Webinar: Helping Families Thrive: Early Breastfeeding & Pumping Support (PART 2)
This is Part Two of a two-part breastfeeding and pumping webinar series that focuses on the first two months of a baby’s life. See our post on Part One here.
During this important period, Parent Coaches in the Welcome Baby program play a valuable role in providing families with practical support, education, and encouragement.
In an LA Best Babies Network-hosted webinar on November 2, 2026 — for Parent Coaches and other staff of our network’s home visiting organizations and Welcome Baby hospitals — Jessica Neubauer, Registered Nurse and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, discussed the issues below.
Key Outcomes
- Normal breastfeeding changes after the first two months include shorter, more efficient feedings and a reduction in breast fullness and leaking as supply regulates.
- Concerns about low supply are common and often caused by normal changes. Actual low supply is marked by poor weight gain, fewer than 6 wet diapers daily, or consistent pumping decreases.
- Returning to work requires planning 2–3 months postpartum, including practicing pumping and introducing bottles to maintain supply and prepare the baby.
- Pace bottle feeding is critical to prevent breast refusal by mimicking the breast and slowing milk flow.
- Weaning is a personal choice. The AAP recommends breastfeeding for up to 2 years or as long as desired, with partial weaning often recommended first.
Normal Changes vs. Warning Signs
- Normal changes
- Baby becomes more efficient; feedings may drop from 30+ minutes to 5–15 minutes.
- Breasts feel softer, less full, and leak less as supply regulates.
- Cluster feeding can occur during growth spurts and is often temporary.
- Warning signs
- Poor weight gain or falling off the growth curve.
- Fewer than 6 wet diapers per day.
- Consistent decrease in pumping output alongside other signs of inadequate intake.
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, lethargy, or sunken fontanelle.
Causes of Actual Supply Dips
- Menstruation: Blood loss can cause a temporary dip; magnesium, calcium, and zinc supplements may help.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pseudoephedrine (e.g., Sudafed) can decrease supply.
- Pregnancy: A new pregnancy can cause supply to drop.
- Pump maintenance: Silicone parts may need replacement every 1–2 months depending on the manufacturer.
- Flange fit: Nipple size can change over time, requiring a new flange size.
- Hormonal disorders: PCOS, infertility, Hashimoto’s, thyroid disorder, and diabetes can affect lactation; medical management may be needed.
- Sleep patterns: Babies sleeping longer stretches may require an added nighttime pumping session (e.g., around the 4-hour mark) to maintain supply.
Returning to Work and Pumping
- Timing: Start preparing 2–3 months before returning to work; begin pumping 3–4 weeks postpartum to build a small stash.
- Stash goal: 15–20 ounces is often sufficient for the first day back; freeze flat in varying amounts (2, 3, 4 oz) for customization.
- Pumping frequency: Aim to replace the number of feeds the baby takes while away; typically every 3–4 hours.
- Sample 8-hour schedule: Nurse before work, pump around 9–10 AM, 12–1 PM (lunch), and 3–4 PM, then nurse upon returning home.
- Sample 12-hour schedule: Nurse before work, pump around 9 AM, lunch, and a third/fourth session depending on baby’s needs.
- Workplace rights: Federal pumping act protections require a private space (not a bathroom) and reasonable breaks.
Bottle Feeding and Breast Refusal
- Pace feeding
- Keep baby in a side-lying position or sitting up to mimic breastfeeding.
- Use a triangle-shaped nipple with the slowest flow possible (slow flow, level 0, or ultra-slow flow).
- Feedings should take 10–15 minutes to allow fullness signals to register.
- Responsive feeding
- Start with smaller volumes (e.g., 3 oz) and add more only if the baby shows hunger cues.
- Do not force the baby to finish the bottle.
- Breast refusal strategies
- Offer the breast frequently but without pressure.
- Use skin-to-skin contact.
- Offer the breast after a partial bottle feed (e.g., 2–3 oz) as “dessert.”
Feeding Transitions and Weaning
- Combination feeding
- Breast milk and formula have different compositions; breast milk macros change over time, while formula does not.
- Do not mix breast milk and formula in the same bottle due to different storage guidelines (breast milk: 4 days refrigerated; formula: 24 hours refrigerated).
- Starting solids
- AAP recommends starting solids at 6 months when signs of readiness appear (including sitting unassisted, showing interest).
- Breast milk/formula remains the primary nutrition source until 12 months.
- Weaning strategies
- Partial weaning: Keep nap and bedtime sessions, gradually dropping others.
- Complete weaning: Drop one feed at a time; use “don’t offer, don’t refuse” method.
- Toddlers: Use distractions, snacks, and cuddles to replace the comfort/connection of breastfeeding.
Emotional Support and Referrals
- Emotional aspects
- Feeding transitions may include guilt, relief, grief, and identity changes.
- Reassure clients that breastfeeding is not “all or nothing” and any amount of breast milk provides benefits.
- When to refer to a pediatrician
- Diaper concerns (fewer than 6 wet diapers/day).
- Poor feeding, lethargy, vomiting, suspected dehydration, jaundice, or fever >100.4.
- Growth concerns.
- When to refer to an IBCLC
- Painful latch or nipple damage.
- Actual low supply or oversupply (which can cause clogged ducts, mastitis, or baby gagging/refusing).
- Difficulty latching, breast refusal, challenging pumping questions, or weaning support.
This webinar was not recorded, but see the slides and other resources below.
About the presenter:
Jessica Neubauer is a bilingual Registered Nurse, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and clinical educator with Lactology Group, where she works alongside Kaylee Rabaja. She has experience supporting moms and babies both in the hospital and through outpatient lactation care. She has developed and taught prenatal breastfeeding and baby care classes in both English and Spanish.
Jessica is especially passionate about helping families feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their feeding journey, recognizing that every family’s experience can look different. She also has a strong interest in maternal wellness, postpartum recovery, and nutrition.
Related resources:
- Presentation slides coming soon
- Lactology Group blog
- Related posts in the Stronger Families Blog: