Breastfeeding Q&A Question: I’ve started to get comments about how my little guy should be weaned soon because he’s turning 18 months and it’s “a little weird at this point.”  I swear not a single person in my life understands anymore. Do you have any ideas how I can respond to the criticism?     How to respond to extended breastfeeding criticism Answer: First off, please know you’re not obligated to justify your choices to anyone. But if you feel inclined to respond, here are some ideas… "What an odd thing to say out loud" "I don't remember asking your opinion on ..read more

Breastfeeding Q&A Question: At my postpartum visit the lactation consultant gave me a nipple shield to use but she didn’t mention anything about needing to wean from it. Should I try to wean my baby from using it?     Should I wean my baby off the nipple shield? Answer: Nipple shields can be helpful solutions for babies who are having trouble latching, but they are meant to be a temporary solution. For example, there are concerns that using one long term can decrease milk supply. However, if your baby is gaining weight well and you are not experiencing nipple discomfort, there i ..read more

Breastfeeding Q&A Question: I’m struggling to get more milk on my right side. I pump about 5 oz on the left side and my baby latches on well on that side. On my left side I get 3 oz or nothing at all. Is this normal? And if it is how can I increase the right side supply? And what would be the cause for this! Thank you!     How can I increase milk supply on one side? Answer: It’s actually super common to have one side that produces much less milk than the other side. This can be caused by having less milk-making tissue in one breast or because of a side preference in your baby, w ..read more

Breastfeeding Q&A Question: My 5 month old baby has started sleeping through the night. While this is great news, I’m worried about how it may affect my milk supply. I have always had a great milk supply. Now that he’s sleeping through the night, there is a period from 7:30pm - 7:00am where he’s not nursing. I have added a pump around 10 pm before I go to sleep. Is that enough? Or will my supply suffer without a middle of the night pump? How should I proceed?     Will My Milk supply decrease when baby sleeps through the night? Answer: Congrats on this milestone! As long as your ..read more

Milkology Q&A Question: Is it safe for me to take a small dose of melatonin at night while breastfeeding? This would be after my baby goes to sleep and they sleep through the night.     Can I Take Melatonin While Breastfeeding? Answer: Unfortunately, as a lactation consultant, I can’t give you advice about what medications to take. I recommend you contact your baby’s pediatrician for advice. But I can tell you that, according to the CDC, most medications are safe during breastfeeding, and few are completely contraindicated. According to LactMed, which is a database from the Nati ..read more

Milkology Q&A Question: I'm due in about a month. I had a lump removed from my right breast a couple years ago and the surgeon may have taken some milk ducts. I'm wondering if there is any way to see if I’ll be able to produce milk before baby is born?     Can I Breastfeed After Breast Surgery? Answer: It can be stressful to breastfeed after breast surgery but you should know that many women are able to breastfeed successfully after minor surgery such as the one you describe. Even if that breast produces slightly less milk, you have two breasts! Some people produce all the milk ..read more

Milkology Q&A Question: At our 3 week checkup our baby was still under his birth weight. I’m nursing every 2-3 hours. What are ways I can get his weight up and ensure he’s getting enough breast milk without resorting to formula? We recently started pumping yesterday, giving him an extra once every 3-4 hours. Any guidance you can provide would be appreciated!     What to do if baby is not back to birth weight at 3 weeks Answer: Hi! It’s so hard when babies aren’t gaining weight. You are doing the right thing by pumping and feeding your baby your milk. That’s exactly what you shou ..read more

Milkology Q&A Question: One breast isn’t producing much at all and when I try to hand express I can only get 1-2 drops. I still try to nurse on that side first but usually she unlatches in 2-3 minutes because she’s not getting much. I can see a very noticeable difference in breast size due to more milk on one side. I just want to even out a bit if possible, any tips?     What To Do When One Breast Isn’t Producing Milk Answer: Hi! You didn’t mention how old your baby is, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, and how your baby’s growth is. I’m going to assume your baby is get ..read more

Milkology Q&A Question: Once fresh milk has been refrigerated and is cold, then removed and heated in warm water, how long is it good for?     How long is refrigerated breast milk good once warmed? Answer: According to CDC guidelines, fresh milk can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Once it’s at room temperature (which is 77 degrees or colder), it can be out for four hours. If your baby has started to drink the bottle of milk, it should be used within the next two hours or tossed, according to the CDC. I don’t know how long you had your milk in the fridge, but if you ..read more

Milkology Q&A Question: Can you please send me some tips and help me relactate? I have low milk supply since I got a mastitis when my daughter was 1 month old. She is now 6 months now and on a lot of formula.     Relactation after 6 months Answer: Relactation can be challenging. It’s not clear how much breast milk she is taking at the breast. It might be beneficial to do a pre- and post- weight check with a lactation consultant. That could give you an idea of how much she’s getting at the breast. Besides breastfeeding as frequently as possible and doing lots of skin-to-skin/rest ..read more