Breastfeeding Resources

Guidance for Families with Breastfeeding Goals

Breastfeeding is a skill that both mother and baby learn together. We want to be there to walk alongside you on this journey, helping you to find the information you need to succeed.

Growing Stronger Together Podcast

Growing Stronger Together is a podcast for people who care about children. Hear from the medical experts with ETSU Health on a variety of topics, including from Gloria Dudney, RN, IBCLC, RLC about breastfeeding (recorded Aug. 1, 2022).

American Academy of Pediatrics Breastfeeding Updates 2022

The American Academy of Pediatrics updated their policies in 2022 to provide more support for breastfeeding families. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the infant's first 6 months. After that, breastfeeding should continue alongside nutritious complementary foods. They also support breastfeeding beyond 1 year and up to 2 years, citing continued benefits — especially in the mother. These benefits include protections against diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers of the breast and ovaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

• If I’m going to breastfeed am I going to have to feed my baby every hour?

  The breastmilk that your baby drinks for the first few days is called colostrum—a low-volume, high-impact milk that is thick and naturally yellow in color. Because it is low in volume (just a few milliliters per feeding), your baby will need to breastfeed very often.  

  When your milk transitions to the higher-volume mature breast-milk (around day 3 after delivery), your baby will be able to go a little bit longer between feedings. As baby continues to grow and drink more volume per feeding, feeding will occur less often.

• If I breastfeed, can I give my baby a pacifier or a bottle?

  An analysis of pacifier research from the last 25 years revealed that, in the family who is motivated to breastfeed, pacifier use did not disrupt breastfeeding.

  Of course, it is important to avoid giving a pacifier before you’ve given a feeding. Contact your lactation consultant if you sense that your baby is not settled after a feeding from the breast.

  Offering your baby a bottle of breast milk is also OK as long as your breast pump can effectively drain your breasts, and you express your milk if the baby is not nursing for that particular feeding. This can protect your milk supply, which protects your long-term breastfeeding relationship.

• Do all breast pumps work the same?

  Like most products, breast pumps have different features and varying levels of quality. In general, “you get what you pay for,” but there are nuances between them that your lactation consultant can help you examine.

  The most important consideration is how often you will be using the breast pump instead of the baby to drain your breasts at a feeding time. The new wearable pumps are convenient, but because of small motor size, cannot always drain the breasts well.  Your lactation consultant can help you review your options.

Important Updates for Patients with TennCare *

1. TennCare Medicaid and CoverKids now cover lactation consultation services from in-network providers.
2. Birth parents or babies with TennCare Medicaid, CoverKids or TennCareSelect coverage may receive medically appropriate outpatient services during pregnancy and through the extended postpartum period.
3. Patients can receive services:
   1. One-on-one
   2. In a small group setting
   3. In-person or through telehealth
4. There are no limits to the number of consultation visits.

*Source and Additional Resources

Long-term breastmilk production is largely driven by the first 48 hours postpartum. Prenatal breastfeeding education that includes a plan for what to do if things aren’t going the way you pictured is the best way to protect your milk supply.

Where to Find Support

Families enjoy a better chance at breastfeeding success when the mother and her partner are able to receive breastfeeding education in a private consultation – before the baby is born. We’re here to help. 

At ETSU Health's Regional Lactation Referral Center, we will help calm your fears and build your confidence. We offer expert help, building a personalized plan for your family's breastfeeding success.

Expecting parents who are patients of ETSU Health OB/GYN are automatically scheduled for prenatal lactation consultations. ETSU Health Pediatrics families are referred for postpartum lactation consultations as needed. Patients receiving care with another OB or pediatrics group are welcome to call (423) 439-7272 to schedule a consultation.

Our registered lactation consultant will review your medical history, explore your infant feeding options, and develop a plan for the early days and weeks after delivery that is tailored to you and your needs.

As with any new skill, the more you can prepare for it, the more confident you will be when the moment arrives.

More Information

Watch the video below to learn more about the benefits of a prenatal lactation consultation, and why it benefits more than first-time mothers.

Receive Breastfeeding Advice Before Your Baby Is Born

Providers

Gloria Dudney, RN, IBCLC, RLC

Gloria has been walking alongside families for 30 years and is now caring for her second generation of mothers and babies. She has been a pioneer in breastfeeding support for the families of our community and now speaks nationally, sharing insights with physicians and nurses eager to help families protect breastfeeding continuation.

Why ETSU Health?

The Region’s Only Provider of Prenatal Lactation Consultations

Gloria Dudney, RN, has been serving the families of our community for 30 years as a pediatric nurse and lactation consultant. She developed the region’s first postpartum lactation clinic and is proud to be at ETSU Health launching the region’s first prenatal lactation clinic. At ETSU Health OB/GYN’s Lactation Referral Center, expecting parents from across the region can schedule a consult with Gloria — regardless of where you receive your prenatal care. Many insurance plans are accepted and self-pay plans are available. Call our office at (423) 439-7272 for details.

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