Maggie McKay: As a new mother, you want the best for your baby. But there is so much to learn, like the facts about breastfeeding for starters, what the advantages are, when to start and so much more. It can be a little intimidating. So today, we'll find out about all the benefits of breastfeeding with lactation consultant Katie Noonan.

This is “Healthy Conversations,” a podcast presented by Adventist Health.

Thank you for being here, Katie, to talk about this very important topic. Let's get right to it. There is so much to know. And as I remember, it can feel like no matter how prepared you think you are, until your baby's born and you're doing it, it's like, "Oh, that's what they meant" or "I can't remember what they told me to do." There's a lot to know about breastfeeding. So to start, what are the benefits to breastfeeding for baby?

Katie Noonan: Yes, there are so many benefits to the baby. Human milk is the ideal food for infants. It's clean, it's safe. It's always at the right temperature to start. It decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections. It decreases obesity later in life. It decreases likelihood of type 1 diabetes, the risk of childhood cancers, and it protects against allergies. It's also emotionally very beneficial. It's comforting. Babies are close to mom. They're warm, it maintains their body temperature. It's really the next best thing to be inside.

Maggie McKay: And what are the benefits to breastfeeding for mom?

Katie Noonan: So there's many health benefits for mom and they actually increase with the length of how long she breast feeds. So it can protect against osteoporosis, the risk of breast, uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. It decreases the amount of insulin used for breastfeeding patients with diabetes. It releases hormones that help the uterus shrink and prevents bleeding and those same hormones also help mom bond with her baby.

Maggie McKay: That's a long list. I didn't even know half of those. Katie, when should you start breastfeeding?

Katie Noonan: You know, ideally, you want to start within the first moments of birth, if that's possible. Studies show there's a link between early latching and long-term success with breastfeeding. So we always try to get babies on right away, whether it's a C-section or a vaginal birth. Babies are often very alert and awake in those first few hours after they're born, so it's a great time to get them to the breast.

Maggie McKay: And how do you know when to breastfeed?

Katie Noonan: So parents should be looking for babies' hunger cues, which is before they're crying preferably, like licking their lips, stirring, rooting, little sucking movements of their mouth and tongue, putting their hand to their mouth, fidgeting. Those are all early cues. When they're crying, it's a late cue and that can make it more challenging to get the baby to latch.

Maggie McKay: So how often should baby breastfeed?

Katie Noonan: Very often, especially in those first few weeks. Newborns should eat about eight to ten times in 24-hour period, so at least every two to three hours. As babies get older, they can go longer in between. But in that beginning, they really need those frequent feeds. And the other thing is that these frequent feeds also offer more stimulation to mom's breasts to help increase her milk supply. So people will often say, "Don't let your baby go over three hours." However, they may nurse two to three to four times within that three hours sometimes.

Maggie McKay: And that's why you're so exhausted when you're breastfeeding.

Katie Noonan: Yes. But it does get better. It stretches out

Maggie McKay: But speaking of that, being so tired because you're doing it so often, isn't there a chemical released to help you sleep?

Katie Noonan: Yes, there is. Oxytocin is released when you breastfeed. It's that relaxing bonding hormone that makes you feel really good and relaxed, which all moms need, because they're usually feeling stressed at this time. And so it does, they often get really sleepy and relaxed while they're breastfeeding, and so does baby. So it's a good thing.

Maggie McKay: Yeah, I do remember that. I thought, "Okay, well, this is a perk."

Katie Noonan: Yes, it is.

Maggie McKay: So for each feeding time, Katie, how long should the baby breastfeed? How long should it last each time?

Katie Noonan: So we don't ever really want to limit the baby at the breast. But an average feed is maybe 15 to 20 minutes on each side in these first few days and weeks. Later, babies become more efficient. The milk's flowing a little faster. They can get what they need in more like 10 to 15 minutes. But in those first few weeks, you're spending a lot of time with a baby at breast.

Maggie McKay: And what are some of the common breastfeeding issues? Because it doesn't always go smoothly.

Katie Noonan: It doesn't. And that's why there are lactation consultants.

Maggie McKay: Exactly. So helpful.

Katie Noonan: Yes. So some of the common issues, one is nipple pain which can be corrected with good latch techniques. Sometimes just a couple of tweaks in positioning can make a big difference. We really want to get that good latch. Another problem is low milk supply, which it's often more of a misinterpretation than an actual problem. It's hard to know how much the baby's getting, but low milk supply is less common than most people think. We're not expecting large quantities of milk in those first few days. But the more frequently the baby feeds and getting that good latch helps increase the milk supply gradually. And then, engorgement is another common one where when the milk does come in, it gets very full and can be very uncomfortable. But there are ways to manage this with feeding or pumping if necessary. And hot and warm and cool packs also can help with that too.

Maggie McKay: And speaking of pumping, when you have to go back to work and you're under pressure and you're trying to pump before you leave, that can be stressful. Is that accurate to say that stress can make it harder to pump?

Katie Noonan: Stress can definitely affect your milk supply. Yes, we definitely see that. So we try to come up with ways that you can get relaxed, try to give yourself a little routine where you may get to relax, put some music on. Often people will look at pictures of their baby while they're pumping, being separated makes it a little bit harder. So there's lots of tips and tricks to do to help with that.

Maggie McKay: And what are some other tips to help with issues of breastfeeding?

Katie Noonan: You know, I always recommend that moms take a breastfeeding class beforehand. You know, knowledge is power and the more you know, the better things will go for you when you know what to expect. So take a breastfeeding class, take some of those breastfeeding classes. It's really helpful. Also, reaching out for help. Here in the Central Coast, we have the Central Coast Breastfeeding Coalition that has support groups, lactation consultants. Talking openly with your healthcare provider, telling them your goals and what you want to do with breastfeeding, making sure that your nurses know that you want to breastfeed, all of those things help to get you the support that you need. And other places, you can call local breastfeeding coalitions, or you can look up local lactation consultants and get that support that you need.

Maggie McKay: I so agree. One of my friends who had a few children already told me, "You have to go to the pump station" and I'm like, "What's that?" And they're like, "They tell you all about breastfeeding." And we had a group of about 10 moms over the course of a few months and it was invaluable. I thought, "Oh, I don't need that." But I went and I thought, "Oh yes, you did need it. You had no idea about any of it the first time."

Katie Noonan: It's so true. You often think, "Oh, this is going to be the most natural thing." And once you deliver, all your focus becomes on feeding your baby. And when things don't go right or you're feeling awkward or uncomfortable, it can be really hard. So there are people to support you and, in the hospital, the nurses are there to help you. I always tell them call the nurse and ask them to help you latch or call the lactation consultant. And just a couple little different tweaks can really make a difference to gain that confidence that they need to keep going.

Maggie McKay: Definitely. Because as a new mom, your hormones are all over the place. You are sleep deprived. You're emotional. And when you can't do it, you need those lactation specialists because they always have the answer.

Katie Noonan: Absolutely. I really agree with that. Don't try to do it alone. Reach out for help.

Maggie McKay: Also, that pump class that I took, we are still friends today 20 years later. So that's kind of cool.

Katie Noonan: Yeah. That's so true. I always recommend like the breastfeeding support groups or Mom and Me groups and just talking to other moms that are going through the same thing is so helpful and so supportive. And you make often lifelong friends. I have the same, my kids are still friends with their friends from our Mommy and Me classes.

Maggie McKay: Isn't that great? I love it. It's a strong bond.

Katie Noonan: It is. And you really need that community around you at that time.

Maggie McKay: You do. So how old should baby be when you stop breastfeeding?

Katie Noonan: You know, there is really no one answer for that. Mothers and babies should breastfeed for as long as desired by them. The World Health Organization says that breast milk provides all of the energy and nutrients for infants in those first six months and it continues after that as well, as you add in solid foods. The antibodies in breast milk are especially beneficial for babies. As they become more mobile, you think about they're putting more things in their mouth. They're crawling around on the floor. And the antibodies that they get from breastfeeding are so beneficial to help them from getting sick. It really protects their immune system.

Maggie McKay: And sometimes, it's not really up to you. When your baby gets teeth, that's when you stop, right?

Katie Noonan: True. Some moms, once they get bit, they don't want to do it anymore. Sometimes you can push through it and the baby will learn to not bite anymore. But yes, sometimes the baby's the one that decides that they're done breastfeeding. And so it needs to be mutually beneficial for mom and baby. And you know, some people quit at nine months. If you can get through those first six months, that's wonderful. We always would love for you to get through the first six months. There's so many benefits to the baby and to mom. And if you can go longer, even better.

It's also a great way to soothe and comfort young children, especially all those bumps and scraped knees that happen as they're starting to walk. Breastfeeding can be a great way to soothe those little aches and pains and get them moving forward.

Maggie McKay: Right. Breastfeeding for sure can be intimidating, especially for first time moms. So what encouragement can you give them?

Katie Noonan: I would tell them, try to be patient with themselves in those first couple weeks. I feel like oftentimes the pictures you see of babies breastfeeding are moms that are three or four months down the road, and you're not seeing what it really looks like in those first couple days where moms are struggling. So be patient with yourself. You and your baby are learning this together. The baby's learning just as much as you are, it's slow going and it can be awkward and frustrating, but reach out for that support. Get the lactation consultant to come in the room with you and help you work on some positioning. Get all the information that you can get. Usually, the first two weeks are the hardest and then it gets easier and easier as you go.

Maggie McKay: And so is it true that what mom is eating or ingesting is what the baby is? And if that is true, what are some things that absolutely moms should be avoiding if they're breastfeeding?

Katie Noonan: It is true. The baby definitely gets a lot from the mom. Some things to avoid: Caffeine. We always tell moms, "You can have one cup of coffee," but moderation. You don't want your baby feeling all anxious from the caffeine. Definitely, alcohol. We always say to avoid alcohol while you're breastfeeding. If you feel it, the baby's going to feel it. Also, antihistamines, those that you would take for allergies, those can be drying and that could dry up your milk supply. So we recommend drinking lots of water, eat really good, healthy food boat. Oatmeal is a great food to eat every day to help with your milk supply and just eating healthy. You get to eat about an extra 500 calories a day breastfeeding, which is a benefit.

Maggie McKay: Katie, is this my imagination or does breastfeeding have something to do with losing weight? Because I have never been thinner in my life as when I was breastfeeding.

Katie Noonan: It definitely does. And like I said, you can eat those extra 500 calories a day that that baby's taking from you. So if you're maintaining a good, healthy diet, a lot of moms often do find that the weight comes off much faster with breastfeeding.

Maggie McKay: I've even heard like in movies or shows or documentaries or somewhere, that women just kept pumping so they could stay thin, which is a little kooky.

Katie Noonan: I considered it at the end there. It's like, "Now, I have to cut back my diet. This is nice being able to eat this much food."

Maggie McKay: Exactly. Katie, this has been so helpful and informative. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Katie Noonan: No, thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate the opportunity to share with moms. I hope moms will reach out, get help and, you know, learn as much as you can before you get into it.

Maggie McKay: It's been a pleasure. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

Katie Noonan: Thank you so much.

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