Breastfeeding Basics: A Lactation Consultant Shares What New Parents Need to Know

Breastfeeding can feel exciting and a little overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. Bonnie Occhiuzzo, a lactation consultant at Riverside Healthcare, says the key is to remember that every baby and every family is different.

“Your baby is unique and you can’t compare them to everybody else,” she states. “You have to go into this knowing that it’s your baby and your baby is one of a kind.” With 16 years of nursing experience and four years as a certified lactation consultant, Occhiuzzo has helped many families through the early days of feeding. She also breastfed all four of her own children. “It wasn’t easy. There were obstacles along the way,” she shares. “So, I’m very passionate about it.”

Common Worries in the First Days

One of the biggest fears new parents share is that they do not have enough milk. Occhiuzzo hears this question often. “They can’t see it, so it’s very hard for them to believe it’s there,” she explains.

The first milk, called colostrum, is thick and concentrated. Babies only need a small amount because their stomachs are tiny. “Babies’ bellies are like the size of a marble,” Occhiuzzo notes. “They’re not requiring a lot.”

Mature milk usually comes in about three to five days after birth. Frequent nursing helps that process move faster. “The more baby’s coming to the breast, the more it’s going to keep telling the body to make more milk,” she advises.

How to Tell Baby Is Getting Enough

Since parents cannot measure milk, they often wonder how to know feedings are working. Occhiuzzo suggests watching the baby rather than the clock. Signs include the jaw moving in a steady rocking motion, small swallowing sounds, and relaxed hands as the baby gets full.

“When baby’s starting to slow down, not really moving their jaw as much, and beginning to get sleepy, that usually means they’re getting full,” Occhiuzzo offers.

Getting a Good Latch

Latch is one of the most important parts of breastfeeding. A poor latch can cause pain and keep the baby from getting enough milk. Occhiuzzo advises bringing baby “tummy to tummy” and lining the baby’s nose with the nipple before latching. The bottom lip should go on first so the nipple reaches the soft part of the baby’s mouth.
“Our goal is definitely not pain,” she says. “You might have a little soreness, but you don’t want your nipples to be bleeding and cracking.” If pain is getting worse, she urges parents to reach out for help right away.

Feeding Schedules and Cues

Breastfed babies usually need to eat about every three hours, but many will show hunger sooner. Early cues include bringing hands to the mouth, sticking out the tongue, or getting fussy. “I usually tell moms, go by the baby, not the clock,” Occhiuzzo emphasizes. Tracking apps such as Baby Tracker can help parents remember feeding times, diapers, and weight.

Breast, Bottle, or Both

Many families combine breastfeeding and pumping. Occhiuzzo supports whatever plan works best. “Do what works best for you,” she reinforces. “There’s no right answer.”

Occhiuzzo recommends focusing on breastfeeding for the first three to four weeks if possible. Then, gradually introducing a bottle so babies do not refuse it later.

Support Makes a Difference

Breastfeeding is a learning process for both parent and baby. Occhiuzzo reminds families to give themselves grace and use support when they need it. “It takes time, but you’re not alone and there’s people to help,” she assures. “The most important thing to do when you’re freaking out, just bring baby skin to skin.”

Riverside offers breastfeeding classes, outpatient lactation visits, and a local Facebook support group run by trained professionals. Parents can connect with Occhiuzzo directly after delivery for guidance. With the right information and support, she believes families can find a path that feels comfortable and successful for them. Click here for  more information about educational offerings and resources  from the Riverside Family Birthing Center.