FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 4 -

Q: How do I know which pump is best for me?

There are many things to consider when choosing the best breast pump for you. Open or closed system, battery or no battery, hands free option, tote option, and hospital grade or hospital strength. You will want to consider what your use will be with the breast pump; going back to work, exclusively pumping, or occasional date night. Adjust-ability is a key feature where you can adjust suction strength and cycles to mimic the baby as close as possible. Our lactation providers can help you determine which pump is best for you if you need additional support.

Q: What is the best way to store my milk?

You can store your breastmilk on the counter if you are going to use the milk within 4 hours. You can store your breastmilk in the fridge if you are going to use the milk within 4-7 days. You can store your breastmilk in the freezer if you are going to use the milk within 6 months in the fridge/freezer combo or within 12 months if in a deep freezer.

Q: Am I making enough milk?

This is the biggest question of all. First is to check output, consider weight gain, and is your baby content and growing. See our diaper guide to see if your baby is having enough output. Whatever goes in must come out. Baby should have at least 6 wet diapers in a 24 hour period by day 6 of life. Next you can do a weighted feed where you weigh the baby, nurse and then weight your baby again. The difference between the weights is approximately how much your baby transferred. Checking to see if your baby is growing appropriately and content is also another way to see if you are making enough milk. Your baby should reach birth weight by 2 weeks and double birth weight by 6 months. This should be about 4-8 ounces weight gain a week. If you have any further concerns please reach out for an appointment.

Q: How much should my baby eat?

Breast milk is alive so it changes its properties to meet baby’s needs so you do not need to change the amount of milk from 2 weeks on. During the first two weeks your baby will get less because of their stomach size. From 2 weeks on, the baby will take 1-1.25 ounce an hour. See our stomach sizing chart to better understand.

Q: My baby won't nurse, what do I do?

A nursing strike can be super frustrating if your baby is rejecting the breast. Offering the breast every feed while maintaining your milk supply with pumping will be crucial while you get through this period. Trying to change up the position can be helpful. Make sure your baby is not frustrated while trying to nurse. You may need to stop, calm your baby down and then try again. Trying to offer your baby the breast before your baby is due can be helpful, so your baby is not too hungry. Lots of skin to skin in between can be helpful. Hand expressing a little milk on your breast to entice your baby to nursing is another trick. Also make sure there is nothing anatomically going on that could be causing this.

Q: My baby is constantly nursing, is this normal?

Sometimes baby nurses what feels like all day long. 8-12 times a day is minimum and your baby may want to nurse more often. Most of the time it is normal as your baby is doing what he/she needs to in order to support you in making plenty of milk, boost brain development, and grow and be content. Cluster feeding while normal can be tiring, but do know it does not last forever. If you feel there is an issue with supply or transfer please see the FAQ on how to know if my baby is getting enough or one of our lactation providers can see you.