Routine Checkups
Prenatal visits
At your prenatal visits, talk to
your doctor about your plans to
breast-feed. Make sure he or she is knowledgeable and
is able to guide you through the planning and initiation process. Ask for
recommendations on books, classes, or support groups. You may also be referred
to a
lactation consultant.
A breast exam is a
routine part of all first prenatal visits. Breast lumps and cysts will be
evaluated to give your doctor a baseline from which to monitor any future
changes in your breasts. Your nipples will also be examined. This helps your
doctor to identify physical traits, such as
inverted nipples, that may require special preparation
for breast-feeding.
Talk to your doctor about how to handle any
chronic health condition you have and how it might affect breast-feeding. Also
ask about any
medicines you take (both prescription and
nonprescription) and whether they are safe to continue during pregnancy and
breast-feeding.
Prenatal visits are a good time to talk to your
doctor about where to have your baby. Check the
breast-feeding policies of the hospital and birthing
centers you are considering. It is much easier to breast-feed when you are in a
supportive environment, such as a facility that has a lactation consultant on
staff, encourages keeping the baby in the room with you (rooming in), and has a
policy of not supplementing your baby's diet, even within the first 3 to 4
hours after a
cesarean delivery, unless medically necessary.
After your baby is born
The doctors at the
hospital or birthing center will help you to initiate breast-feeding, ideally
within the first hour of your baby's life. Often a lactation consultant is
available to help you throughout your stay and can be contacted after you
return home. Lactation consultants are an important resource to reassure you
and help you promptly address any problems.
Your baby should have
a well-baby checkup before 1 or 2 weeks of age. The
following will be assessed:
- Growth, including weight, length, and head
size
- Activity level
- Breast-feeding patterns and whether
you are having any problems
Call your doctor anytime you feel you need breast-feeding
support. If possible, make an in-person visit with your baby or have someone
knowledgeable about breast-feeding come to your home.
You will
also have a postpartum exam scheduled approximately 6 to 8 weeks after giving
birth. Although most breast-feeding issues are resolved by this time, this
appointment offers you another opportunity to talk about any related problems
or concerns. It is also a time to discuss
birth control while breast-feeding.