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Maternity & Breastfeeding

Maternity & Breastfeeding

Maternity & Breastfeeding

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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, listings of lactation consultants and support groups in Guam, and helpful research-based resources. 

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

 

FAQs of New Moms

Breasftfeeding sessions are best ended by the baby. You'll know your baby is getting enough milk if he/she seems satisfied after a feed. This is evident if his/her hands are in an open, relaxed state, not clenched, if his/her arms are in a relaxed state, and if his/her eyebrows aren't furled. The ultimate proof of successful breastfeeding is a baby who is responsive and interactive, growing well, and producing an adequate number of wet and dirty diapers per day.
The breasts will be tender for a few days. While nipple pain may be common, it is not normal and you should consult lactation support to ensure a proper latch.
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 he/she is showing feeding cues. Feeding cues are signs that the baby is in a state that is favorable to feeding.

 

Feeding cues include:

    • Rooting – turning the head, especially with searching movements of the mouth
    • Increased alertness, especially rapid eye movement (REM) under closed eyelids
    • Flexing of the arms and legs
    • Attempting to bring a hand to the mouth
    • Sucking on a fist or finger
    • Mouthing motions of the lips and tongue

Crying is considered a late feeding cue.

First, determine the goals for building a milk supply. 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 a feed to increase the hormones of lactation.

FAQs of Breastfeeding Supporters

Making sure the new mother has enough to eat and drink and gets adequate rest in between feeds are two excellent ways to support new mothers, as their body needs food and rest to support healing and lactating. 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 in the packing and storing of excess milk 
  • 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.
  • Always thaw frozen breastmilk in the container in which it was frozen. Refrigerators are an excellent place to defrost frozen milk.
  • Refrigerated or frozen milk can be warmed in a container of lukewarm water or under lukewarm, running tap water until all ice crystals have melted.
  • Never use a microwave to thaw or warm 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 breastfeeding 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:
location Office Location:
Mailing Address:

Expertise

  • Tel:
  • Mobile:
  • Fax:
  • website

Rios    Dareon

hours Office Hours:
location Office Location:
Mailing Address:

Expertise

  • Tel:
  • Mobile:
  • Fax:
  • website

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.

 

 

 


POSTERS FOR DOWNLOAD

Posters to Help Breastfeeding Moms

  • A poster featuring a content breastfeeding mother sitting among the trees
  • A graphic poster showing a mom holding her sleeping baby with silhouhettes of other moms holding babies behind her.
  • A floral background poster featuring a content-looking mother breastfeeding her child.
  • A graphic image of a mom standing while breastfeeding her baby in a bathroom stall.

Posters to Help Supporters

  • A graphic image of a Pacific Islander couple in a public park with the father standing closely by the mother while she breastfeeds.  
  • A poster featuring a graphic image of a Pacific Islander mother breastfeeding against a backdrop of tropical leaves. 
  • A poster featuring a father and son in superhero attire with thought bubbles asking common breastfeeding questions. 
  • A poster featuring a photo of a father and young daughter washing dishes with an inset photo of a mother contentedly breastfeeding her baby.
  • A poster featuring a photo of a crying baby being held by its mother.