I realize that sometimes it takes a few days to get in for an appointment.  How do you manage until then?

• Skin to skin with baby.  Climb in bed with your favorite snacks, bottle of water, and your baby.  Snuggle in and enjoy!  Offer the breast whenever the baby nuzzles around looking to latch.

• Feed the baby.  Offer the breast every feeding.  Try different positions.  Try supporting your breast.  Maybe even try a nipple shield (I like the Lansinoh brand better than Medela.) If you still can’t get baby to latch on your breast, feed with a syringe or bottle (slow flow Dr. Browns or Lansinoh.)  Babies need to eat AT LEAST 8 times in 24 hours.  It is NOT unusual for them to eat 12 or more times!  You will know your newborn (by 5-7 days old) is getting enough in if they are producing at least 5 wet and 5 dirty diapers per day.

• Support your supply. If baby isn’t drinking from you or draining you well, or you are supplementing with formula, make friends with your pump!  Pump EVERY TIME the baby gets fed. 

• Enjoy your baby!  The most important thing for you is to bond with your baby!  This is why skin to skin is so helpful- it not only helps with latching and feeding but it gives you bonding time.  (It is good for lots of other things as well, like temperature regulation and hormone production.)

Hang in there- your appointment is coming soon and we will address the problems you are having and work on moving toward meeting your breastfeeding goals!