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Maternity & Breastfeeding

Maternity & Breastfeeding

Maternity & Breastfeeding



Breastfeeding resources and support for Guam's new moms

Throughout the Pacific region, breastfeeding has long been a cultural expression of care and connection passed down through generations. Re-embracing this tradition, both as mothers and as supporters of breastfeeding mothers, strengthens our collective identity and nurturing spirit.

Please browse the resources we've posted on this webpage, which includes FAQs, local listings of lactation consultants and support groups, and helpful research-based resources. 

Here are some frequently asked questions that local lactation experts receive from both new moms and their supporters.

 

FAQs of New Moms

You'll know your baby is getting enough milk if he/she seems satisfied after a feed and his/her hands are in an open, relaxed state. Additionally, the baby should be gaining weight and going through an adequate number of diapers per day.
The breasts will be tender for a few days, but if breastfeeding hurts, you should consult lactation support to make sure the latch is good.
Most women make exactly what the baby needs and more. As long as you are feeding your baby on demand, you should make adequate milk for your baby.
Whenever your baby is showing feeding cues, like licking their lips, bringing hands to the face, sucking on fingers, and thrusting head forward. Crying is a late cue.
First, you must be eating and drinking enough food to support a healing body and a lactating body. Secondly, you can pump for about 10 minutes after breastfeeding to increase the hormones of lactation.

FAQs of Breastfeeding Supporters

Making sure the new mother has enough to eat is one excellent way to support new mothers as their body needs food to support a healing body as well as a lactating body. Additional ways to be supportive include:
  • bringing the baby to her for feeds
  • ensuring everything she needs for breastfeeding is clean and ready
  • helping change diapers
  • assisting with other chores
Bottle feeding can hinder breastmilk supply in the early days of lactation, as the time away from mommy will not help signal hormone release for milk production.
Pacifiers can be useful for babies needing to learn to suck. However, pacifiers can hinder milk supply because the baby will be using energy to suck the pacifier without gaining any sustenance and may tire easily when actually breastfeeding. 
Having the baby at the breast will help initiate milk to come in. Skin-to-skin contact and early feeding have been proven to help mom transition her milk.
Warm up cold or frozen milk by placing the container in a bowl of warm water until the ice crystals have melted. It is best not to boil or microwave breastmilk. 

This information was provided by members of Guam's Breastfeeding Action Team (BAT). BAT is a coalition established through the Department of Public Health & Social Services Non-Communicable Disease Consortium with the shared goal of promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding throughout Guam. The coalition is made up of representatives from various organizations, including the University of Guam, Guam WIC, TakeCare, and DPHSS, among others.

Practical breastfeeding tips for new parents

Drawing on widely taught principles from lactation training and clinical practice, here are some practical tips regarding breastfeeding for parents and their support systems.

1) Watch the baby, not the clock.

Instead of timing feeds, families are encouraged to look for early feeding cues, such as rooting, clenching fists, or bringing hands to the mouth. Responding to feeding cues reduces stress for mother and baby.

2) Positioning and latch are foundational.

A deep, comfortable latch protects nipples, improves milk transfer, and prevents common challenges. Skin-to-skin contact, a calm environment, and unhurried feeding time support better positioning.

3) Feed early and often.

Newborns typically nurse 8–12 times per day. Early and frequent milk removal signals the body to increase production and sets the stage for long-term milk supply.

4) Milk supply is driven by removal: “Empty more, make more.”

The more effectively milk is removed, the more the body produces. If a baby is not latching well, hand expression or pumping can help maintain supply.

5) Avoid unnecessary supplementation.

Introducing formula without medical need can interfere with milk supply and breastfeeding confidence. When supplementation is needed, lactation support can help families maintain breastfeeding while meeting medical goals.

6) Seek help early -- tiny adjustments make a big difference.

Lactation challenges are common and fixable. Whether it is nipple pain, engorgement, or concerns about supply, early guidance from a trained professional can prevent small issues from growing.

7) Remember that breastfeeding is a relationship.

It takes practice, patience, and compassion for both the baby and the mother.

 

By Dareon Rios, M.S., UOG Land Grant Extension Service

These resources were curated from the following organizations based on key needs shared in Guam-based focus groups with new mothers and supporters. Find even more topics at their websites below.

Online Breastfeeding Resources

UOG Land Grant Extension Service - Family & Consumer Sciences Office

Tel: (671) 735-2020
Office: Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Room 113

 

Matanane    Lenora

hours Office Hours:
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Expertise

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Rios    Dareon

hours Office Hours:
location Office Location:
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Expertise

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International Board Certified Lactation Consultants

Counseling

  • Dareon Rios, M.S. 
    Indigenous Lactation Counselor
    University of Guam Land Grant Extension Service
    (671)  475-2046
    riosd@triton.uog.edu 
  • WIC Guam Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Office
    (671)  475-0112
    Hotline: (671) 488-5171

Breastfeeding Support Groups in Guam

Maternity Stores with Breastfeeding Supplies

  • Baby & Me
    (671) 787-2229 (BABY)
    Micronesia Mall, Concourse 3, 2F
    Instagram: @babyandmeguam
  • Guam Baby Co.
    (671) 647-4262
    201 Route 30A (Fahrenholt Ave.), Suite 104, Tamuning
    Instagram: @guambabyco
 

 

USDA logoThe work of UOG Land Grant is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food & Agriculture and the government of Guam. USDA and UOG are equal-opportunity providers.