Breastfeeding Questions and Answers.

Do Small Breasts Mean Breastfeeding Problems?

No! Breast size is not related to the ability to produce milk for a baby. Breast size is determined by the amount of fatty tissue in the breast, not by the amount of milk. Most women, with all sizes of breasts, can make enough milk for their babies.

Will Breastfeeding Keep Me From Getting Pregnant?

When you breastfeed, your ovaries can stop releasing eggs, making it harder for you to get pregnant. Your periods can also stop. But, there are no guarantees that you will not get pregnant while you are nursing. The only way to make sure pregnancy does not occur is to use a method of birth control. If you want to use a birth control pill while breastfeeding, the safest type is the "mini-pill." However, talk with your doctor or nurse about what birth control method is best for you to use while breastfeeding.

Will Breastfeeding Tie Me to My Home?

Not at all! Breastfeeding can be convenient no matter where you are because you don't have to bring along feeding equipment like bottles, water, or formula. Your baby is all you need. Even if you want to breastfeed in private, you usually can find a woman's lounge or fitting room. If you want to go out without your baby, you can pump your milk beforehand, and leave it for someone else to give your baby while you are gone.

Breastfeeding is a unique experience for each woman and her baby, and each woman has to find her own routine, setting, and positions that work best. Today, many mothers return to jobs outside of their homes after their babies are born, and the breastfeeding routine that they've set up while on maternity leave has to change. Many women continue to breastfeed successfully though, with the help of a breast pump. Whether you choose to stay at home to care for your baby, or choose to return to a job outside your home, here are some tips about breastfeeding and pumping to make breastfeeding easier and safe for you and your baby.

Does Breastfeeding Hurt?

Breastfeeding does not hurt. There may be some tenderness at first, but it should gradually go away as the days go by. Your breasts and nipples are designed to deliver milk to your baby. When your baby is breastfeeding effectively, it should be calming and comfortable for both of you. If breastfeeding becomes painful for you, seek help from someone who is knowledgeable aboutbreastfeeding. 

To minimize soreness, your baby's mouth should be wide open, with as much of the areola (the darker area around the nipple) as far back into his or her mouth as possible. The baby should never nurse on the nipple only. If it hurts, take the baby off of your breast and try again. The baby may not be latched on right. Break your baby's suction to your breast by gently placing your finger in the corner of his/her mouth, and re-position your baby.

Should I Use Baby Pacifiers?

Most breastfeeding counselors recommend avoiding bottle nipples or pacifiers for about the first month because they may interfere with your baby's ability to learn to breastfeed. After you and your baby have learned to breastfeed well, you can make your own decision about whether or not to offer a pacifier.

Can I Breastfeed Discreetly?

You can breastfeed discreetly in public by wearing clothes that allow easy access to your breasts, such as button down shirts. By draping a receiving blanket over your baby and your breast, most people won't even realize that you are breastfeeding. It's helpful to nurse the baby before he/she becomes fussy so that you can get into a comfortable position to nurse. You also can purchase a nursing cover or baby sling for added discretion. Many stores have women's lounges or dressing rooms, if you want to slip into one of those to breastfeed.