Guest Blogger: Lisa Maben, Wichita Falls WIC Office

Editor’s Note: The Wichita Falls WIC office is a Milk Depot for the Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas

I coordinate the Peer Counselor program in our office and provide mothers breastfeeding answers while also providing support that helps moms through any tough breastfeeding experiences. My guest blog post includes a few of the questions moms ask me every day here in my office. I hope the information in this post will be helpful to all mothers!

“How do I know if I’m producing enough milk for my baby?” Many mothers fear they will not be able to produce enough milk to feed their baby. This is a common feeling. Here are some ways to feel confident that you are producing enough breast milk:

• Your breasts may feel full and heavy when it is close to feeding time and feel different before and after feeding
• Your baby has at least six wet and one or  two dirty diapers per day
• Your baby is gaining four to eight ounces per week
• You hear your baby swallowing or gulping when nursing

“How can I increase my milk supply?” The first thing I tell a mom is to put baby to your breast as much as possible. This is the very best way to maintain and increase your supply. A newborn breastfed baby should be eating about 12 times a day.

I’m also sometimes asked, “How can I become a milk donor?” The main reason for a mom to become a milk donor is because she’s producing an abundance of breastmilk.  I have had mothers tell me that they have a freezer full of stored milk. If this is your issue, then it may be beneficial to look into donating your excess milk. I once had a mother tell me that she became a donor when her husband opened the freezer-full of milk and said, “Exactly what are we suppose to eat!?!”  I tell mothers it is a great gift knowing you can supply breastmilk to more than one baby and help save lives.

"I’m concerned about what will happen when it is time to go back to work or school…." You might think this change in your routine could cause a decrease in your milk supply. As long as you maintain a good pumping schedule and, most importantly, breastfeed baby as much as you can, then your milk supply should be okay. I tell moms to breastfeed on their days off or at night when they get home from work. You can still pump and store for the times when you’re not with your baby, but it’s always best when possible to put baby to breast.

Here’s a big question we get in our office every day, “My baby seems to be demanding to nurse much more often all of the sudden after everything has been going fine, why?” More than likely your baby has reached a growth spurt. During a growth spurt the baby wants to eat a lot! Let them, because all of this nursing boosts your supply and helps you meet the needs of a growing baby. Your baby will go through several growth spurts in the first year of his or her life. You may not realize your baby has entered a growth spurt, but if you do, remember that they are short lived (usually just 24 hours). If you allow the baby to nurse as much as he or she wants, then everything will soon go back to normal, including their feeding patterns. Typically, growth spurts take place between 2-3 weeks after birth then again around 6 weeks and then 3 months and 6 months.

Breastfeeding is100% natural and the best gift you can give to that special bundle of joy. Not only are breastfed babies healthier, the bonding experience you will gain between you and your baby will be something you will always remember. Thank you for reading. Stay strong and Breastfeed on!