BREASTFEEDING FAQs
Common questions and answers.
Infant feeding
Every breastfeeding family is unique. If things aren’t going perfectly, don’t worry — you are not alone, and lactation care can help. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, or are concerned about your baby’s growth, see our online resources, check out our classes and groups, or simply schedule a lactation consultation to get a personalized assessment and care plan. It’s easy to book online, or call us at 512-808-0237 to talk it out.
We also help families learn how to feed their baby at the breast. As you visit the NICU, we’ll teach you five small-but-powerful breastfeeding steps especially for NICU families.
Once you leave the NICU, we offer ongoing lactation care at our clinics, via telehealth, and in your home if needed. We also provide Registered Dietitian support via telehealth to ensure optimal nutrition for NICU graduates.
It is our honor to be a part of the discovery of breastfeeding culture for every growing family, whether they are giving birth, adopting, or delivering with the help of a surrogate. Inclusive lactation services are available before, during and after a baby’s arrival.
Many parents are excited to learn that our lactation services can support a non-birth parent with induced lactation or chestfeeding strategies. If you are interested in inducing lactation, the sooner we can work with you before baby arrives the better — but we can help even if you and your baby have been together for months. We are also happy to simply talk through options prior to conception or paperwork.
Our inclusive classes and groups are designed for families of all descriptions. If you wish to focus on goals and strategies specific to your situation, call 512-808-0237 or talk to us to schedule a private consultation or class.
Lactation care
You’ve come to the right place! Breastfeeding Success can help you learn about lactation and breastfeeding for the first time, optimize your technique, or address all your lactation concerns. You can start learning online with helpful videos and lactation care plans. If you’re preparing for a new arrival, check out our parent education classes and groups. For personalized, one on one lactation care explore our services and book an appointment online.
The goal of any lactation consultation is to identify and address any issues associated with breastfeeding. Your lactation consultant will listen carefully to your concerns, assess you and your baby, and observe a feeding session to provide a personalized care plan. Explore our services to get the support you need, or 512-808-0237 for help.
From your visit, you’ll get a personalized care plan including evidence-based recommendations to improve health and comfort for you and your baby, as well as follow-up care by phone or in person. Follow-up consultations take 1 hour.
How it works
When families give birth at a hospital or birthing center we serve, lactation care is a seamless part of the birth experience. A Breastfeeding Success IBCLC will visit to assess your needs and help with everything from baby’s oral anatomy to milk supply strategies, optimal latch and positioning, and personalized problem-solving to reach your lactation goals.
Breastfeeding Success is the lactation care provider for Ascension Seaton, Ascension Providence, Cedar Park Medical Center, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Austin Regional Clinic (ARC), and Austin Area Birthing Center. Our birthing facility list is continually growing — to find out more, contact us or call 512-808-0237.
Breastfeeding success is evidence-based lactation care that’s medically integrated, supervised, and shared with your primary care providers. We will share our findings with your baby’s pediatrician or your OBGYN as needed. After any lactation consultation, you’ll get a written care plan that’s easy to follow and reference at any of your appointments.
You can get our lactation services at our clinic locations, via telehealth, or even in your home. Call 512-808-0237 for help booking a consultation.
We offer 24×7 phone support at 512-808-0237 — the first 15 minutes of general lactation information are free! If you need more care, we will help you schedule a lactation consultation or other service as needed.
General Breastfeeding Questions
Food is very cultural and so we place very little emphasis on foods for breastfeeding families. There are people all over the world with varying diets and we are all breastfeeding our babies just fine. I encourage a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet with a variety of colors including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Stay well hydrated, and eat at least 1800+ calories per day.
Most foods are considered safe while breastfeeding. Eating sage or peppermint in massive quantities may impact supply, but again only in large volumes. Caffeine in large quantities may make naps more difficult, but if you notice that the baby is struggling to sleep that day then you know to slow down on your morning coffee.
This is referred to as the LAM or “lactational amenorrhea method”. Exclusively breastfeeding directly at the breast can prevent ovulation. When we are exclusively direct feeding, meaning that the baby does not receive any bottles or solid foods, this can be as effective as hormonal birth control. Cultural impacts such as returning to work, parent/baby separation, and introduction of bottles, can influence the return of your cycle, making this method not entirely trustworthy or realistic for many families. For more information on birth control methods check out this article.
In the early weeks, and during times of cluster feeding, it may feel like all you are doing is feeding this tiny human. It will get easier. Our hope is that things feel pretty easy from the start, but if they don’t, know you aren’t alone. If you feel like you are struggling or would like some support in those early weeks, it could be beneficial to speak to one of our IBCLCs to help ease any concerns. Our goal is to help you meet your breastfeeding goals and assist you so it becomes a mutually enjoyable experience. It isn’t uncommon for it to take some time for you and your babe to both need time to learn, so be gentle with yourself. We are here to help support you in making this experience easier!
There are so many different pumps on the market it can be overwhelming to choose! There are a wide variety of styles and types from manual pumps, to double electric, hospital grade….whew! Each pump has its time and place, so it truly depends on your pumping needs. A manual pump might be great for removing some milk during the initial fullness, and a double electric is great for returning to work. A hospital-grade pump is perfect for parent/infant separation or building and establishing a milk supply in the early weeks. Your insurance will provide you with a double electric pump and I do encourage getting that to have on hand. We do offer a class on pumping where we go in-depth about the different pumps and their uses if you’d like to explore more!
Deciding whether or not to take postnatal vitamins geared towards is a personal preference. You may wish to continue taking prenatal vitamins, but we encourage you to consult your doctor regarding this decision, especially if you have specific concerns. A well-balanced diet may be all that you need! Always reach out to your OB/GYN, or primary care physician to discuss which may be right for you and your baby!
Although headaches can be common during the postpartum period, there is no evidence to suggest that this is due to lactation. The fluctuation in hormones, poor positioning, strains in the neck or back, or dehydration may be the reasons for a headache while breastfeeding. To prevent this, you will want to stay hydrated, are comfortable, and have good positioning. As the hormones settle things should improve. But lactation in itself does not cause headaches.
Federal law provides protection for breastfeeding families. Texas law states that you may breastfeed anywhere you are legally allowed to be. That means if you are allowed to be there, you are allowed to breastfeed there! There is no place in the United States where breastfeeding is illegal.
Short answer? Yes! Up to 200-300mg of caffeine or 2-3 cups of coffee is considered safe. Anything over 750mg of caffeine is considered excessive according to Breastfeeding Answers Made Simple from Hale Publishing. At the higher levels, you may notice your baby showing symptoms of caffeine intake such as irritability, fussiness, and short nap durations. Keep in mind that caffeine is found in teas, coffee, chocolate, and soda. So if we switch from morning coffee to afternoon tea/soda you may notice you consume more caffeine than you thought! So we encourage being mindful and trying to stick to 1-2 caffeine consumptions a day, or under 2-300mgs.
Absolutely! The CDC recommends continued breastfeeding while taking precautions such as masking, and frequent hand washing while handling the infant. Similarly to colds/flu, you pass antibodies through your breastmilk to provide a layer of protection against spreading it to your infant. The virus has not been detected in breast milk which makes it safe to provide! Even encouraged!
Breastfeeding burns between 500-700 calories per day in an exclusive breastfeeding relationship. While some folks may notice they lose all their baby weight pretty quickly (due in part to the shrinking of the uterus), that may not be the case for everyone. Our bodies are all so vastly different. It’s also important to note that while nursing you may notice you are hungrier than you were prior to conception due to the nature of the hard work your body is doing to produce breast milk. You’ll want to consume at least 1800 calories per day, so if you add in extra snacks throughout the day, you may notice you are consuming more calories than you are burning – and that’s okay! So in short, some parents may notice weight loss while breastfeeding, and some don’t. Both are normal!
Breastfeeding can have a significant impact on hormones. Prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, is released during breastfeeding. This hormone can have a calming effect on the mother and help her bond with her baby. Prolactin works in conjunction with Oxytocin, which is responsible for uterine contractions during labor and is also released during breastfeeding to assist in milk removal. This hormone can help the mother feel bonded with her baby and can also lead to feelings of love and happiness.
Yes, it is safe to have a glass of wine. The amount of alcohol that gets into the milk is very small. If you are concerned about drinking, you can pump and store breast milk beforehand so that you can have a supply on hand if needed.
It’s generally safe to take ibuprofen while breastfeeding. However, it may cause your baby to be fussy or irritable. If you’re concerned about taking ibuprofen, talk to your doctor.
Many mothers wonder if they can continue breastfeeding once their baby starts to get teeth. The answer is generally yes. Some babies are even born with teeth! Thankfully, babies tongue comes down and over the gumline to assist with milk removal, and the nipple rests deep in the baby’s mouth back at the soft palate making biting while nursing unlikely. Many women continue to breastfeed until their baby is at least a year old. Some women choose to breastfeed for longer, depending on their own health and their baby’s needs. According to a recent study, over 80% of women who start breastfeeding continue to do so for at least six months.
If you have breast implants, you may still be able to breastfeed. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before you make any decisions. There are many myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding, and one of the most common is that breast implants will not allow a woman to breastfeed. This is simply not true. Breast implants will not interfere with a woman’s ability to produce milk or to breastfeed her baby.
Milk supply works on supply and demand. The body responds based on how often the milk is removed. When your baby suckles at the breast, it stimulates prolactin, the milk-making hormone. The more the baby feeds, the more milk is produced. There are some things that may impact milk supply. Some women may experience a decrease in milk production after their baby starts to eat solid foods, but this is usually temporary. In addition, some medications, or the return of your cycle may impact milk production. These are usually temporary as well. As a general rule, as long as you are putting your baby to the breast 8x in a 24h period, the body will continue to produce as much milk as needed. As always, if you have specific questions please reach out to a lactation consultant!
It is not uncommon to experience some pain while breastfeeding. This is usually due to improper latch or positioning. If you are experiencing pain that lasts for more than 10 seconds, talk to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider to ensure that you are positioned correctly. Breastfeeding ideally will feel like a tug or pulling sensation. Pain is an indicator that you may benefit from some support.
If you have a nipple piercing, you may be wondering if you can still breastfeed. The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, your piercing should be fully healed before you start breastfeeding, which can take up to one year. Second, you will need to remove your jewelry before each nursing session. It can be a potential choking hazard to leave jewelry in place while you’re nursing. But, with jewelry removed it is perfectly safe to breastfeed if you currently have or have had your nipples pierced. For specific questions, reach out to your reputable piercer or a lactation consultant.
Costs and insurance
Lactation care is a covered benefit many parents don’t realize they have. Breastfeeding Success services are in-network with all major insurers. If we are not in-network with your insurer, you can file for reimbursement. If you do not have insurance, you can pay out of pocket and talk to us about sliding scale options. Learn more about costs and insurance.
Many of our classes can be taken as a covered benefit. Breastfeeding Success services are in-network with all major insurers, but parent education benefits vary. When you create your class account, enter your insurance information so we can check your benefits. We keep our class costs low so more families can opt to pay out of pocket as needed. Contact us about sliding scale options, too.
Lactation services coverage is required under The Affordable Care Act of 2012. See costs and insurance for tips for working with your insurer.
We use a patient portal to communicate with families about consultation notes, care plans, and bills in one secure place. You will receive a welcome email asking you to register on the portal when you make your first appointment. If you need more tips on using the portal, see our patient support.
Breastfeeding equipment
If you are pumping in order to establish or increase milk supply, you will find more success with a hospital-grade pump. If your milk supply is low or your baby is not able to drain the breast with breastfeeding every 1.5 to 3 hrs, we recommend a hospital-grade breast pump.
Our hospital-grade pediatric scales are precise to 2g or .1oz as compared to only to the 10 grams(g) or 0.5 ounce(oz) sensitivity of most scales available for purchase. Renting a scale gives you the accuracy needed to determine how much breast milk your baby has consumed. To rent a breast pump, call us at 512-808-0237.
Call us at 512-808-0237. Renting from Breastfeeding Success helps build breastfeeding culture. All proceeds from our pump and scale rentals go directly into continuing education for our team and for staff at our partner birthing facilities.
Birth Class Questions
Research shows that taking a childbirth preparation class can help improve birth outcomes! You can register for a birth class here.
Ideally, it’s recommended that you finish your class about 6 weeks before your due date. That way the information is still fresh in your mind, but it’s not too close to your due date.
What if I don’t want to have a “natural” or unmedicated birth? Do I still need a birth class?
All birth plans are valid, and our birth classes should prepare you for many different birth plans. You will learn about coping with labor without medication, but also about medications and interventions so that you’re ready to be a great decision maker and guide your care.
We are in network with many insurance plans and you may be able to get your class covered. We also offer the classes at no cost if you are insured under Medicaid. And we have a need-based financial assistance program that you can apply for even if you’re not covered by insurance.
Yes! We have several in person class options in the Austin, TX area and coming soon to Waco, TX!
We will continue to provide virtual classes for those who are too far away or just prefer to take a class from home. Our virtual classes are taught live by an instructor. Students are encouraged to participate and keep cameras on so it can feel more like a classroom experience.
Finding support
Our classes and groups are a great way to practice skills, connect with families on the parent journey right alongside you, and build your village of support. Many of our classes can be taken as a covered insurance benefit.
In order to care for a baby, we must care for ourselves. We offer mental wellness classes as well as parent-to-parent connection sessions that can help. See our classes and groups to learn more. You can also find a mental health provider that specializes in post-partum and parental mental health. Here are two resources to try:
1. Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas (PPHA) — A great resource for Texans that promotes awareness, education, and resources for the prevention and treatment of perinatal mood disorders. Visit PPHATX.org to learn more.
2. Postpartum Support International (PSI) — This organization is dedicated to helping families suffering from postpartum depression, anxiety, and distress. Visit online at postpartum.net or call 1-800-944-4773.
3. Psychology Today Therapist Finder — Props to the people who’ve made it easy to find providers just-right mental health providers. Easy filters let you search for therapists in your local area who take your insurance and have the exact expertise you need.
Postpartum or pediatric doulas
Pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists
Pediatric speech language therapists
Pediatric dentists
Pediatric craniosacral therapists
Pediatric chiropractic care
testing
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Call us anytime to discuss your concerns. Let us know what you are experiencing — we’re here to help you find success.
