Breastfeeding Services
What we are
Breastfeeding Services are provided by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). We are trained health care providers who meet specific education requirements and pass rigorous exams. We possess the specialized skills and knowledge to assist infants and mothers with breastfeeding.
What we do
We teach the “how-to”s of breastfeeding and offer reassurance that breastfeeding is going well. We assist mothers and babies overcome difficulties such as nipple or breast pain, latch-on difficulties, flat or inverted nipples, low milk supply, slow weight gain, or a colicky baby. We will assist mothers with breastfeeding a pre term baby, breastfeeding multiples, relactation and adoptive breastfeeding, breastfeeding and return to employment outside the house, pumping and storing breast milk, and breastfeeding babies with special needs. We are in a unique position to advocate for the mother and baby with other health care professionals involved with their care.
We will assist you with all your breastfeeding needs in the comfort of your home or our office. In addition, we now offer a Breastfeeding Support Group every Friday from 10am -12pm. You will still receive the individual care needed from an international board certified lactation consultant, but in a group setting. This enables you to receive the support of other mothers as well as help and guidance from the lactation consultant. Call today for more information about how this group can meet your individual needs.
Fees for Breastfeeding Services
Breastfeeding Support Group Meets every Friday from 10am -12pm
$75.00 for 4 sessions or Drop in Fee $25.00
Contact us today to learn how this group can meet your specific needs.
Private consultation 1-1 ½ hour - $75 (office)
Fees for home visits determined at time of appointment.
Group and private breastfeeding services are individualized to meet the needs of the family. Contact us today to learn what we can do for your specific needs.
Private Breastfeeding Classes available - $75
Group Breastfeeding classes - Free. Class size limited to 12 couples. Check our current schedule of classes.
* Call for details 336-441-5955
Breastfeeding FAQs
What form of payment do you accept?
We accept cash or check and most major credit cards including health care flexible spending accounts (HCFSA). We will provide a receipt that you can send to your insurance carrier for allowable reimbursement.
What are the benefits of Breastfeeding
Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. A mother's milk is perfect for a baby's growth and development. As a result, research shows that some of the benefits seen in breastfed babies are less respiratory infections, less occurrence of juvenile diabetes, less asthma and allergies. In addition, mothers’ who breastfeed show a decrease in postpartum hemorrhage, decrease in premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and diabetes.
I have very small breasts. Will I still be able to breastfeed?
There should be no problem with breastfeeding your baby. The size of your breasts has nothing to do with the quality and quantity of milk you will produce. Small breasts do not produce less milk than large breasts do. Your milk production will increase in proportion to the amount of sucking your baby does. This is the law of supply and demand.
When will my milk come in?
Mature milk production begins about 12-30 hours after delivery, however, most moms’ can tell their milk is in by day 2-5, depending on your baby's ability to latch-on properly and how frequently and effectively your baby sucks. In general, your milk may “come in” sooner if this is not your first baby. Keep in mind; your baby is receiving the first milk, colostrum, until mature milk is present, which is perfect for meeting your baby's needs during those first few days.
How often (and how long) should I nurse my baby?
Babies need to be nursed as often as they demonstrate feeding cues. These feeding cues include: rooting, opening his eyes, brushing a hand across his face or mouth, or making little sucking motions. Crying is a “late” hunger cue and can cause your baby to have an uncoordinated suck, making it more difficult to initiate feeding. Most babies need to breastfeed at least 8 to 12 times (every 1 ½- 3 hours) in 24 hours for the first few weeks. Breastfeed as long as your baby wants to on the first breast; your baby will let you know when he is finished, either by spontaneously coming off the breast or by sleepily moving into non-nutritive “nursing”. You can offer your baby the second breast. If he takes it, fine; if not, that is okay too. The next time your baby is ready to feed, you can offer the side he finished on, or did not take. Generally speaking, most babies will breastfeed every 1 ½ to 3 hours for 10 to 15 minutes per breast.
What if I don't have enough milk or my baby is gaining weight poorly?
Remember, it is very common for a newborn to eat frequently, sometimes every hour and a half. Such frequent feedings are necessary because breast milk is easily digested. Nursing as often as your baby wants will keep him content and you comfortable. Most delays in milk production result from an upset in the balance of the law of supply and demand. These first couple of weeks establishing your milk supply are crucial; therefore focus your energies toward establishing a breastfeeding routine with your baby. Some suggestions are: Take your baby to bed with you. Night-nursing are time-tested remedies for enhancing a baby's weight gain. Remember the law of supply and demand, and increase the frequency of feedings to at least one every 1 ½-to 3 hours. If your baby goes three hours during the day between feedings, wake your baby. Even a sleepy baby will nuzzle at your breast and stimulate milk production. While your baby is nursing, stimulate him to suckle by keeping him undressed, rubbing his back, legs and talking to him. These maternal behaviors stimulate milk production because they encourage your baby to suckle. Watch for your baby's feeding cues and capitalize on the times when baby seems ready to eat. Above all, stay relaxed during breastfeeding. This allows you to have an effective milk ejection reflex. Be in contact with you lactation consultant. She is a valuable resource to help you get through any difficulties.
Is my baby getting enough milk?
After the first month or so, you will intuitively know that your baby has been getting enough. However, in the first few weeks, as you and your baby are learning how to breastfeed, it is not always easy to tell. Signs that your baby is getting enough milk are, your baby will have six to eight wet diapers and two to five bowel movements every 24 hours. The color of the stools can vary from yellow to tan with a mustard-like consistency. Urine should be pale yellow to almost clear in color. Your baby will gain 4-7 ounces per week. Your breasts may feel less full after your baby has nursed. You will feel your baby suckling and hear him swallowing. Often your baby will drift off to sleep at the breast, a good indication that he is satisfied. Your baby may fuss after nursing and this could indicate his need to be held. If your baby is showing any signs of concerns, contact you lactation consultant for further advice.
Why does my baby want to nurse all the time?
Your baby will breastfeed more frequently during a growth spurt. Breastfeed as often as your baby shows a desire. Your milk supply will catch up to the increased need. Giving bottles of formula at this time will only sabotage the balance of supply and demand, making it difficult to catch up with your baby's needs. Some babies love to be held and nursed frequently. Remember your babies wants are his needs. During their first year of life, babies go through several growth spurts. During these “growth spurt” days, set aside other obligations and focus your energies on your baby.
What is a growth spurt?
This is a time of physical as well as developmental growth for your baby. During a growth spurt, breastfed babies nurse more often than usual (sometimes as often as every hour) and often act fussier than usual. This increase in feedings is only temporary and usually last about 2-3 days, sometimes a little longer.
Growth spurts occur most anytime, however, most growth spurts occur during the first few days of life, 7-10 days of age, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months and 9 months of age. Growth spurts continue every few months during the toddler years and periodically through the teenage years. Remember, how you were always opening the refrigerator door as soon as your own mother had put the food away and cleaned the kitchen.
Should I give my baby a Bottle?
Giving your baby supplemental bottles in the early days may lead to nipple confusion/preference and this can adversely affect your milk supply, especially during a growth spurt. Unless you are advised to do so for a medical reason, you should not give a breastfeeding baby bottles for the first 3 to 4 weeks. If supplementation is necessary, it can be done with a small medicine spoon or a cup. Giving bottles every day or every other day so your baby "gets used to taking a bottle" is not necessary or recommended. After the first few weeks, giving baby a bottle of expressed breast milk periodically, when it is convenient for both of you, is all you need to do. If your baby balks at taking a bottle, you can always feed him using a small cup or a medicine spoon.
What should I eat while breastfeeding?
There are no special foods to eat when you are breastfeeding. A healthy, well-balanced diet, high in protein and complex carbohydrates, similar to the one you consumed during pregnancy, is all that is necessary. Most mothers need about 400-600 more calories per day while breastfeeding. The rule is drink water or other beverages when you are thirsty; eat when you are hungry. Control your weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet. If you must diet while breastfeeding, contact your lactation consultant, physician, or a registered dietician.
Are there foods should I avoid while breastfeeding?
Contrary to what others are telling you, there are not any foods that a mother should avoid. You should eat a healthy well balanced diet. Any food in moderation is usually fine. Babies can be fussy and can have excess gas and it is not because you had broccoli and chocolate cake for dinner last night. Infrequently, a baby may be sensitive to something in the mother's diet. The most common sensitivities are to protein antigens that are found in cow's milk, wheat, fish, corn, eggs and nuts. If you believe your baby is reacting to something in your diet, eliminate that food for one to two weeks. If your baby continues to be usually fussy and gassy, contact your lactation consultant, registered dietician, or physician.
What type of breast pump should I get?
There are many types of breast pumps available depending on your needs. Breast pumps are helpful in stimulating, maintaining and expressing milk in cases involving working mothers or mothers with engorged breasts, and premature or sick infants. Before making an investment on a breast pump, contact your lactation consultant at Peaceful Beginnings and attend one of the FREE breastfeeding classes for advice on what your particular need is.
When should I wean my baby?
Around the world, babies are breastfed an average of two to three years or more; there is, however, no "right" time to wean. Weaning is an individual decision for each mother and baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for at least one year. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for two years. When you or your baby decides to wean, you should do so gradually to prevent the discomfort of engorgement and to help maintain your baby's sense of security. Dropping one feeding every few days and replacing it with formula or cow's milk (depending upon your baby's age); will allow your breasts to adjust to the decreased demand.