Women's health

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be difficult—especially at first. If you run into challenges, our lactation experts are ready to help.

Mother in a hospital bed cradling a newborn with a medical professional next to the bed

Lactation support for when you need it

Becoming a parent is filled with many new experiences, including breastfeeding. While an exciting time, breastfeeding can also be stressful and frustrating.

No matter if you’re a new or experienced mom, our lactation specialists are here to support you and your baby as you ease into a healthy feeding routine.

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How can we help?

We provide lactation consultations both in the hospital and when you go home. Our breastfeeding specialists can help you find comfortable nursing positions, achieve a good latch, increase your milk supply, provide tips on using a breast pump, and more. You’ll be automatically assigned a lactation specialist as needed during your hospital stay, but you can always talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding.

Our services:

Lactation consultation in the hospital

After your baby is born, a nurse will likely help you start breastfeeding and give you some support and coaching.

Many of our hospitals also have a certified lactation consultant who can help you learn to breastfeed — or troubleshoot challenges if feeding is not going as smoothly as you’d like.

Talk to your doctor if you want to be seen by a lactation specialist while in the hospital.

Lactation consultation after you bring your baby home

After you leave the hospital, you may still want breastfeeding support as you and your baby learn how to feed together. We encourage you to find a lactation consultant you trust before leaving the hospital. That way, you can get the help you need quickly and easily should you need it.

Ask your doctor or your baby’s pediatrician for a recommendation to find a lactation consultant.

You can also find a lactation consultant by visiting the International Lactation Consultant Association’s website. Enter your zip code to find a consultant near you.

Under the Affordable Care Act, lactation consultation should be covered by your health plan without cost-sharing (co-payments). Some consultants accept health insurance, and some don’t. Check with your health insurance plan about what is covered and which consultants are in your network.

Breastfeeding can give your baby a healthy start

Breast milk is called “liquid gold” for good reason: it contains all the nutrients your baby needs for the first few months of life.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies exclusively breastfeed for six months and continue for at least one year.
The benefits of breastfeeding include:

Children with fewer and less serious illnesses, such as SIDS, childhood cancers, and diabetes
Lower risk for breast and ovarian cancer, anemia and osteoporosis for mom
Saving money on formula and healthcare costs
Infants who are less likely to be obese as adolescents and adults
Better community health due to increased immunity and decreased incidence of disease

Have an oversupply?

More than 60% of mothers with babies in the NICU can’t provide enough milk to meet their baby’s needs.

You can donate milk to the Mother’s Milk Donation program at Intermountain Health and help save the lives of vulnerable babies.

Common breastfeeding questions

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

When you’re establishing your milk supply, you can feed on demand, which translates into eight to 12 feedings every 24 hours (or more if your baby is cluster feeding).

By day four or five, your milk should be in, and your baby should be peeing five to eight times every 24 hours and having three to four poopy diapers.

Watch for signs that your baby is latched deeply, including having a wide gape, lips flanged out, and vigorous suck.

You should feel strong tugs and hear your baby swallow. At the end of a successful breastfeeding session, your baby will come off the breast asleep or satisfied, and your breasts should feel softer.

When should I start pumping?

This decision is entirely up to you for your needs and goals. We generally recommend that you start pumping by the time your baby is two weeks of age. Start by pumping two times per day after breastfeeding. The average amount of milk collected is 0.5 - 1 oz. per pumping session.

After one to two weeks, you can adjust your pumping frequency to meet your milk storage goals and your baby’s needs.

For example, some moms pump after a morning feeding and get 4 - 6 oz., so they decide pumping just once or twice a day is plenty. Other moms get 0.5 - 1 oz. and decide to pump three to four times a day. It’s really up to you!

When should I introduce a bottle?

Four weeks of age is a good time because breastfeeding is usually well-established by then. It’s very much OK to wait longer, but sometimes babies develop a very strong preference to the breast and refuse the bottle.

Try having a significant other introduce the bottle and consistently give one bottle to your baby a day.

When will my baby sleep through the night?

Most breastfed babies do not sleep through the night for several months, while others start sleeping through the night by a few months of age. It’s important to remember that babies will sleep for longer stretches at their own developmental pace.

Can I eat sushi while breastfeeding?

Yes! However, pay attention to the preparation. Look for flash-frozen sushi and sushi made from fish that contain low levels of mercury.

Can I drink alcohol as a breastfeeding mother?

The recommendation is to avoid alcohol while breastfeeding, but a drink once in a while can be OK. Here are the CDC guidelines about consuming drugs or alcohol while breastfeeding.

What should I do if I get a blocked milk duct?

A plugged (or blocked) duct is an area of the breast where milk flow is obstructed. You might notice a hard lump or wedge-shaped area of engorgement that feels tender or painful.

Nursing frequently and completely emptying the breast is one way to prevent getting a blocked milk duct. But if you get a blocked milk duct:

Nurse on the affected breast first.
Keep the affected breast as empty as possible--when you cannot breastfeed, express frequently.
Use warm, moist heat and massage before breastfeeding or pumping.
Try breastfeeding in different positions.
Basin soak. Submerge your breast in hot water while massaging the plugged area toward the nipple. Adding a small handful of epsom salt to the water might help.
Take a hot shower and massage the affected area toward the nipple. Using soap will help make this easier.
Loosen your bra and any constrictive clothing to aid milk flow.
Avoid sleeping on the affected side.