Every mother, whether this is your first or fourth child, has questions about breastfeeding. Aeroflow Breastpumps has compiled a list of the five most common breastfeeding questions, and the best answers to them. You will see what foods to avoid, whether breastfeeding really can help melt the baby weight off, what to do  if you don’t produce enough milk (or just want to increase your milk supply), how to handle a latching issue,  and how to acclimate baby to bottle (or whether baby will refuse a bottle because of the breast).
  1. What foods should I avoid while breast feeding?
Of course, while breastfeeding you should avoid alcohol, and consult your physician in regards to any prescription medication you may take (including medications that were deemed safe during pregnancy). Aside from these items, you should try to limit caffeine intake, as anything consumed by you can be transferred to your baby via the breast milk. It is also a good idea to continue avoid any fish that was deemed unsafe during pregnancy, and cut back on the chocolates, parsley, and peppermint, as these items are also largely believed to reduce milk supply.
  1. Will Breastfeeding Really Help Me Lose Baby Weight?
Yes, breastfeeding absolutely can help you with dropping your baby weight. Weight loss boils down to a simple mathematical equation- you have to burn more calories than you take in to lose weight. One breast feeding session can burn 650 calories! An average person burns 100 calories per every ten minutes on an elliptical... so you’re absolutely burning more calories from breastfeeding than a cardio session at the gym (however, it is important that you consume an appropriate amount of food to keep up milk production! Do not rely on breastfeeding as a way to lose weight. Food fuels your body, and you need more of it to produce breast milk). On average, a breastfeeding mother’s uterus returns to “normal” size four weeks faster than a mom who isn’t breastfeeding.
  1. What if I don’t produce enough milk? How do I increase milk production?
Aeroflow Breastpumps suggests that moms try “power pumping”. This is a method in which you pump for an hour- ten minutes on, ten off. This mimics a baby who is cluster feeding (commonly in response to a need for increased milk supply). The Medela Freestyle comes with a great hands-free accessory set which can help you with power pumping. This product does retail at upwards of $400, but in many cases, insurance will cover the cost.
  1. What if my baby has an issue latching?
Latching is a very common problem experienced by many breastfeeding moms. In the beginning, breastfeeding can be painful and sometimes difficult.  If your baby has a problem latching, and is causing you pain, you can try using gel inserts for your nursing bra. (Put them in the freezer or refrigerator, they are a quick way to sooth irritated nipples). Breast pumping can also help to give you a break and help ensure your baby gets the nutrition it needs during a difficult time feeding.
  1. Will my baby refuse a bottle because of the breast?
Most likely not, but in some cases, it happens. A good way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to acclimate your baby to a bottle early on. Your baby refusing a bottle can cause a real issue if you ever have to be away from baby (IE-doctor visits, or just a night away). If you’re exclusively feeding your child breast milk, you can pump and bottle feed from there. If you are worried about the cost of a pump, or question whether or not your insurance company will cover the cost, one of Aeroflow’s Breastpump Specialist can check for you. Simply complete our three-step Qualify Through Insurance form, and a specially trained Breastpump Representative will verify your insurance and contact you within 3-5 business days to discuss your coverage and breast pump options. Qualify today! Feel free to also give us a call at 844-865-9890 with any of your breastfeeding questions! We're here to help!