Liz Chang, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant & Lactation Counselor: Milk Supply and Your Newborn

It’s a pleasure to introduce our newest guest post by Elizabeth “Liz” Chang, a fourth-generation advocate for long- term breastfeeding. Liz is certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Metabolic Diabetes Specialist, Medical Interpreter and Translator Bilingual Spanish and the Owner and Founder of Pretty Mama Breastfeeding LLC, an organization with a mission to empower mothers through compassionate birth and breastfeeding experiences. Liz’s approach is holistic, compassionate, and bilingual, as she offers counseling sessions on prenatal and postnatal education, guidance on proper latching techniques for babies, clinical demonstrations on the use of breast pumps and accessories, strategies for returning to work, and much more.

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What is the secret to providing your newborn with enough breast milk? Look down at your chest, there they are! According to recent research on breastfeeding only 1-5% of women are incapable of breastfeeding and less than 15% struggle with supplying enough milk for their newborns after serious interventions. I will never deny that it can be hard, very hard, though not impossible. Perceived insufficient milk was reported as the main reason to wean a newborn in 35% of women’s responses (Gatti, L, 2008). Why is this such a noisy issue in our modern society? Why do I hear it again and again that women are told they aren’t producing enough and are continually advised to supplement formula? Why do women think their breast milk is not enough? When coming from the mouths of new and sleep-deprived mothers, this topic is so emotionally laden that it needs to be addressed. Every new mother struggles with guilt, uncertainty, and fear of the possibility of not being able to take care of their new baby.

Is the baby getting enough? This is the biggest question that arises when talk of supplementing is visited.

• Frequent nursing is important. 8-12 feedings are average in a 24-hour period. Tired or malnourished babies are not going to want to feed so often.

• Feedings should range from 10-30 minutes. Sometimes this will be longer for factors such as growth spurts, or baby needs some extra comfort.

• You will hear and see the baby swallowing while nursing.

• Bowel movements are a great way to keep track of milk transfer. Chart wet/dirty diapers starting day 1 for reassurance.

• If baby is fussy and not content after feedings then they may not be getting enough. ‘Milk drunk’ is the term I often hear. Baby should be happy and full after nursing and /or burping.

• Between feedings, there should be times of alertness and activity from the baby.

• Skin color, activity, and noticeable growth are key factors of healthy development.

• 4-7 ounces per week are recommended growth gains after about day 5. Many breastfeeding groups have scales to use and if there are any concerns, regular weight checks with your health care provider are usually encouraged.

Key encouragements to remember as a new and breastfeeding mom:

• Breast milk is the normal nutrient for your baby. Breast milk will provide immediate and long-term benefits to you and your baby.

• Newborn tummies are tiny, the size of an almond! If you aren’t floating out of your bra with milk, chances are you are still producing enough milk for your newborn. Staying consistent with feedings and watching the signs of the baby getting enough milk should reassure you.

• Stop talking to moms who stopped breastfeeding or had less than positive experiences breastfeeding. Don’t sever communication but seek out encouragement, advice, and support from local lactation counselors and women with success stories.

• Empower yourself with information and a strong support system. If breastfeeding is important to you then make it so! Don’t give up. Empower yourself and make these integral decisions armed with knowledge.

My private practice provides you and your family with insurance covered at home and Telehealth consultations. Liz Chang IBCLC, CLC, Diabetes Metabolic Specialist, Medical Translator and Interpreter Bilingual Spanish is a women’s healthcare provider contracting with Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna, and many others large payers. Reach out for a free 15 minute virtual consultation by texting at: 908-938-5320

References:

Gatti, L. (2008). Maternal perceptions of insufficient milk supply in breastfeeding. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 40(4), 355-363.

Mayo Clinic. (2012). Breastfeeding: how to gauge success.

Wiessinger, Diane. (1996). La Leche League Leader. “Watch your language”. J Hum Lactation, 12(1), 1-4.

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