[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/08\/faq-breastfeeding-lactation-experts\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/08\/faq-breastfeeding-lactation-experts\/","headline":"FAQ with Breastfeeding and Lactation Experts","name":"FAQ with Breastfeeding and Lactation Experts","description":"Breastfeeding can be intimidating for new mothers, so how do you learn the tricks? Four lactation experts weigh in.","datePublished":"2014-08-19","dateModified":"2022-05-26","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","name":"UPMC Magee-Womens","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-magee-womens-hospital\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/GettyImages-1312387589.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/GettyImages-1312387589.jpg","height":867,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/08\/faq-breastfeeding-lactation-experts\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Pregnancy and Childbirth"],"wordCount":786,"keywords":["alcohol","baby","breast","breastfeeding","caffeine","diet","Lactation","mother","nipples","pumping","sushi","weight loss"],"articleBody":"Breastfeeding can be intimidating for new mothers and it’s natural to have many questions. Is there a \u201cwrong way” to breastfeed a baby? How can you be sure the baby’s had enough? What happens if you get cracked and sore nipples? Do you need to stay away from specific foods that might contaminate any breast milk you pump?It can sometimes be difficult for new moms to separate the facts from fiction on what’s best about the breast for babies. So how do you learn the tricks?We sat down with lactation experts from the\u00a0Lactation Center at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital\u00a0to get their perspectives and insights into commonly asked questions.When Should I Start Pumping \u2014 Especially if I Am Returning to Work?If you have already been breastfeeding, you can begin pumping around four to five weeks. By then, breastfeeding is well-established. Also, you don’t need a stockpile. Just start pumping a couple weeks before you go back to work. Make sure to pump\u00a0after\u00a0feeding so you don’t interrupt the next feeding.Make sure to pump any time your baby is getting a bottle. Your body learns how much milk to make based on what is removed. So, if your baby is getting a bottle, you are still making the milk and it needs to be removed. When bottles are given without mom pumping, it can decrease your supply.How Do I Know My Baby Is Getting Enough to Eat?Things you can do include having weight checks with your baby’s doctor, listening for swallows, and monitoring wet and dirty diapers.UPMC\u00a0Magee offers forms to help you log your baby’s wet diapers and dirty diapers while you are at the hospital. It is good practice to continue tracking your baby’s output after discharge from the hospital.How Often\/How Long Do I Feed My Baby?Use your baby’s cues. Babies will open their mouths and reach around when they are hungry. Some babies feed every 1.5 to 3 hours, but that can vary.Everything depends on your individual infant; there is no true cut-off time. In the beginning, it is important to offer the breast within 3 hours of the last feeding. But any time your baby is showing hunger cues (sucking motions, sucking fingers, opening their mouth, etc.), it is time to feed the baby. We expect your baby to feed at least 8 to 12 times a day, so keep track of daily feedings. Baby’s feeding times will vary; it is best to watch your baby and feed them until they are satisfied. Make sure you try to feed on both sides.When Can I Have Sushi, Sandwich Meat, or Soft Cheeses Again? Chocolate\/Caffeine? Alcohol?Moms can have sushi, lunch meat, soft cheeses, and chocolate after they deliver their baby. (We see a lot of cold cut hoagies and sushi being delivered to Magee!)Caffeine is okay to consume in moderation. Caffeine is present in breastmilk, but small amounts shouldn’t affect your baby.Drinking alcohol in moderation can be okay when you are breastfeeding. Reach out to a lactation consultant to get guidelines to help you make informed decisions regarding alcohol consumption.What Can I Do About Sore Nipples\/Sore Breasts?Tenderness while breastfeeding can be normal in the beginning. Most of the time, pain is coming from a shallow latch; ask a lactation consultant to get some support.If you are in too much pain when feeding, or your nipples and\/or breasts are sore for a few days, call the Lactation Center at 412-641-1121 for an observed feeding.What Should I Eat While Breastfeeding?Focus on a\u00a0well-balanced diet, with fluids to keep hydrated. You can pretty much eat anything, but a well-balanced diet is going to help you feel your best.Will I Lose Weight While Breastfeeding?It is possible to lose weight because your body will be burning calories by making milk. But it really depends on your diet and activity level.Additional TipsHere are some additional tips from our experts:\u201cPractice. Practice. Practice.”\u201cA lot of mothers think they need the right gear, but if you can just find a comfortable spot, that’s all you need. Your baby doesn’t mind.”\u201cPatience!”\u201cRelax and enjoy! It’s meant to be a bonding experience.”“Reach out to the Magee Lactation Center for support if you have questions or concerns that things aren’t going well. We have telemedicine visits as well as in-person visits for hands-on help.”For more information about the\u00a0Lactation Center\u00a0or to schedule an appointment, call\u00a0412-641-1121.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on August 19, 2014, and was last reviewed on May 26, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"FAQ with Breastfeeding and Lactation Experts","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/08\/faq-breastfeeding-lactation-experts\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]