In the age of the internet and social media, there can be an overwhelming and infinite amount of breastfeeding advice and “facts” coming from every direction. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we get about breastfeeding at WIC, and our answers!

Many moms stress about certain foods for breastfeeding. They believe special lactation cookies or tea bags will help maintain their supply.

FICTION!

There is NO one food that will increase your body’s lactation, and no fix-all vitamin to boost your supply. While it is true your body needs to consume around an extra 300-400 calories per day to keep breastfeeding at an optimal rate, these calories should just come from a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups that keep you feeling full and happy.

Pumping as much as possible, whenever possible, will increase your milk supply and have you storing milk for potentially years to come.

FICTION!

While some moms do find satisfaction and milk supply increase with this strategy of pumping for hours, it does not work for most moms and it can have negative consequences! Pumping with an electrical pump should be done when and for how long it takes for your baby to feed – about 15 minutes. With a hand or manual pump you can go a little longer. Pumping for 20+ minutes can stress out your body with the extra work, and damage your nipples and exacerbate any clogged ducts you may have. All of these issues will decrease your supply, not increase it.

Pumping during pregnancy, will be very important for building your supply and preparing your body to be able to breastfeed as soon as they are born.

FICTION!

This is not necessary, and not recommended by any WIC Lactation Consultant! There is no biological need to pump before your baby is born, and doing so will just add an extra chore for you to do while you are preparing your home and lifestyle for your little one. It is common and healthy for moms to start producing some milk, or “leaking” starting around 6 months gestation, but you can just let it happen and focus on staying comfortable.

When your breasts are engorged (unusual hard breasts that may be very hot in temperature or painful), you should pump to release all the “stuck” milk.

FICTION!

Breast pumps stimulate your breasts, bringing in milk in a much faster and intense way than it naturally would if you were latching. Pumping while you are engorged will make your condition worse, adding to your engorgement because it brings more milk in the already clogged and overstimulated area. Instead – engorgement should be treated with hand expression. Gently massaging your breasts, starting from under the armpit swirling inward to your nipple, will have your milking coming out with as little stimulation as possible. Heat, like heating pads, also can make your condition worse int he same way as pumping due to heat making extra blood flow to that area of your body, causing even more clogging. Instead – using cold packs to make fluids leave the area.

When an infant latches, it is the lips and outer mouth that massage the breast and nipple to coax out the milk.

FICTION!

A good latch will have your baby’s mouth as wide open as possible. When their mouth is fully around the dark part of the nipple, their tongue actually is the one gently pulsating your breast for milk to release. This type of latch is the most effective and comfortable for both mom and baby.

For more detailed information on all of these topics and more, please go call our Lactation Warmline at 214-670-7222, or contact our Dallas WIC call center to schedule an appointment with one of our WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors or Lactation Consultants.