Lactation Support for Breast and Bottle Feeding

Feeding a baby is one of the most intimate parts of early parenthood, and it doesn’t always come easily. Many parents expect feeding to feel natural right away, but in reality it often comes with questions, uncertainty, and unexpected challenges. Whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or using a combination of methods, lactation support can be a valuable resource for you and your baby.

Lactation support begins by understanding the parent-child feeding relationship. A lactation consultant will begin taking a history to gain understanding of both the parent and child symptoms and difficulties. After obtaining a full history, the evaluation will transition to observations of a feeding, oral examination and more. Here are a few specific examples:

Lactation Support Benefits for Breastfeeding

Lactation consultation can support:

• Evaluate suckling strength and frequency
• Improving latch through mother’s and/or baby’s positioning
• Ensuring milk transfer is efficient without encouraging longer feeds
• Identify weight gain concerns relating to milk transfer
• Regulating supply through demand-based strategies
• Prevention of early weaning caused by unmanaged pain
• Education on hand expression, clogged duct and mastitis support
• Oral examination of the child to rule out concerns of weakness and/or tethered oral tissues, and more
• Support sucking pattern through demonstration of suck exercises that improve coordination and strength

Benefits for Bottle-feeding and Combination-Feeding Families

Lactation support can help bottle-feeding and combination feeding families with:

• Assess bottle-feeding mechanics and flow rate
• Determine appropriate bottle brand
• Demonstration and education on bottle-pacing
• Help families find the right routine between bottle and breastfeeding
• Oral examination of the child to rule out concerns of weakness and/or tethered oral tissues
• Support sucking pattern through demonstration of suck exercises that improve coordination and strength

Lactation consultation can also be helpful when questions or challenges come up around pumping and hand expression. Hand expression is a helpful tool during feedings and helping alleviate discomfort around clogged ducts. MOSAIC also offers breast ultrasound which can be an effective tool to treat clogged ducts. Consultation can answer questions around the right pump for you, evaluate for correct pump flange size, and help troubleshoot issues with pain, low supply, and pumping schedule. Consultants take all information into account to fit real lives – work demands, sleep needs, and mental health.

Lactation professionals provide a nonjudgmental space where parents can talk openly about their experiences. Being reminded that feeding struggles are common and that you are not doing anything wrong can be incredibly reassuring. When caregivers feel confident and supported, feeding tends to be calmer and more responsive. Babies often feed more comfortably when techniques are adjusted to match their cues and abilities. Whether they are breastfed, bottle fed, or both, a relaxed feeding experience supports healthy growth and development.

References

1. Cadwell, Karin, and Cindy Turner-Maffei. Pocket Guide for Lactation Management. 3^rd ed., Jones & Barlett Learning, 22 July 2016.