Feeling prepared to give birth is powerful. Feeling prepared and empowered to feed your newborn baby is no different. Here are seven questions to ask your provider to make sure you’re on the right track.
Many parents assume that breastfeeding will just happen. And sometimes it does, but even when things go smoothly, there are skills to be learned and questions to be asked! Feeling prepared with a plan and realistic expectations in place will help those first hazy postpartum days feel far less overwhelming. Based on feedback we’ve received from hundreds of moms, here are the most important feeding questions to ask your OBGYN, midwife, or pediatrician before your baby arrives:
What should I expect in the first hour after birth?
If you’re choosing to breastfeed, it’s important to confirm that you’ll have uninterrupted skin-to-skin time as soon as possible after birth. Ask how soon you will be able to attempt the first latch, and what support is available to you if your baby doesn’t latch right away. Latch issues are common, and latching can be painful at times, especially in the beginning. Getting the right support in those early moments is crucial.
How long, how often, and how much?
Feeding patterns vary so much over time, and baby to baby. At first, your baby may take up to 20-25 minutes to feed on each breast. Later, they may take only five or ten minutes on each side. However, a strict feeding schedule that works for one family might not work for yours. You will learn over time how to understand your baby’s cues, and they get more efficient at getting what they need in less time. Ask your provider for help interpreting your baby’s feeding needs and cues.
What are signs that breastfeeding is going well?
Ask your provider to explain what a normal feeding frequency looks like, and what signs to watch out for that healthy weight changes are happening. This answer can be very different based on your baby’s birth weight, medical needs, and more.
What if my milk is delayed?
Every body is different, and milk doesn’t always arrive right on time like the textbook says it will. Ask your provider what is normal timing, and about any early strategies that can support your milk supply such as hydration, effective latch, and skin-to-skin.
How do I prevent or manage nipple pain? Ouch!
Some pain in the beginning can be normal. Your skin is adapting and your baby is learning, but if you have ongoing pain that continues the entire nursing session or find yourself asking “Is it supposed to hurt this much?” then please seek out support. Mothers’ Milk Bank California has a list of practical remedies for relief and information on when to ask for help.
What should I know about pumping?
Even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed, having clear guidance on pumping can help you avoid stress if you change your mind later on. Some moms choose to pump so their partners and caregivers can take turns feeding the baby; others start pumping because they’re preparing to return to work or donate their surplus to help fragile infants. Whatever the reason is, make sure to ask your provider when the best time to introduce a pump is, and how to build a freezer stash without prompting an oversupply.
What pain management options are safe while breastfeeding?
It’s critical to know how you can best support your own healing journey while keeping your milk safe for your baby. Always ask your medical provider for guidance on this one.
Support and education are vital for helping new mothers breastfeed successfully, bond with their babies, and feel less alone while experiencing so many changes and challenges for the first time.
Please don’t ever feel like your question isn’t a valid one – the first days of your baby’s life are foundational, and you have an entire community of people behind you, ready to support you and answer your questions!
