Our Lactation Service team is made up of a team of registered nurses who are all international board-certified lactation consultants. The team includes:
- Pam Denton RN, IBCLC
- Debbie Foster RN, IBCLC
- Tracy de Jesus, RN, IBCLC
- Jayme Provine, RN, IBCLC
- Sarah Steele, RN, IBCLC
Breastfeeding your baby
After your baby is born, your milk should come in about three to five days after delivery. Mothers who have had a C-section will find that their milk is delayed coming in by at least one day.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, then continued breastfeeding while gradually introducing solids until your baby is one year old, and then as long as mutually desired by mom and baby after one year.
How often to breastfeed
- Our online classes: We can help prepare you for what’s to come.
- Breastmilk digests in about 1.5 hours. Babies grow rapidly and need to be fed frequently, usually every 2-3 hours (8-12 feedings in a 24-hour period).
- Milk production is regulated by supply and demand. Frequent feedings that empty your breasts help you make more milk.
- If baby is sleepy, wake baby to feed by unwrapping baby, changing the diaper and placing baby skin-to-skin.
- Feedings are timed from the start of one feeding to the start of the next.
How long is a feeding
- When your milk is in, breastfeed baby on one side until baby falls asleep or unlatches and then burp baby and offer the second side. Start on the last side or side not fed on the next feeding.
- Every baby is different but, in general, feedings will last 15-45 minutes.
- It is important that baby gulps and swallows on one side for at least 15 minutes.
- You cannot overfeed a breastfed baby, and if baby seems hungry, offer the breast.
Growth spurts
It is common for all babies to have growth spurts. These usually occur around 7-14 days, 4-6 weeks, 3-4 months, 6 months, and 9 months. These growth spurts usually last 2-3 days, but can last about a week. Babies will feed more frequently during this time.
Breastfeeding tips
- It is normal for your baby to feed inconsistently for the first 24 hours. Continue to attempt.
- Hold your baby skin-to-skin often during your hospital stay.
- Offer a feeding every 2-3 hours.
- Choosing to room in with your newborn can help you respond to your baby’s hunger signs and breastfeed frequently, which helps boost your milk supply.
- Watch for feeding cues from your baby such as rooting, hand-to-mouth movements and times when baby is quiet and alert. Crying is a late sign of hunger.
- Colostrum is produced before and during your first few days after delivery. It may be clear or have a yellow tint. Sometimes it is referred to as “liquid gold” because it is packed full of nutritional benefits including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting antibodies. Colostrum transitions to breastmilk and digests in about 1.5 hours, so baby may demonstrate hunger cues earlier than 3 hours.
- Breastfed babies cannot be overfed. Feed on demand.
- Alternate breasts every feeding. If the baby nurses longer than 20-30 minutes, it is okay to switch sides.
- The wider and deeper the latch, the more colostrum/breastmilk is transferred and the more comfortable for mom.
- Ask for help with positioning and latching your baby to the breast as needed. Football and cross cradle are the best positions for newborns.
- Avoid pacifiers and artificial nipples for the first 3-4 weeks.
Outpatient Lactation Services
Breastfeeding is very important to us at Norman Regional HealthPlex, which is why our team is available seven days a week. If you need additional help once you and your baby are home, please don’t hesitate to call us at 405-515-3532. We will schedule a time to sit down with you and your baby and provide hands-on help to alleviate the stress or confusion you’re experiencing. As part of the visit, we will weigh your baby before and after a feeding to ensure they are getting the breast milk they need. A doctor’s order is required for most insurance to cover the visit. (Orders to be faxed by OB or pediatrician to 405-515-3604)
- Norman Regional is one of the only hospitals in Oklahoma with Advanced Perinatal Certification. Features exclusive breastfeeding rates, consistently exceeding the national benchmark.
- Lactation Services’ goal is to support our mother's decision to breastfeed, not only while in the hospital, but for the baby’s first six months. (As recommended by the CDC, AAP, and WHO)
- We offer outpatient lactation consultations provided by our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC).
- Whether you delivered here at Norman Regional, with a midwife, or at another surrounding hospital, we are here to ensure that ALL mothers who wish to breastfeed have the help, resources and support needed to meet their goals.
- A newly renovated, spacious, lactation office located at the Norman Regional HealthPlex, located at 3300 HealthPlex Parkway, is scheduled to open in Spring 2023! The new office will be easily accessible, right outside the elevators on the Labor and Delivery floor.
- One-on-one consultations with a minimum one-hour appointment time.
Breastfeeding help
- Norman Regional HealthPlex Lactation Services – 405-515-3532
- COBA – okbreastfeeding.org
- Meets the third Wednesday of every month at Norman Public Library Central 2nd floor, Rose Rock Room
- Oklahoma Breastfeeding Hotline – 877-271-MILK (6455)
- Families can contact Hotline IBCLCs two ways. Call: 877-271-MILK (6455) or Text: OK2BF to 61222.
- Staff reply to all non-urgent contacts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and reply to all urgent contacts within one hour 24/7.
- Droplet – firstdroplets.com
- Oklahoma Mother’s Milk Bank – okmilkbank.org
Additional Resources
Norman Regional’s Lactation Services Booklet (PDF)
Norman Regional’s Late Preterm Booklet (PDF)
Baby’s Daily Feeding Record (PDF)
Baby’s Second Night Tips (PDF)
Hand Expression (PDF)