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Breastfeeding Help/Links

Breastfeeding Help/Links

Lactation Care Center RGV reserves the right to differ from the views, opinions, conclusions and information expressed on these websites. Click on the icons below for more information.

Breastfeeding
Breast Massage
Breast Pump Use
Breast Surgery
Breast Milk Production, Low
Medications
Nipple Pain
Post Partum Depression- Anxiety
Skin-to-Skin
Tongue, Lip, Cheek Ties

Breastfeeding

TEXAS BREASTFEEDING HOTLINE

1-855-550-6667

Speak to a lactation consultant even after hours.
Answered 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week, including holidays.

Babies are born knowing how to nurse; mothers have to learn. Due to many factors, like the maternity care practices of hospitals, doctors and nurses, some mothers encounter many challenges to breastfeeding, but with the help of a lactation consultant you can overcome them. These links below will get you off to a good start!

Breast Massage

If your breasts are swollen with engorgement, you may benefit from a breast massage.
See the video below for tips on how to massage to decrease the inflammation and swelling.

Breast Pump Use

A breast pump may help you build and protect your milk supply if you are having difficulty latching your baby, have a sleepy baby or perhaps have a condition that makes it difficult for you to produce milk. Many do not use their breast pump correctly. The videos below with show you how to effectively empty your breasts with your pump.

If your baby is hospitalized, you may call us immediately for a loaner, hospital-grade breast pump.
Call for more details 956-292-7711.

Breast Surgery

It is possible to breastfeed after breast surgery. Speaking with a lactation consultant can help you maximize your potential in breastfeeding. See the links below for more information.

Breast Milk Production, Low

If you are are having difficulty with your milk production, it is important to look for the cause in order to resolve the issue. Some mothers will try a particular method of increasing their milk supply and it doesn't work....perhaps that wasn't the main cause for their low milk supply. Speaking with a lactation consultant can help you determine the root cause of a low milk supply and help you find a way to improve your production.

Click on the icons below to learn more about the management of your milk supply.

Medications

Many medications can be taken while breastfeeding, but it is always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist, first. Also, you could speak with a lactation consultant who can guide you and give you more information to speak about with your healthcare provider. If the medication cannot be taken while breastfeeding, you have the right to request a different medication from your doctor that is acceptable while breastfeeding. If there is not one available, then we recommend that you frequently pump to protect your production, avoid engorgement of your breast, mastitis or the risk of lowering your milk production.

Nipple Pain

Nipple pain is one of the most common reasons why mothers stop breastfeeding but this can be corrected by latching the baby deeply on the breast. To learn more about correctly latching your baby, click on "Breastfeeding" on the column to the left to watch videos on latch.

Below are links that contain information about how to treat sore or cracked nipples.

Post Partum Depression- Anxiety

Your emotional health is very important. At delivery, there are many hormonal changes in your body that may affect your mental and emotional well-being. It is important to follow the recommendations of the links below. If you are still feeling overwhelmed by feelings of depression or anxiety, please see your doctor.

National Women’s Health Information Center Telephone Number: 1-800-994-9662
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
For deaf and hard of hearing persons: 1-800-799-4889
CRISIS LINE: 1-877-289-7199

Skin-to-Skin

Holding your baby skin-to-skin is one of the most important things that you can do to help establish breastfeeding; it also stimulates your baby's social and emotional development! It is helpful in increasing your milk supply. You will find more information in the links below.

Tongue, Lip, Cheek Ties

Short frenums, whether under tongue, lip or cheeks, can cause difficulty latching, sore nipples and a decrease in your milk supply. If you continue with a painful latch, speak with a lactation consultant to ensure that you are achieving a deep, asymmetrical latch. If you feel that your baby, perhaps, has a tongue, lip or cheek tie, we recommend that you have your baby evaluated by the pediatrician. As nurses and/or lactation consultants, we recognize that we cannot diagnose your infant. We are trained in recognizing when the oral anatomy is not functioning normally i.e. restricted movement of the lip or the tongue. We ask that you do not interpret the information that we give to empower you as a diagnosis.

Please consult your baby’s health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and guidance on choosing a provider. If so desired, you may request a second opinion. Please read the information provided on the websites and watch the videos as this information may give you more questions to ask your baby's doctor.