Lactation Services

Simply put, like other mammals, human milk is what is known as ‘species-specific’, that is, meant for human babies. Formula companies attempt to duplicate human milk, but this is not possible, because every mother’s milk is different. Formula also contains other substances that do not come from human milk, such as cow’s milk or soy protein, and other additives like sugars, vitamins, and minerals. While babies can grow and be healthy on formula, there is much research that indicates that breast milk helps babies grow to be healthier overall.

These benefits are best realized when a mom is exclusively breastfeeding, that is, offering her baby nothing but breast milk (whether it comes directly from her or a bottle). Some of the benefits don’t occur unless she nurses her baby over a longer time. Because of this, The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with the continuation of breastfeeding for one year or longer as mutually desired by the mother and infant. Although the first weeks and months might be time-consuming, the investment is well worth it. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in order for mom and baby to get the full benefits, but any amount or length of breastfeeding will benefit your baby.

But why does breastfeeding matter so much?

Here are some of the facts:

• Cost...formula costs average about $300 per month or $3600 per year.
• Time...it takes longer to clean, mix, fill, and warm bottles.
• Healthy babies...research shows that formula-fed infants have more diabetes, a greater incidence of some childhood cancers, more childhood obesity, and more illness and hospitalizations in the first year. This includes asthma, ear infections, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. There are unique components in breast milk that prevent diarrhea, lymphoma, leukemia, and Hodgkin’s diseases and promote a healthy immune system for your baby.
• A unique gift...every mother’s breast milk is unique, and gives her baby exactly what they need each day. It cannot be duplicated and is a special gift only she can give to her baby. Breast milk is more digestible than formula, promotes healthy intestinal bacteria, and builds immunity to diseases.
• And for mom...formula feeding mothers have more osteoporosis, more ovarian and breast cancers, and a slower return to their pre-pregnancy weight.

Prevention of allergies

As you are making your decision, it will be important for you to know that formula feeding increases your baby’s chances of developing allergies, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Consider the following questions:

• Does either parent have an existing or a history of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, atopic dermatitis (allergic eczema), or food allergy?
• If your baby has siblings, do they have any of the above conditions?

If you answered yes to either question, then your baby is more prone to these conditions.  Breast milk, with its unique properties, helps to prevent allergies from developing.

New research tells us that all babies go through a series of nine stages right after they are born. This helps them to get used to being outside of their mothers and is essential to the mother and the baby forming a strong bond. This is not much different than the animal world, where infants seek out their mothers immediately after birth, all by themselves. Human babies actually do the same!

Research tells us that when a mother has unmedicated labor, her baby will progress through these stages the best. While pain medications might be needed for your labor, it will be important for you to talk with your healthcare provider about your preferences for your birth, and how to use the least amount of medication so that your baby is not affected. Childbirth classes are a great way to learn how to cope during labor and will give you many tools, along with medications, that you can use. This nine-stage process takes about 1-2 hours and ends in the baby finding the breast all by himself. If you have chosen to formula feed, it is still important that your baby gets the benefits of the stages.  Your nurse will simply stop your baby from the last step, which is nursing.

Here are some benefits of having your baby skin-to-skin:

• Just a few hours of skin-to-skin right after birth means your baby will stay warmer during your entire hospital stay! A mother’s chest warms to the exact right temperature that her baby needs to keep him or her warm.  And a mom who has twins on either side of her chest will warm each half of her chest differently, according to the needs of that baby!  Mom’s body works better than mechanical infant warmers.  Dad’s chest warms also, but since his regulation thermostat isn’t quite as fine-tuned, he will continue warming and he and his baby might feel too warm!  But there is no reason Dad can’t enjoy the wonderful feeling of skin-to-skin.
• Blood sugar levels and breathing are better regulated.
• You will have a better bond with your baby, even one year later!
• Your baby will self-regulate better, even one year later!
• Your baby will cry less, and be more calm overall.
• You will have more milk.
• Your baby will ‘colonize’ or begin to grow your healthy bacteria. Bacteria surround us, and each family has a unique mix of good bacteria. Your baby will stay healthier if his body grows this familiar bacteria.
• Skin-to-skin isn’t just for right after birth! Holding your baby skin-to-skin frequently throughout the first weeks not only feels wonderful, but it helps to remind the baby that it is time to eat. Anytime you feel like it, put your baby, diapered only, against your bare chest.  Be sure to have blankets over the two of you. Just putting your baby skin-to-skin helps to increase your milk supply!

Breastfeeding is easiest when it gets off to a good start! Taking a breastfeeding class before your baby arrives will give you some great information. Call 908-788-MOMS for more information. Here are some things that will make your experience go more smoothly:

Putting your baby skin-to-skin as soon as they are born

We will dry your baby and put them directly on your bare chest. A warm blanket and hat will be placed on your baby so you both will stay warm. If your baby needs immediate medical care, however, they will be taken across the room to the infant warmer, or to the nursery if needed. If this happens, skin-to-skin will take place as soon as possible. Your baby will stay skin-to-skin and your nurse will observe as they go through the nine stages and searches out the breast themself. If any procedures need to be done, they will either be delayed, or done with your baby skin-to-skin.

Frequent feedings on ‘cue’

Keep in mind that babies are not born hungry, but they are born with the instinctive ability to find the breast and correctly latch on (or attach) to the nipple. The first milk, called colostrum, is already in a mother’s breasts when she is pregnant and is ready for the baby at birth. This ‘liquid gold’ as it is called, is unique, and exactly meets your newborn’s needs in the first days. This first nursing may or may not be very long. Think of it as a ‘getting acquainted’ phase. Doing this in the very beginning means that your baby has ‘imprinted’ with you, and the next time you nurse, they will know exactly what to do! Babies eat irregularly and frequently, and this is not only meant to help them grow but also assists in mom’s mature milk coming in. Breastfeeding success is definitely associated with your baby feeding early and often.

Rooming-In

When your baby is with you, it is easier to get to know his or her personality and preferences, as well as to be able to respond to his early feeding signals. Labor is an exhausting experience, and parents often feel overwhelmed in the days following their baby’s birth. While we encourage you to keep your baby with you, we understand there may be times you may need a brief break. You might consider asking family and friends to make their visits brief in order for you and your baby to get needed rest. Talk with your nurse about rest periods throughout your day and evening. If you do find that you would like a break from parenting, your baby will be moved to our Special Care Nursery for that time.

Because rooming-in is so important to new and growing families, many procedures and tests are done right in your room. This includes physical exams, hearing tests, and lab tests. If you are uncomfortable with being near your baby when these procedures are done, let your nurse know.

Offering nothing but breast milk

Do not offer anything but breast milk either directly or from a bottle if necessary. Even if we need to supplement, it is best to give the baby your milk rather than formula. Supplementation with formula will only be done if there is a clear reason to do so, as this has been shown to interfere with milk supply and breastfeeding.

Not offering a pacifier

Do not offer a pacifier except for procedures that would cause the baby pain. We do not provide, nor do we recommend pacifiers or artificial nipples for breastfeeding babies, as this has the potential for causing breastfeeding problems. However, there may be occasions when our lactation consultants recommend a pacifier.

Learn what you can before the baby’s arrival

Learn as much as you can before your baby arrives and enlist the support of family members who can help. There are many things that Dad can do to help Mom while she is nursing. We have classes and board-certified Lactation Consultants who can assist you in the hospital as well as after you go home.

Limit visitors

Plan to limit your visitors. Hospitals are busy places to begin with, and you will only be with us for a few days. We realize everyone wants to see your new baby, but if you can ask them to limit the time they spend, in order to get your rest and feed your baby on cue, it will minimize the stress in those early days. If you need help telling visitors this, let your nurse know and she will be happy to help.

Feed your baby ‘on cue’

Don’t be afraid to feed your baby ‘on cue’, whenever they show they need to eat. Babies can’t tell time and eat when they need to. There is no such thing as too much in these early days. Frequent feeding not only helps you both to learn more quickly, but it will increase your milk supply and give your baby exactly what they need.

Plan for fussy evenings

Babies can be fussier in the evenings and at night so have a discussion with your nurse about how best to parent during the nighttime. Limiting visitors during the day and getting some rest will give you the stamina to keep your baby with you all the time, even during those fussy evening and night times. Also, talk to your nurse about the many ways to soothe a fussy baby.

Learn about breastfeeding

Take a class with Mom or read a breastfeeding book, such as Breastfeeding Made Simple by Nancy Mohrbacher, or The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, by La Leche League. Read educational materials given to you in the hospital and in classes. Watch the videos while at the hospital. You play an important role in breastfeeding success, and when you are educated, you will be able to provide helpful information and support for Mom. And you can provide correct information so that family members can support her as well.

Make arrangements for household chores and errands

During the early weeks, both Mom and baby are learning. You all need this time to get to know one another. The more Mom holds and nurses her baby, the more enjoyable and successful her breastfeeding experience will be. This is the only job a mother should be doing during the first few weeks.

Limit visitors

More than anything, your partner needs rest and time with the baby now. And this is the time that you all are getting to know each other as a family. If you have visitors, be sure they are supporting your choice to breastfeed. Mom could become upset with critical or overbearing visitors. Also, avoid visitors that Mom would feel the need to cook or clean for.

Bond with your baby

There are so many ways that partners can actively bond with breastfed babies. Change a diaper, bathe, hold, or rock your baby. Help mom to be comfortable during nursing and help her position your baby at the breast.

Be a breastfeeding advocate

Voice your support of your partner’s breastfeeding to others. Let them know that you have every confidence in your partner and baby to master the art of breastfeeding, as the human race has done for centuries. Let your partner know how proud you are that she has given the gift of breastfeeding to your family.

If breastfeeding is not going well, get help for Mom and your baby. Both partners and mothers are welcome to call, 908-788-MOMS (6667)! Bringing Mom in for a professional consultation may be all that is needed to resolve a breastfeeding issue. 

Lactation Consultations

All of our maternity nurses have been educated about how to help new parents feed and care for their babies. Additionally, we have board-certified Lactation Consultants who will see you and your baby during your stay. Even after you leave the hospital, we are here to offer you continued support through your breastfeeding journey. We offer virtual or in-person lactation consultations. Call 908-788-6335 if you would like to schedule a personalized appointment with one of our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. We are also available for telephone consults. You will be given more information on this once you have your baby.

Breastfeeding Support Group

This group, which is facilitated by a board-certified lactation consultant, provides nursing mothers a place where information, knowledge, and experience can be shared in a relaxed and caring environment. The group meets virtually
monthly on the 1st Thursday of the month from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Please use the link below to join:

Join Hangouts Meet
Meeting ID meet.google.com/zas-igrp-upb
Phone Number (US) +1 785-380-3327
PIN: 334 066 922#