Breastfeeding Benefits and Lactation Support
Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to help your baby grow up strong and healthy. Buckeye is here to support you every step of the way — at no cost to you!
Buckeye Medicaid Members Get:
- Free breast pump once a year (manual and electric)
- Up to 120 breast milk storage bags each month
- Free breastfeeding help from counselors who can answer your questions and support you
Breast milk has many benefits. The milk is full of important nutrients and special ingredients that help protect your baby against sickness, help their brain grow and can even boost their IQ. And breastfeeding is good for moms too. It helps your body heal after birth, creates a special bond with your baby, is free and burns calories to help you get back to your weight before pregnancy.
Helpful Tips for Breastfeeding:
- Before your baby is born: Take time to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding and make a plan so you feel confident when the baby comes. Try reading books, taking a class or talking to other moms.
- Start early: Try to breastfeed within the first hour after birth. Skin-to-skin time helps your baby latch on. The first milk (called colostrum) is thick, yellow and full of powerful nutrients your baby needs.
- Feed when baby is hungry: Your baby may suck on their hands or turn toward your breast when they’re hungry. Most newborns feed 8–12 times a day.
- Get comfy: Hold your baby close, tummy to tummy. Make sure their mouth is open wide and latched well to help avoid sore nipples.
- Drink water and eat healthy foods: Staying hydrated and eating well helps your body make more milk.
- Get some rest: Try to sleep or relax when your baby does. Rest helps your body recover and make more milk.
- Ask for help: Every mom and baby are different. It’s okay to need support! A lactation counselor can help with any questions about latching, milk supply or feeding.
- Go to well visits: These checkups are a good time to ask your doctor about feeding and make sure your baby is growing well.
Ready to Get Started?
Call Member Services at 1-866-246-4358 (TTY:711) and ask for Start Smart for Your Baby® to get pregnancy support.
Breastfeeding Helps Moms and Babies
For Your Baby:
- Helps protect them from getting sick
- Supports brain growth and may even help raise their IQ
- Keeps helping as your baby grows — breastfed babies may have fewer heart problems when they get older
- Gives extra nutrients and helps fight infections
For You:
- Helps your body heal after giving birth
- Builds a strong, loving bond with your baby
- Saves money — no need to buy formula or wash bottles
- Burns calories and may help you lose pregnancy weight
- Keeps your baby healthier, which means fewer trips to the doctor
Common Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Handle Them
Almost all women can breastfeed, no matter their body shape or size. But sometimes, it can be challenging. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your baby is latched on properly. Their mouth should cover more of the areola (the dark area around your nipple).
- Try using a warm compress before feeding and rub a few drops of breast milk on your nipples after feeding.
- If the pain continues, talk to a lactation consultant for help.
- You can also use lanolin cream to soothe sore nipples.
- Breastfeed often! The more you nurse, the more milk your body will make.
- Pumping regularly also helps keep your milk supply up. If you need to be away from your baby, you can pump and store breast milk.
- Make sure you drink enough water and eat healthy foods.
- Avoid alcohol and too much caffeine. These can pass into your milk and may not be safe for your baby
- Skin-to-skin contact with your baby can also help your milk production.
- If you can't breastfeed, some hospitals offer donor breast milk. It's safe because it's tested for bacteria and viruses.
- Try feeding your baby more often to help release the milk.
- Use a warm compress or take a warm shower before nursing.
- If your breasts still feel too full, gently hand-express or pump some milk for relief.
- Make sure your baby is latching on correctly and feeding long enough (about 15-20 minutes per breast).
- If you're worried, check in with your baby's doctor or a lactation consultant for advice.
- Discuss your baby’s weight at their next newborn well visit.
- Baby is:
- Not gaining weight or losing weight
- Has fewer than six wet diapers per day after the first five days
- Has yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Very sleepy and won’t wake up to feed
- Mom has:
- Breast pain, redness or swelling (could be a sign of infection needing medication)
- Cracked or bleeding nipples
- Fever or flu-like symptoms (could be mastitis, a breast infection)