I guess I'll have to formula feed until my milk comes in...right?

Sigh......this one. I hear it every day. How am I supposed to start breastfeeding on Day 1 if "nothing is coming out"? I get it. This even sounds valid. I totally understand any new mom's concern that she isn't supplying her baby with enough milk to meet his/her needs. As difficult as the first days of breastfeeding can be, it hurts my heart to see new moms doubt them selves from the start. While I am a firm believer in each parent's right to decide the way they feed baby, I'm all about making informed decisions. This is where good, evidence-based prenatal breastfeeding education comes into play. As a bedside RN and Lactation Consultant in a busy hospital, I have found that most parents are unaware that mom's breasts will only supply colostrum for the first 3-5 days after baby's birth. They are also unaware that, while colostrum is thick, slow-flowing, and small in volume - it provides all the same health benefits for baby as breast milk. Another fun fact: baby's stomach is about the size of a large blueberry (5mL) for the first 24 hours of life. What does this mean? Simply this - exclusive, on-demand breastfeeding is all baby needs unless his/her pediatrician communicates a medical indication for supplementing with formula. Questions and concerns like this one are the main reasons I offer virtual prenatal Lactation Consults. If you or someone you know is expecting a little one, book a Prenatal consult today! Knowledge is power and I'm all about both!