Breastfeeding Resource Guide

Protection

Breast milk contains antibodies that help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses and diseases like asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, ear infections, stomach bugs, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Brain Development

Breastfeeding can help babies' eyes and brains develop, and they may perform better on intelligence tests.

Convenience

Breastfeeding is convenient because mothers can feed their babies anytime and anywhere without having to prepare bottles or mix formula.

Bonding

Breastfeeding can increase physical and emotional bonding between mother and baby.

Mother's Health

Breastfeeding can help reduce vaginal bleeding after delivery and studies have found that it can lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.

Positioning

Bring your baby to the breast and let them latch themselves. Support your baby's neck and shoulders so their chin can tip up, and place their nose level with your nipple. You can use pillows or a blanket roll to help position your baby. Avoid leaning your breast forward into your baby's mouth, and don't press on the back of their head.

Latch

Gently touch your baby's lips with your nipple to encourage them to open their mouth wide. Your baby's mouth should be wide enough to take in both the nipple and some of the areola, and their lips should be rolled outward. When your baby's mouth is open, aim your nipple just above their top lip and lower lip away from the base of your nipple. Your baby's tongue should be extended, and their chin should lead them into the breast first.

Feeding

Support your breast with your hand in a "C" shape, keeping your fingers behind the areola. Your baby should suckle gently at first, then more strongly with a rhythm of one or two sucks per swallow. When your baby stops sucking, burp them and offer your other breast.

Mental Health

Prioritize taking care of yourself. Take breaks, stay hydrated, ask for help when you need it, and lean on others for support. If feeding is affecting your mental health, reach out to a healthcare professional.

Other tips

Try not to wait until your baby cries to feed them, as crying can be a late sign of hunger. Newborns often want to feed every 2–3 hours, or 8–12 times per day, and may nurse for 10–15 minutes at a time. Extended nursing sessions, or feeding more often for a period of time, could be a sign of cluster feeding, which often happens in the evenings during growth spurts.

Common Challenges

Breastfeeding can be mentally and physically challenging for many reasons. It is important not to feel guilty or ashamed for struggling to breastfeed or choosing not to. Some common challenges include:

• Sore nipples: This can be caused by poor feeding techniques, the wrong baby position, dry or moist skin, or undergarments made from synthetic fabrics.
• Engorgement: This happens when your body produces more milk than your baby needs, and can be caused by pain, stress, or anxiety. It usually occurs in the early days of breastfeeding, but can happen as late as day 9–10.
• Low milk supply: Your body might not be producing enough milk to meet your baby's needs.
• Unhappy baby: Your baby might seem unhappy, unable to sleep, or difficult to feed.
• Breast and nipple issues: These can include flat or inverted nipples, breast and nipple thrush, nipple vasospasm, or tongue-tie.

Positive effects

"Studies consistently show that breastfeeding provides countless benefits for both the mother and the infant. Exclusive breastfeeding increases the mother's self-efficacy and provides protection from symptoms of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding may protect the mother and infant from numerous chronic diseases. Furthermore, breastfeeding reinforces the mother-infant relationship and reduces fatigue in the mother by promoting a proper sleep-wake cycle."

Negative effects

• Emotional Strain: Lactating parents often face intense emotional stress if they are unable to meet their breastfeeding goals, feeling that they have failed themselves and their child.
• Guilt and Shame: There is a pervasive sense of guilt and shame associated with choosing or needing to use formula feeding, driven by societal expectations and pressure.
• Impact on Maternal Identity: Difficulties with breastfeeding can negatively affect a mother's sense of identity and self-worth, causing significant psychological distress.
• Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: The hormonal changes that happen postpartum, combined with the stress and challenges of breastfeeding, can increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders.

Feeding Methods

Consult your doctor to discuss the options of alternative feeding methods. These methods might include breast pumping, cup feeding, spoon feeding, syringe feeding, lactation aids, finger feeding, and paced bottle feeding. For example, babies who can sit up may prefer to feed themselves from a cup or sippy cup. However, it's important to use these methods properly to avoid overfeeding or aspiration.

Milk Sources

If you are unable to breastfeed for any reason, healthy, safe and nutritious alternative options include formula and milk donors.

Arkansas Act 680 of 2007

Protects a woman's right to breastfeed in any public place or anywhere else people are present, as long as she is legally allowed to be there. The law also amended the state's indecency law to protect women from prosecution for indecent exposure.

Arkansas Act 621 of 2009

Requires employers to provide reasonable break time and space for employees to express or pump breast milk, including a clean private room. These protections are equal to, but do not exceed, those offered by the federal FLSA's PUMP Act.

AR WIC Program

Provides breastfeeding information and support, and can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM

Arkansas Children's Hospital

Has a Breastfeeding and Lactation Clinic with an outpatient breastfeeding medicine specialist who can answer questions

UAMS

Has designated spaces for breastfeeding, including rooms and Mamava pods that are available 24/7. Also operates the UAMS Milk Bank

Other Resources

• Hannah Renno, MD
• Lactation with Lauren, LLC | Prenatal Education & Postpartum Support
• Serenity Breastfeeding Support
• Arkansas Breastfeeding Clinic