Signs that breastfeeding is not going well
- Baby loses 7 ounces or more in the first 3 days.*
- Baby continues to lose weight after the 4th day.
- Baby is not back to birth weight at 2 weeks old.*
- Baby shows persistent hunger cues after most breast feedings.
- Baby does not seem to be full after most breast feedings.
- Breastfeedings that take an hour or longer with baby not seeming full.
- Your baby is either extremely fussy or excessively tired much of the time
- Your 4 day old baby has less than 4 soaking wet diapers.
- Your 4 day old baby is not stooling or has dark stools
- You need to supplement because baby is not getting enough at breast.
- You are not making enough to meet your baby’s needs.
- You need to pump because it is too painful to breastfeed.
- You need to pump because you are not making enough milk.
*This alone might not indicate a problem. In combination with other factors on this list more then likely means that breastfeeding is not going well. At this time you should seek professional help.
If you are experiencing any of the following “red flags” listed below, you will greatly benefit from a private consultation.
Breastfeeding should not be hurting
Not on Day 1
or Day 2
or Day 3
Your baby should be gaining weight after the 4th day of life and be back to birth weight by the time he is 2 weeks old. If your baby is not gaining appropriately, you will want to seek help immediately. It is not normal to feel the need to pump because you are so engorged or because breastfeeding is hurting so much.This typically indicates that your baby may not be latching on properly. Sometimes mothers need more help then they can get from pictures or a book. There is no need for you to be at home frustrated with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Support, Right When You Need It
Whether you’re preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy or navigating the early days with your newborn, I’m here to help. I offer private lactation consultations in the comfort of your home—or virtually, if that’s easier for you.
You can schedule a prenatal consult to get ready before baby arrives, or take my online breastfeeding class (launching soon!) to build your confidence and know what to expect.
Already in the thick of it? I’ve helped hundreds of families with breastfeeding problems such as:
- Low milk supply or oversupply
- Latching difficulties
- Painful breastfeeding
- Engorgement
- Suspected tongue-tie
- Pumping questions
- …and all those “is this normal?” moments
If you’re returning to work, we’ll make a plan together, so you feel ready and supported as a pumping and working mom.
Serving Breastfeeding Families Throughout the Greater Phoenix area
I offer in-home lactation consultations throughout the Greater Phoenix area to support breastfeeding mothers right where they are.
Home visit service areas include (but are not limited to):
Phoenix (Downtown, Central, Metro), Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Waddell, Wittmann, Buckeye, Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Anthem, Cave Creek, Carefree, Deer Valley, and Wickenburg.
Lori J Isenstadt IBCLC
Lori is a huge breastfeeding supporter. She has spent much of her adult life working in the maternal health field. Once she became turned on to birth and became a childbirth educator, there was no stopping her love of working with families during their childbearing years.
Lori became a Birth doula and a Postpartum doula and soon became a lactation consultant. She has been helping moms and babies with breastfeeding for over 27 years. Lori founded her private practice, All About Breastfeeding where she meets with moms one on one to help solve their breastfeeding challenges. She helps families prenatally prepare for breastfeeding. Lori also helps when the baby is here and breastfeeding challenges arise.
She is an international speaker, book author and the host of the popular itunes podcast, All About Breastfeeding, the place where the girls hang out. You can reach Lori by email at: aabreastfeeding@hotmail.com