Ask an Expert: Lactation FAQ's

Commonly asked questions from patients.

Tips and thoughts gathered from our UCSF lactation consultants.

Review our Ask an Expert: Lactation FAQ's curated by our very own lactation consultants.
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"You helped me through a really tough time. It’s so gratifying and I could not be more glad I stuck with it, which was largely thanks to your encouragement and practical help in that critical period. Thank you, thank you - I wish everyone could have such a positive breastfeeding outcome and lactation support crew - what a game changer. I hope you are well and I smile thinking of the families you are helping since you helped ours. Lucky them!"

How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk from breastfeeding?

  • Listen: Baby will make a 'ca' sound when swallowing. The more swallows you hear, the better.
    Look: Wide, slow jaw movements signal good drinking. It is also normal for babies to pause between sucking bursts.
    Feel: Breasts are softer after feeding, and baby's arms and hands are relaxed.
    Count: 6+ wet diapers after 6 days of age with soft, yellow stools.
    Weigh: Babies gain 1 oz./30 g per day from 0-3 months.

My partner wants to bottle-feed the baby at night so that I can get more sleep. How do we do this?
Introduce a bottle after your baby is three weeks old and breastfeeding is well-established. Some families may need to give bottles sooner if there are feeding issues, so follow the recommendations of your baby's health care provider or a lactation consultant. Do paced bottle-feeding with a slow-flow nipple to prevent a bottle preference. You can find videos online demonstrating paced bottle-feeding. It should take at least 5 minutes to feed 1 oz. (30 mL), so a 3 oz. bottle would take 15 minutes or more, for example. Pump each time your baby gets a bottle to protect your milk supply. Your body is primed to feed your baby frequently, so it may not be possible in the early weeks for you to go more than 4-5 hours without removing milk from your breasts. Some parents find that they can extend their window of sleep by 1-2 hours while their partner bottle-feeds the baby before they have to pump. That longer block of sleep often makes a big difference! As your baby starts to sleep longer stretches, you and your partner can enjoy more sleep, too. Nighttime bottles don't work for all families, and there are other ways to maximize your sleep: Take a nap at the same time as your baby. Sleep in while a support person cares for your baby. Go to bed early.

My baby fed almost constantly for a few hours last night. Is this normal?
Yes. This is called cluster feeding and is a very common behavior. It's not a cause for concern as long as your baby is making lots of diapers and gaining weight well. Cluster feeding can be intense and exhausting. A few things may make it easier: Learn the side-lying position so that you can rest while feeding. Keep snacks nearby that you can easily eat one-handed. Enjoy your favorite books, shows, and podcasts. Contact your baby's health care provider or a lactation consultant if you suspect that your baby is not getting enough milk at the breast.