We interview Alba Padró , co-founder of the breastfeeding expert application LactApp and an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). As a breastfeeding expert, she has published the books ‘Somos la leche’ (Grijalbo, 2017) and ‘Destete, el final de una etapa’ (Grijalbo, 2021); her third book on breastfeeding is scheduled for early 2022.

LactApp,

In this interview, Alba Padró answers the main questions first-time mothers have when they start breastfeeding their babies.

1. When should I start breastfeeding my baby?

Ideally, you should start breastfeeding immediately after your baby is born. Before weighing or performing any intervention, the baby should be placed skin-to-skin on the mother’s chest so they can find the breast. Babies are born ready to nurse, and the hour after birth is the perfect time for them to latch and find the breast.

2. How much milk should a baby drink per day? How long should feedings last?

The amount of milk a baby consumes cannot be measured at the breast, since it is not transparent and we cannot see how much milk the baby takes. The amount the baby takes will be what the baby needs, which varies from one baby to another. What we should assess is whether the baby is gaining weight—approximately 20–30 grams per day during the first few weeks. That indicates that the baby is getting the milk it needs.

The time a feeding takes can vary widely. It is common for it to be quite long at first because babies are learning and can get tired. A newborn baby can stay on one breast for 40, 50, or 60 minutes until they release on their own.

3. What should I do if my baby refuses the breast?

It is rare for a newborn baby to refuse the breast. Sometimes it can be due to some kind of
intervention that has been performed and has caused discomfort. The most practical thing is to keep the baby on your body while you lie face up, with both of you naked from the waist up, allowing the baby to find the breast on their own. In this way, many babies who refuse the breast or have difficulty can latch more easily. If difficulties persist, it is best to contact a breastfeeding expert as soon as possible.

4. How can I stimulate milk production?

If there are no issues with breastfeeding, it is not necessary to stimulate the breast to produce more milk. The baby can obtain all the milk they need on their own. If there is any difficulty or the baby is not gaining weight, the breast can be stimulated with a breast pump to support optimal milk production and, if necessary, feed the baby the expressed milk.

5. Should I breastfeed from both breasts?

Usually, one breast is enough for a baby. It is not necessary to switch breasts or wait a specific amount of time on each side. One breast until the baby unlatches is sufficient. Only if the baby becomes restless or shows signs of discomfort may it be appropriate to switch breasts. Up to three months, one breast per feeding is usually enough.

6. How can the baby's grip on the breast be improved?

The baby's latch can be improved by observing the breast. Depending on the shape of the breast, you will position your baby accordingly. It is important that the baby's nose and chin touch the breast, that the mouth is wide open, and that the lips are everted. It is also important to keep in mind that a common positioning mistake is placing the baby’s head in the crook of the elbow, when it should be in the forearm or, even better, in the wrist.

7. How should I store and preserve breast milk?

Breast milk is stored like any other food, in the refrigerator or freezer. In the refrigerator, it can be kept for three to five days, and in the freezer for up to six months if it reaches a temperature of -19 degrees. It can be stored in specific containers found in specialized stores or in any food-grade glass or plastic jar.

8. How long is it good for my child to breastfeed? When should I wean them?

The official recommendation is exclusive breastfeeding until six months, with complementary foods until two years. But each mother decides how long to continue. Specific recommendations regarding the duration of breastfeeding or weaning should not be made; each mother should choose according to her circumstances and preferences.

9. Are sports and breastfeeding compatible?

Sports and breastfeeding are completely compatible. You can resume sports a few weeks after giving birth, once you have completed a check-up with the physiotherapist.

10. Can I smoke tobacco or drink alcohol while breastfeeding?

Tobacco and alcohol are harmful habits for the mother that we should all avoid. If the mother smokes, she should take hygiene measures to prevent the baby from coming into contact with tobacco smoke, which is the biggest problem: smoking outside the house, tying hair up, washing hands and brushing teeth thoroughly before touching the baby, and smoking as little as possible. For babies of smoking mothers, breastfeeding is especially beneficial, as it protects them from respiratory illnesses. Regarding alcohol, drinking a glass of wine or cava occasionally is not a problem. Excessive consumption is what can cause problems. It is necessary to wait until the alcohol level in the milk (which is the same as the blood alcohol level) has decreased. It is not necessary to discard the milk, as alcohol disappears from the milk just as it does from the blood.