Though lactation advice is generally well-intended, it is not necessarily consistent with appropriate medical advice. It is often very general, when all situations with moms and infants are unique.
For example, patients being discharged from the hospital with a baby that has lost weight and mom’s milk production is low may be told to do “10-10-10.” For every feed, they are told 10 ml of formula, 10 minutes on each breast, and 10 minutes of pumping. 10 ml of formula per feed is not nearly enough for an infant who is taking little to zero breastmilk from mom. 10 ml of formula is not necessary (i.e. will do nothing) if mom’s milk significantly increases in volume (i.e. enough to feed baby) the day after discharge.
10 minutes at each breast in the setting of very low milk production will exhaust the baby, exhaust the mom, and result in excessive weight loss for the infant. 10 minutes at each breast for a mom whose milk has come in could be far too long, and a baby may need just a few minutes at one breast in the early newborn days.
If you find yourself confused by recommendations like these, consult with your pediatrician and seek evaluation if there is any question that the “plan” outlined for you is exhausting or you have a concern for your baby.
