Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re trying to increase your milk supply quickly, the most effective step is to breastfeed more often. Your baby is the best pumps, hands down. Frequent feeding tells your body that more milk is needed. Try offering your breast every 1.5 to 2 hours during the day and at least once or twice overnight, if your baby is showing hunger cues.

Spending time skin-to-skin with your baby can also help. Skin contact boosts oxytocin, the hormone that helps milk flow and supports bonding. Hold your baby on your bare chest during naps, or during calm, alert times to encourage natural feeding behaviours.

Pumping after feeds can help stimulate additional milk production. Even if you don’t get much milk right away, the extra stimulation tells your body to keep making more. Focus on consistent removal rather than how many ounces you get. Some people see results within a few days, while others may need a bit more time. It depends on what’s causing the low supply and how your body responds.

If you’re not seeing any changes after several days, or you’re feeling unsure, reach out to me for help. The right support early on can make a big difference for you to reach your feeding goals.

True low milk supply is less common than it feels, but there are a few signs that may suggest it’s time for support. Signs of low milk supply include less than six heavy wet diapers and less than one yellow seedy poo, a day after the first week, and little or no weight gain, or your baby is unsettled after most feeds. If your baby has a shallow latch, slides off your breast frequently, or you rarely hear swallowing during breastfeeding, it may be a sign that they are not transferring milk effectively. To find out the underlying cause it is important to seek out skilled lactation support.

It’s important to remember that soft breasts or shorter feeds are not always signs of low supply. When baby is feeding effectively at your breast, they are unusually getting what they need to grow and thrive. Many moms make plenty of milk without leaking or feeling full this usually means their supply matches their baby’s needs. The best way to tell is by observing your baby’s weight gain, diaper output, and feeding behavior over time.

Yes, both stress and hormones can influence your milk supply and in turn how your milk flows.

Oxytocin, is the milk releasing hormone that is activated when a baby suckles at their mom’s breast. Oxytocin is called the “love hormone” and is responsible for parent-infant bonding, romantic attachment, trust and sexual arousal. If you’re feeling anxious, overtired, or overwhelmed, it can be harder for milk to let down even when it has been produced. This highlights the stress that a hospital admission can have causing a negative effect on breastfeeding.

Medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid issues, or retained placenta may also interfere with milk production, especially in the early weeks. These situations involve hormones, but do not mean you cannot breastfeed. They simply mean your body might need extra support and consistent care to reach its full feeding potential. Having a skilled health care provider or lactation consultant who is albe to take a full history and put the pieces together will help you to reach your feeding goals.

A sudden drop in breast milk supply can happen for many reasons. It might be due to missed feedings, introducing a pacifier or bottle too early, or a shift in your baby’s feeding routine. Illness for mom or baby, dehydration, starting hormonal birth control, or returning to work without adjusting your feeding plan can also play a role.

Babies sometimes breastfeed less during a developmental leap or after a growth spurt. If your body doesn’t get the usual signals to keep making milk, supply can drop over time. The good news is that supply often responds well to increased breastfeeding, skin-to-skin time, and hands-on support with more milk removal if needed.

Knowledgeable support is worth considering if a breastfed baby is not gaining enough weight. Some indications may be they have less than six heavy wet diapers and less than 2 dirty diapers a day, after the first week. They may seem persistently unsettled after feeds or wanting to feed very frequently around the clock, or the opposite, may be true they are not cueing to feed. Nipple pain, latch challenges, or concerns about how much milk is being transferred are also good reasons to reach out for support.

Breast feeding challenges don’t need to reach a crisis point before getting help. Early, compassionate, and personalized care can often make your feeding journey smoother before they become overwhelming.

Many families see immediate improvement, but healing and relearning how to feed can take time. Support before and after a release can make a big difference in outcomes—and reduce stress for both baby and parent. Healing is usually checked in about a weeks time along with weight and feeding behaviours.

Not necessarily. The decision depends on how the tie is affecting feeding, not just how it looks. Some babies feed well despite a tie, while others benefit from a release. We provide support to help you make an informed decision either way.

Some signs include shallow latch, clicking sounds during feeding, leaking milk, slow weight gain, or ongoing nipple pain. Every feeding experience is different—an assessment looks at both anatomy and function to understand what’s really going on.

Yes, sometimes. Babies may swallow more air, have frequent gas or green stools, or gain weight rapidly. These signs can point to fast flow or oversupply—but each situation is unique, and support should be tailored to both baby’s and parent’s needs.

The goal isn’t to “shut down” milk production, but to bring things into balance. With guidance, it’s possible to ease symptoms without risking low supply—often through positioning, feeding adjustments, and sometimes gentle regulation techniques.

You might notice leaking, spraying, frequent engorgement, or a baby who coughs, sputters, or pulls off during feeds. Fast letdown can be overwhelming for babies and uncomfortable for parents—but it can be managed with the right strategies.

It depends on your feeding goals, your maternity/parental leave, and your baby’s feeding rhythm. Many families introduce a bottle once breastfeeding is off to a good start—typically around 4 to 6 weeks, and may be offered a bottle occasionally i.e. twice a week. Some may use a bottle for supplementary feeds in early days for a temporary feeding plan. What matters most is using a gentle, consistent approach that supports both your baby and your feeding goals.

Yes. When done thoughtfully, breastfeeding the majority of the time with an occasional bottle after 4 weeks of primarily breastfeeding can work for many dyads. Techniques like paced bottle feeding and protecting breast milk supply help maintain a strong breastfeeding relationship. Many moms think they want to mix feed and sometimes the baby will show a preference for one.

There are many possible reasons—timing, flow rate, bottle type, or even how the feed is being offered. Refusal is often a communication issue, not a failure. With the right approach, most babies can adapt.

You’ll learn how milk production works, what to expect in the early days, how to recognize a deep latch, and when to seek help. It’s about understanding what’s normal, what’s not, and how to feel prepared—not pressured.

Yes! Even experienced parents can benefit. Each feeding journey is different, and learning what’s changed or addressing past challenges can make a big difference. Each baby is unique, and you have your previous experiences to learn from.

Anytime in your third trimester is ideal—often between 28–36 weeks. This gives you time to absorb the information, ask questions, and feel confident before baby arrives.

Anything related to feeding your baby! Common topics include latch issues, milk supply, pain during nursing, feeding schedules, combination feeding, or even emotional overwhelm. This is your time to ask questions and get clear, calm support.

The Health Services provides important early feeding support, during first days after birth. However many moms may not receive the important tailored approach that is needed, you may not have been able to attain a comfortable latch, and may have been offered an easy fix for your challenges. This consultation goes deeper. With more time, one-on-one attention, and personalized care from an experienced nurse and IBCLC, we can explore complex concerns and develop a plan that’s truly tailored to you.

Many extended health plans do reimburse for lactation consultant services (IBCLC), or RN care, but coverage can vary. Be sure to check with your provider to confirm what’s included.

We’ll walk through age-appropriate first foods, iron-rich choices, and how to introduce common allergens safely. This is tailored to your baby’s needs, culture, and your comfort level.

Solid food is meant to complement—not replace—breastfeeding in the first year. We’ll guide you through timing, portions, and feeding rhythms so your baby continues to get the full benefits of breastmilk while exploring new foods.

Most babies are ready around 6 months of age when they show signs like sitting up with support, good head control, reduced tongue thrust, and interest in food. We’ll help you recognize these signs and know how to respond confidently.

The NICU environment although so necessary for infants who require this level of care it is a separation from mom to establish a robust milk supply (best done with ad lib breastfeeding) Preterm infants are born too soon, and have a myriad of challenges they overcome with time, maturity and growth. Some infants make a detour to the NICU for surgical intervention, phototherapy, stabilize blood sugar, and time to learn how to eat, and grown.

Yes, absolutely. Many NICU and preterm babies can breastfeed—either right away or with gradual support. We’ll meet your baby where they are developmentally and build a feeding plan that is re-evaluated as your baby grows. The plan supports their feeding needs and your milk supply, whether that includes direct breastfeeding, pumping, or both.

It’s rarely too late. Whether you’re in the first days postpartum or several weeks in, babies (and parents) can learn and adjust. Support now can make feeding more comfortable and sustainable long-term.

Yes—sometimes even small adjustments in how you’re holding your baby can greatly improve comfort, milk transfer, and latch depth. We’ll explore several options together and find the one that feels right for you and your baby.

Common signs include nipple pain or damage, clicking sounds during feeding, frequent slipping off the breast, and baby seeming hungry right after a feed. In our session, we’ll assess latch quality and work toward a more comfortable, effective feed for both of you.

The iron stores in breastmilk typically startt to deplete at around 6 months, this is why solid foods can be introduced into a baby’s diet at this age.

Not always. Many parents are able to increase supply with the right support. Even small improvements can make a big difference—emotionally and nutritionally. And even if full supply isn’t possible, any amount of breast milk you feed to your infant for as long as you are able to makes a difference to their health.

Often, yes. Increasing stimulation (breastfeeding or pumping), improving latch, and adjusting feeding routines can go a long way. Herbal supplements and medications are sometimes useful, but they’re not the first step—we always focus on the basics first and tailor everything to your comfort and values.

There are many possible reasons—some physical, some situational. These include:

• Infrequent feeding or pumping
• Poor latch or tongue tie
• Hormonal imbalances
• Birth interventions or medical complications
• No access to the right support at the right time
• Separation from baby
• Breast hypoplasia- underdevelopment of breast tissue
  We’ll explore these together and figure out what’s affecting your body and your baby.

Many parents worry about low supply when things like cluster feeding or fussiness are actually normal. True low supply is usually confirmed by things like poor weight gain, low diaper output, or signs of dehydration. I can help assess what’s really going on and whether intervention is needed.

Foremilk is the first milk released from the breast during a feed, it is lower in fat. Foremilk satisfies the baby’s thirst, and maybe translucent (a bit watery for some moms). Moms who are pumping can see the difference in the opaqueness of their milk as their pump session goes on. As the feed or pump session, progresses the fat content in the breastmilk gets higher. Fattier and more creamy milk is at the end of the feed or pump session.

I can tell you what you will receive under my care, I will obtain a history before we meet. The history will include your pregnancy, your health, any tests you had, your delivery, baby’s health, your health and recovery, and early feeding routines and weights. The current feeding routines, as well as knowing what your goals are. Any concerns you have. I will observe your baby feeding and provide in the moment coaching to help and improve where needed. I usually take pre and post feed weights, we collaborate on feeding plan that can be revised.

Yes, you can! We offer virtual consultations for everything from quick meet-and-greets to full prenatal education and feeding support. Many concerns—like low milk supply, feeding plans, returning to work, or general questions—can be addressed very effectively online.

However, for some issues—like assessing latch deeply, tongue ties, or complex pain—an in-person visit is often more effective. When needed, we’ll help you understand your options and guide you toward the right level of care, always with your comfort and goals in mind.

You don’t need to wait until something is “wrong” to see a lactation consultant. In fact, reaching out early—whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or weeks into feeding—can help prevent problems and build confidence from the start.

You might consider seeing a lactation consultant if:

• You’re preparing to breastfeed and want to feel ready
• Feeding is painful, uncomfortable, or just not going as expected
• Your baby has trouble latching, is fussy at the breast, or isn’t gaining weight well
• You’re worried about your milk supply (too little or too much)
• You’re navigating pumping, bottle feeding, or returning to work
• You simply want reassurance that things are going well

At Feed & Thrive, you’ll be met with calm, compassionate support—no pressure, no judgment, just evidence-based care to help you feed in a way that works for your family.

Lactation consultants are trained professionals who help parents with all aspects of feeding their babies—especially breastfeeding. This includes supporting latch, milk supply, pumping, feeding positions, pain management, and more. An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) like Maxine has advanced clinical training and experience working with a wide range of feeding situations, including complex cases like tongue ties, premature birth, or low weight gain. Most importantly, they listen without judgment and help you find feeding solutions that work for you, your baby, and your family.