Frequently Asked Questions

As long as baby is having plenty of heavy wet (clear urine) and lots of dirty diapers, you’re comfortably breastfeeding (an average eight feeds in a 24-hour span) and the baby is consistently gaining weight you can know that the baby is getting enough.  

Print out the file from our resources blog, First Week: Breastfeeding Success Checklist, and check it off as you go for a great start!

The first thing is to make sure there is a really good latch which will prevent this from happening and allow your nipples to heal. A little bit of tenderness, especially the first couple of weeks, is normal, but pain and cracking is a sign that the latch isn't quite right, the nipple is not being protected by the baby when latching and needs some further investigation. Be sure to check out the sore nipple video and reach out for any assistance.

While there is no set time for a baby to transfer enough breastmilk in a nursing session, it is important to understand the difference between non-nutritive suckling at the breast and when the baby is transferring and swallowing. 

The more efficiently the baby is transferring breastmilk, the faster the nursing session is going to be so it is crucial to know what the baby is doing.  

Be sure to review our article, First week: Enough Breastmilk? for information and videos. 

Certainly most medications, herbs or supplements these days that will be prescribed by your healthcare practitioner should be safe while breastfeeding.

Be sure to take a look in Resources Articles (Blog) as there are many posts about different herbs, supplements and more, all fully referenced for your review and share with your healthcare team.

If you would like to know about a specific medication, herb or supplement and lactation, please check the LactMed® database (listed in the Resources section) or contact us to discuss.

It is important to let your midwife, naturopath or doctor that you are breastfeeding so they can choose the best ones. 

Yes, as long as it is being done safely. See our article, Mixed milk feeding/Combo feeding for more details.

The short answer is anytime! Breastfeeding education has been shown to have a significant impact on successful breastfeeding outcomes. 

If you are pregnant, without any fertility interventions or medical conditions, 36 weeks.

If you are pregnant, with the assistance of fertility interventions, 30+ weeks.

If you have had any breast surgery, 32+ weeks.

If you have any underlying medical conditions, including thyroid issues, diabetes, chronic inflammation conditions, 30+ weeks.

If you are inducing lactation to breastfeed an adopted baby or using a surrogate, 12+ weeks. **Sometimes adoptions are not as generous with knowing that far in advance the baby is coming. As soon as you know, please reach out!**

Anytime you have a question!

Some mothers book breastfeeding consultation to line up with their due date when they know they are having a planned cesarean birth.

Other mothers reach out when they are having difficulties once they are breastfeeding without any nurses or midwives on hand to assist.

Whenever you have a question about a breastfeeding baby or a lactating mother is the perfect time to speak to an IBCLC.

We can also help with supplementation, pumping or introducing solids all the way through weaning off the breast as we are infant feeding specialists as well as lactation consultants.