I sat down with Dana Havard, RN, IBCLC to talk about the burning questions new parents have around breastfeeding and lactation. Her years of work in a hospital family birthing center as a lactation consultant inspired her to create a course for increasing milk supply. 

Question 1: Why did you create “Every Last Drop: Addressing Low Milk Supply”?

I see so many new moms who are worried about their milk production. On the one hand, we aren’t taught what’s normal for a breastfed baby, how our breasts work, or how to tell a baby is getting enough, so it’s no surprise moms are left wondering. We’ve also got a lot of pressure and messaging in our society to give babies bottles. And of course social posts that show unreasonable, and often forced, breastmilk oversupply, so moms end up comparing and panicked their supply is low when it’s not. Mom may also be hearing advice that is contradictory and will actually decrease her milk over time. So I wanted to help by providing accurate information. 

Question 2: Ok, but what about lactation cookies?

Lactation cookies contain foods or supplements that are thought to indirectly influence the hormone responsible for milk production. 

Are they scientifically proven? No. 

Do they work for everyone? No. 

The biggest misunderstanding  is thinking by eating or taking any supplement your milk will magically increase. It takes milk removal to make more milk. 

Question 3: If I haven’t had my baby yet, is this course a good fit?

This course will be a great addition to any prenatal education and gives you a better foundation for understanding why low supply occurs and how to prevent it. 

Question 4: What is your advice for a mom needing to return to work?

Yes, you can work and continue to breastfeed! Start with exclusive and unrestricted direct nursing. Invest in a good double electric pump, though most insurance companies will pay for this. Why do they? Because the longer you breastfeed, the healthier you both are! 

Avoid the wearable pumps if you can. Make sure you find the size flange which is most comfortable and gets the most milk for you and is not always going to be what the “flange rulers” indicate. I go over this more in detail as action steps in the course “Every Last Drop”. 

Question 5: I’m not leaking, am I going to be able to make enough milk?

Not leaking during pregnancy is quite normal and has no bearing on your ability to produce milk. In fact, by the 15th week of gestation, you already are producing milk whether you leak or not! 

Not leaking during breastfeeding is also normal. 

Question 6: What’s the most common bad advice you see given to breastfeeding parents?

Unfortunately, there’s way more than just one piece of bad advice out there! But I’m going to say it’s a toss up between being told to give formula when not medically indicated and being told to pump & dump milk because of medications that are actually safe- but the OB or pediatrician didn’t have any breastfeeding education during their training so they aren’t a reliable resource. 

Check out “Every Last Drop: Addressing Low Milk Supply” to learn what’s normal, and what you CAN DO to maximize your milk supply.