free nursing, Bebe O Let for nursing in private and nursing tank tops.
How long do I breastfeed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least one year of breastfeeding for newborns. Babies start to eat solid foods around the age of six months. The pediatrician will follow the baby’s growth and guide parents on introducing solid foods. Breastfeeding is incorporated into the solid food diet.
How Do I Stop Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is the ideal way to feed a newborn, but for some mothers or babies, it can become a very difficult process. Deciding to wean the baby can be a difficult decision and the pediatrician or lactation consultant can help parents decide.
Weaning is best done slowly. Ideally, drop one feeding a day, replace it with a cup or bottle of formula or cow's milk per Pediatrician recommendation and allow time for milk production to ease within the breast. Then drop a second feeding and allow the breast time to acclimate. This is done gradually until only the morning breastfeeding session remains. This process may take many weeks, depending on how much milk the mother has and how the baby reacts. There may be pumping options available to the mother as well, so talk to the lactation consultant about more options.