OB/Gyn & Women's Health Services
Breastfeeding Guide
Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned parenting pro, breastfeeding often comes with its fair share of questions. Here are some answers to common inquiries that mothers – new and veteran – may have.
Maternal warning signs for a mother to contact a healthcare professional after discharge
- Breasts have not become fuller, firmer, and heavier by day 5
- Engorgement has not improved in 24 hours
- A painful, firm, red area on the breast and flu-like symptoms
- Ongoing nipple or breast discomfort
- An open sore on your breast that is not healing
- Concerns about milk production or you baby’s ability to breastfeed
- Profound sadness
Prenatal Breastfeeding Education
- Benefits of Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding and Birth Control
- Breastfeeding: Latch and Positioning
- Breastfeeding/Bodyfeeding Facts for Partners
- How do I get a breast pump for use at home?
- Only Breast Milk for the First Six Months
- Feeding on Cue
- Rooming In
General Breastfeeding Information
Infant warning signs for a caregiver to contact a healthcare professional after discharge
- Usually sleeping for more than 4 hours
- Baby not interested in breastfeeding
- Irritable or weak cry
- Always awake
- Never seeming satisfied
- Inability to suck
- Consistently feed more than 12 feeds per day
- No signs of swallowing with at least every 3 – 4 sucks
- Scant urine per day
- No stools per day
- Breastfeeding After Breast and Nipple Surgery
- Breastfeeding Facts for Grandparents
- Breastfeeding/Bodyfeeding Facts for Partners
- Breastfeeding More Than One Baby
- Breastfeeding: Diet & Fluid Intake
- Breastfeeding: Engorgement
- Breastfeeding: Plugged Milk Ducts/Mastisis
- Breastfeeding: Returning to Work
- Breastfeeding: Sore and Cracked Nipples
- Breastfeeding: Tips to Increase Your Milk Supply
- Breast Massage with Milk Expression by Hand
- Electric Breast Pump and Milk Storage for Your Healthy Baby
- How to Breastfeed Your Baby
- How to Keep Your Breast Pump Kit Clean
- Is My Breastfed Baby Getting Enough to Eat?
- Kangaroo Care (Skin to Skin)
- Use of Nipple Shields
- Nursing Your Baby
- Suck Training
- Thinking About Breastfeeding?
- Thrush Infection: Breastfeeding Mother & Infant
Additional Breastfeeding Resources
- The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Appalachian Breastfeeding Network (ABN) operates a free, 24/7 breastfeeding hotline at 888-588-3423. The hotline is staffed by trained lactation professionals, including IBCLCs, who are available to answer questions, interpret calls, and provide video calling if needed. The hotline is open on holidays and does not close unless the line is down. Callers can also text the hotline at 839863. The hotline is available to anyone, including mothers, their families and partners, expectant parents, and healthcare providers. The hotline's goal is to provide lactation support to all of Appalachia through telephone when it may otherwise be unavailable.
- La Leche League International helps breastfeeding mothers & parents worldwide with support, education, and encouragement. Get to know us and find resources!
Breastfeeding Consultations and Support for Mothers & Babies
University Hospitals Lactation Services provide assistance to mothers and babies in Northeast Ohio who need a little extra help with breastfeeding. At every UH breastfeeding center, certified lactation consultants are available to work with you and your infant to ensure a successful and satisfying experience.