Webinar: How RNs Can Provide Early Breastfeeding Support and Breast Pump Education
Breastfeeding support is a critical part of the care that Registered Nurses in the Welcome Baby program provide to families during the newborn period. Having evidence-informed guidance on milk supply basics, pump use and hygiene, milk storage, and strategies for navigating common feeding challenges is essential to helping families feel supported and confident in their journey.
In an LA Best Babies Network-hosted webinar on May 21, 2026 — for Registered Nurses and other staff of our network’s home visiting organizations and Welcome Baby hospitals — Kaylee Rabaja, an RN and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, discussed:
- Access to breast pumps
- How milk supply works
- How to prioritize breastfeeding the first few days of life
- Different types of pumps on the market
- How to make pumps (and flanges) work efficiently
- When and why to initiate pumping
- How to maintain, increase, or decrease milk supply with pumping
- Pump hygiene and milk storage
Kaylee explained that during pregnancy and after delivery, hormones help prepare the body to produce milk, but frequent stimulation is what tells the body how much milk a baby needs. This stimulation can happen through latching, pumping, or hand expression, all of which help support ongoing milk production.
She also highlighted what families can typically expect during the first few days after birth. On day one, newborns often rely on reflexive latching and spend a lot of time resting. Between days two through five, babies may become more alert and begin cluster feeding, which is frequent feeding over short periods of time. After day five, feeding on demand — usually 8–12 times daily — helps support healthy milk supply and infant growth.
Kaylee emphasized the importance of latch confidence as well. A comfortable and effective latch supports efficient milk removal and helps parents feel more confident feeding their baby independently. Understanding when supplementation may or may not be needed is also an important part of supporting breastfeeding success.
Her webinar concluded with guidance on when and why pumping may be recommended, while still protecting the breastfeeding relationship. Pumping can support milk supply, help families meet feeding goals, and provide flexibility when medically necessary or when parents return to work or school.
We didn’t have permission to record this webinar, but see related resources below
About the presenter:
Kaylee Rabaja is a registered nurse, international board-certified lactation consultant, and founder of LactationConsultant.com, a global virtual practice that supports families in feeling confident on their feeding journey. She is pursuing her PhD and actively contributes to clinical research on breast pumps. Kaylee is passionate about bringing evidence-based information to support families worldwide.
Related resources: