Dana Czuczka, MPH, IBCLC

1. Take a breastfeeding prep class
The old adage, “knowledge is power” certainly holds true when it comes to breastfeeding. Our Lactation Consultants teach a free Preparation for Breastfeeding class on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm. Join us and learn about why and how to breastfeed, what to expect in the first days and strategies on positioning, latching, nutrition, pumping and more!

2. Contact your insurance company and order your breast pump
Most insurance companies are required to provide you with a breast pump. Before you purchase one, call your insurance company and ask for or use this form here to get the process started. If baby is latching well and nursing at least 8-12 times a day, you probably won’t start pumping until two or three weeks after baby is born. Whether you decide to exclusively pump or if your baby is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), we can always provide you with a breast pump to use at the hospital.

3. Plan to do as much skin to skin cuddling as possible
Right after birth, your health care team will place your unclothed baby on your bare chest so their skin is touching your skin–we call this practice “skin to skin.” This helps baby adjust to life outside the 

womb. We recommend doing skin to skin as much as possible in the first few hours, days and even weeks. There are many scientific benefits of skin to skin for both mom and baby including helping to make your breastfeeding journey as successful as possible.

4. Let your baby lead the way
Watch your baby carefully and they will likely tell you when they need to eat and when they are done. Don’t be too focused on the clock or strict rules unless you've been instructed otherwise by a doctor. Anytime you see a “feeding cue” (e.g., baby awake, smacking lips, sticking tongue out, rooting, sucking hand) then try and feed baby! You can’t overfeed a breastfed baby. Usually a breastfed baby eats every 2-3 hours in the first few weeks (i.e., 8-12 times a day).

5. Seek assistance with breastfeeding
You don’t have to do this alone. We have a wonderful team of lactation consultants at Stamford Hospital ready to support your breastfeeding journey! If you are having any pain, trouble latching or just have a question… ask us for help! That’s why we’re here.