As an aid to begin milk flow, some mothers use a heat lamp, heating pad, or a shower with warm water prior to a feeding. Expressing some milk prior to the child latching on may aid the child's desire to start feeding. Moms may apply lanolin and vitamin E to the dark part of the nipple to help strengthen the nipple for the breast-feeding. Nipple shields sometimes must be used if there is a problem with the lack of nipple prominence. Breast pumps are available to help with the establishment of flow but should not be used in lieu of the child's stimulation of the nipple for breast milk production.
Lactation consultants are readily available in all hospitals in the Hampton Roads area.
Breast-feeding infants need to be checked by the pediatrician within the first week of life to make sure that there are no problems with dehydration or yellow jaundice. Although there is extensive literature on breast-feeding, we encourage mothers not to read too much about this prior to delivery. This can be a setup for maternal frustration. Remember that breast-feeding has been around for thousands of years and is a natural way of feeding your child. Most importantly, enjoy this time with the newborn.