Ask the Experts: Lactation and Supportive Nutrition
For this month’s ask the Experts, we consulted Dr. Katie Hartlieb, a registered dietitian with a PhD in Nutrition, with our questions on breastfeeding. She owns and operates Hartlieb Nutrition + Wellness, Inc. , which works to support clients across the lifespan and works with growing families. Dr. Katie has a passion for working with mothers and children, and she completed a pediatric nutrition fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, is a Certified Lactation Counselor, and a mother of two. She blends her expertise in medical nutrition therapy, psychology, and communication to partner with clients and achieve wellness goals. Check out her website here for more information!
1) Is it common to have an uneven milk supply while breastfeeding?
It IS common to have an uneven milk supply. Milk supply is influenced by things like hydration, stress, nutrition and sleep. Milk production is at the highest in the morning and decreases throughout the day based on natural hormonal fluctuations in the body. The best way to build and keep your milk supply is to feed or pump often (at least 8-12 times a day) and fully (offering both breasts) in a setting that is comfortable and relaxing for both mommy and baby.
2) How do I know when I need to seek professional help with feeding?
You’ve likely heard the phrase Breastfeeding is natural, yet it’s not easy. It takes time for many mommies and babies to find their rhythm. Professional help is there if mommies experience painful, cracked nipples, notice a hard area indicating a clogged duct, find redness and warmth on the breast, or experience any flu-like symptoms with fever or body aches. Babies who are too sleepy to feed at least 8 times a day, experience weight loss or slow weight gain, or aren’t meeting the wet and dirty diaper guidelines provided by their pediatrician would benefit from a feeding conversation with a lactation professional. We welcome the chance to support your breastfeeding confidence and success.
3) My baby gets very fussy and wants to breastfeed all evening long, is that normal?
It is common for infants act fussy and cluster feed, nurse steadily for 2-4 hours. While it is frequently seen in the evening hours, timing can vary. A mommy may think cluster feeding is an indication that they aren’t producing enough milk. It is actually a very natural way to help the little one fill their tummy to prepare for a longer stretch of sleep (yay!). It also stimulates further milk production with the added benefit of providing the comfort and connection that comes with this beautiful mommy-child relationship.
4) Are they any foods or diets that can help increase milk production?
The best diet for milk production is a healthy, balanced diet and trumps the use of any one food to increase milk supply. That means eating fruits and vegetables that represent the colors of the rainbow, choosing less processed meats and grains and staying hydrated. The Mediterranean Diet is a great guide for healthy eating for any stage in life, including breastfeeding.
5) Can breastfeeding help me lose weight?
Yes, breastfeeding for 6+ months can enhance post-partum weight loss. The energy to produce milk comes from pregnancy fat stores and a recommended additional 300-500 calories a day. Steady, gradual weight loss of 1 pound a week is seen in many breastfeeding women who consume a diet that highlights a variety of foods, moderation in sugar and fat, and balance with the food groups.
6) Are there any foods I should avoid when breastfeeding?
In general, no, however is it good for everyone to avoid fish high in mercury. All foods, including responsible alcohol consumption, fit in the breastfeeding diet. Certain foods may trigger gas or GI discomfort in your baby, for example eating too much broccoli or having a large bowl of ice cream, so it can be helpful to pay attention to what you ate 4-6 hours prior to a fussy, gassy period and removing that food to test for improvement. Seek professional guidance if you notice big changes to the stool, blood in the stool, rashes or have significant food allergies in your family history.
For more information on nutrition throughout the lifespan, contact Dr. Katie or check out her website! Thank you for working with us Dr. Katie!
