Breastfeeding Support | Orlando & Brevard

It’s very common to experience latching challenges in the early days of breastfeeding – but it doesn’t have to stay that way. A shallow or incorrect latch can lead to nipple pain, fussiness at the breast, and poor milk transfer.

Here are a few things you can try right now:

• Aim for a deep latch: Bring your baby to the breast chin-first, with their mouth wide open and lips flanged out. Their nose should be close to your breast, and their chin should touch it.

• Tummy-to-tummy positioning: Keep your baby’s body aligned—head, shoulders, and hips in a straight line facing you. This supports a deeper, more effective latch.

• Watch and listen: You should see slow, rhythmic jaw movement and hear swallowing—not clicking or smacking.

Even with these adjustments, latching can still feel frustrating or inconsistent – and that’s where we come in. Our lactation consultants and educators are trained to assess latch, positioning, oral anatomy, and feeding rhythm to get to the root of the issue. Whether you’re breastfeeding for the first time or need support after a difficult start, we’re here to help you and your baby find comfort, connection, and success at the breast – virtually or in-person.

Worrying about low milk supply is incredibly common, especially in the early weeks. The good news? Many parents are making enough milk—they just don’t have the tools to confidently tell. Here are a few signs your baby is getting enough:

• At least 6 wet diapers per day after day 5

• Yellow, seedy stools (in breastfed babies)

• Steady weight gain after the first week

• Active sucking and swallowing at the breast

• A content, relaxed baby after most feeds

If you’re unsure or seeing red flags—like poor weight gain, shallow latch, or long, unsatisfying feeds—our lactation team is here to help. We assess milk transfer, offer feeding plans, and guide you with personalized steps to protect and increase your supply. Whether you’re nursing, pumping, or combo-feeding, we meet you where you are.

Some tenderness can be expected in the first few days – but ongoing pain, cracked nipples, or wincing during feeds is a sign that something needs adjustment. Breastfeeding should not hurt. The most common cause of nipple pain is an improper latch or positioning, but other issues like thrush, engorgement, or pump-related discomfort can also play a role.

You deserve to feed your baby in comfort – and we’re here to make that possible. Here’s what can help:

• Improve the latch: A deep latch is key. Baby’s mouth should cover more of the areola below the nipple, with lips flanged out. If it hurts, gently break the latch and try again.

• Try different positions: Side-lying or laid-back positions can ease pressure and support a better latch.

• Use breastmilk for healing: Express a few drops after feeding and let them air-dry – breastmilk has natural healing properties.

• Check for other causes: Pain between feeds or deep, shooting sensations may signal thrush or an issue with pump flange size.

• Reach out for support: Our lactation consultants and educators can help identify the root cause and guide you through simple, effective techniques to relieve pain and promote healing – virtually or in-person.

You don’t have to suffer through it. Relief is possible – and we’re here to help you get there.

Pumping can be a helpful tool—whether you’re preparing to return to work, building a freezer stash, or managing feeding challenges. But knowing when to start and how often to pump depends on your goals, your baby’s feeding routine, and whether you’re nursing, combo feeding, or exclusively pumping.

Here’s what we recommend:

• In the early weeks: Focus on establishing breastfeeding. Pumping is typically not necessary unless there’s a medical reason (such as separation, latch issues, NICU care, or low milk transfer).

• To build a freezer stash (after 3–4 weeks): Once nursing is going well, you can begin adding a brief pump immediately after a morning feeding—when supply tends to be highest. This gently boosts supply and helps build stored milk without disrupting feeding rhythms.

• If you’re combo feeding or exclusively pumping: You should pump every 2–3 hours, including overnight. Nighttime sessions are essential because prolactin levels peak during the night, which helps maintain supply. If your baby isn’t nursing, think of the pump as your “stand-in baby”—consistency is key to keeping milk production strong.

• Session length: Most pumping sessions should last about 15–20 minutes, or until milk flow slows and the breast feels softened.

Still unsure what’s best for your situation? Our lactation team can help you create a personalized pumping plan that fits your goals and your baby’s needs—so you feel supported, not stressed.

Many insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for lactation services—but coverage can vary depending on your provider and plan. At Childbirth Concierge®, we offer both in-person and telehealth lactation visits, and we’re happy to help you check your benefits before scheduling. Whether you’re preparing prenatally or need support after birth, we’ll help you understand your options and get the care you need.