August is National Breastfeeding Month! We polled our resource partners and community health workers (CHWs) on some of the most common questions they get on the topic of breastfeeding. Whether you’re a first time mom or a mom of multiples, your breastfeeding journey is both unique and personal, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Most Common Questions Around BreastFeeding:
How do I know if I am producing enough milk?
A simple way to check if your baby is getting enough milk is to look for one wet diaper according to baby’s age until day 6. For example, 3 wet diapers on day three, four on day four, and so on. You might see more than these minimums which is fine, but if you are unsure set up time with a lactation consultant or your health care provider for more advice.
How can partners support breastfeeding moms?
One of the best things a partner can do is stay present and involved! Simple actions like bringing water or snacks and offering encouragement make a big difference. Taking care of household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and diaper changes allows mom to rest and focus on feeding the baby. Partners can also prepare by learning breastfeeding basics and attending classes. Being informed helps partners know when mom might need extra support, whether that’s helping her get comfortable for a feeding or reaching out for help from a lactation professional. Emotional support matters too: remind her she’s doing a great job, especially on tough days.
When is the best time to wean? How do I wean?
There’s truly no single “right” time to wean. Some babies begin to lose interest naturally as they eat more solid foods, while others enjoy nursing well into toddlerhood. Expert guidance suggests breastfeeding for the first six months and continuing for a year or more, but ultimately, the best time to wean is the moment it feels right for you and your family. Babies under 12 months should switch to formula to supplement when weaning, while babies over 12 months can transition to whole milk or a fortified dairy alternative.
Weaning works best when done slowly and gently. Start by replacing one feeding at a time, giving your body time to adjust. Dropping feeds every few days or weekly keeps the process comfortable. Offer cuddles, snacks, or activities during times your baby might expect to nurse. Above all, keep the process flexible and loving, and adjust based on your baby’s readiness and your own comfort.
Should I pump? How do I store milk?
Pumping can be incredibly helpful if you plan to go back to work, want someone else to help with feedings, or want to store extra milk. Many parents find it helpful to start pumping a few weeks before returning to work so baby can get used to bottles and mom can build a small freezer stash. Pumping on the same schedule as your baby typically feeds helps maintain milk supply, and pumping more frequently, such as every 2–3 hours when away from baby, keeps your production steady.
Once you’ve pumped milk, storing it safely protects its quality. Here are some tips for milk storage and serving:
- Fresh milk lasts up to 4 hours at room temperature, up to 4 days in the refrigerator, and can be frozen for 6–12 months.
- Use clean, BPA‑free containers or breast milk storage bags, label everything with the date, and store milk toward the back of the fridge or freezer where the temperature stays steady.
- When thawing, warm milk gently in warm water or thaw overnight in the fridge – never in the microwave – as it can create dangerous hot spots.
How can I increase my supply?
Your supply is unique to you, and while there are a variety of methods for boosting production, different things work for different individuals. Primarily, making sure you are consistently removing milk, whether by pumping or breastfeeding, can help you maintain or increase your supply. Your overall well-being is also a key factor when it comes to supply, so make sure you are staying hydrated, eating nourishing meals, resting when possible, and managing stress. If you need more help, a lactation consultant can help identify any underlying issues and offer guidance.
Should breastfeeding be painful?
It’s normal to feel some discomfort during the first few days or weeks of breastfeeding as your body adjusts. These issues typically improve as your baby learns to latch well and your supply steadies. However, breastfeeding should not be painful long‑term. Sharp, pinching pain, cracked or bleeding nipples, or breast pain that persists are signs something isn’t quite right – most often an issue with latch, positioning, or a possible infection like mastitis. These situations are fixable, and reaching out to a lactation consultant early can make you more comfortable. Pain is a signal, not something you should push through!
What type of support is available?
Several types of trained lactation professionals are available to help, each offering different forms of support. Here’s a simple breakdown to help parents understand who they might work with and what each provider can offer.
Certified Lactation Educators (CLE, CLES, CLEC)
- Provide families with breastfeeding basics, including what to expect, comfortable latch and positioning, and answers to common questions.
- Offer early emotional support, help families access pumps, troubleshoot simple issues, and connect them to community resources like WIC, BreastfeedLA, MOMS OC, and IBCLCs.
- Focus on education and empowerment, referring families to an IBCLC or healthcare provider when specialized care is needed.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC)
- Offer advanced, clinical support for complex breastfeeding concerns such as low milk supply, difficult latching, poor weight gain, tongue tie, prematurity, mastitis, or feeding-related jaundice.
- Conduct full assessments, create individualized feeding plans, and work closely with families until challenges are resolved.
- Serve as the next level of care when issues are ongoing, medically complex, or require hands-on expertise.
If you need help, here are four ways you can get breastfeeding support in Orange County.
- Connect with your local WIC Office for breastfeeding education and support
- Join a lactation support group like BreastfeedLA
- Take a class with MOMS, A nonprofit dedicated to infant and prenatal health.
- Check out this comprehensive list of local resources, including both hospital and community-based support.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you are having problems breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding is a natural process, it is a skill that requires both education and practice. You might just need a little help to get started or overcome any problem!