The short answer
A lactation provider helps with latching, nipple pain, milk supply, and pumping. Reach out early if feeding still hurts after the first few seconds, or if your baby has fewer than 6 wet diapers a day after day 5. Phia members can text a feeding question any time, and a lactation provider can join the conversation.
Reviewed by the Phia care team
Lactation help, already caught up.
When you need more than an answer, a lactation provider can join your thread. You never start over.
What a lactation provider can help with
A lactation provider, often an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), helps with the practical side of feeding. Common reasons to reach out:
A latch that still hurts after the first few seconds
Worry that your baby is not getting enough milk
Sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples
Pumping, storing milk, or going back to work
Combining breast milk and formula, or weaning
Signs feeding is going well
In the first weeks, the CDC lists these signs that your baby is getting enough:
Your baby feeds 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, including at night
You can see or hear your baby swallowing
Your baby seems content after most feeds
From day 5 on, at least 6 wet diapers and 3 dirty diapers a day
Your baby is back to birth weight by about day 10 to 14
Things to try first
If a latch hurts past the first few seconds, gently break the suction with a clean finger and try again.
Feed often. Every 1 to 3 hours is normal in the early weeks.
Rinse sore nipples with plain water and let them air dry. A little breast milk or purified lanolin can help.
Write down feeds and diapers for a day. It makes any conversation with a provider faster.
Call the pediatrician today if
After day 5, your baby has fewer than 6 wet diapers or fewer than 3 dirty diapers a day
Your baby feeds fewer than 8 times a day on most days
Your baby is still losing weight after day 5
Your baby’s skin or the whites of the eyes look yellow
You are worried about your baby’s health or feeding
Call your own clinician today if
You have a fever or feel like you have the flu
Part of your breast is red, hot, hard, or very painful
Pain is getting worse, or has not improved after a few days
Get emergency care now if
Your baby is hard to wake, is having trouble breathing, or seems very sick. Call 911. Do not wait for a text reply.
How Phia helps with feeding
Text Phia your question in your own words, any time. Phia’s AI care agent answers first and keeps track of what you share. When you need more, a lactation provider can join the same text thread.
Chat with Phia’s providers is included in the $19 a month membership. Some Pennsylvania Medicaid plans cover Phia when Phia has a contract with the plan, and covered members typically pay nothing. Phia works alongside your OB and your baby’s pediatrician. It does not replace them, and in-person lactation visits are not included.
Ask it the way you would say it
LatchingText Phia about LatchingMy baby isn’t latching well
That sounds hard, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. A lactation provider can join this text and help you work on it.
How it works
Every conversation starts with a text. If it needs a clinician, one joins the same thread, so you never repeat yourself or switch apps.
01
Text Phia
Ask about latching, supply, pumping, or anything else. No app to download.
02
Phia answers
Phia’s AI care agent replies any hour and keeps track of what you share.
03
A lactation provider joins
When you need more, a lactation provider steps into the chat, already caught up.
Good to know.
Still have questions? Text Phia or email care@phiahealth.com.
Sources
CDC. Newborn Breastfeeding Basics
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. How to Tell If Baby Is Getting Enough Milk
Office on Women’s Health. Common questions about breastfeeding and pain
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, Revised 2022
General information, not medical advice. Phia does not replace your OB or your baby’s clinician and is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 911.
What does $19 a month include?
Your membership includes chat access to Phia’s providers, including lactation support, plus support through pregnancy and postpartum. Some Pennsylvania Medicaid plans cover Phia when Phia has a contract with the plan. For covered members, there is typically no cost.
Is this an in-person lactation appointment?
No. Phia’s care is provided by text. Chat with its providers is included in membership.
Do I need an app?
No. Text Phia from your phone.
Does Phia replace my OB or my baby’s clinician?
No. Phia supports you alongside your existing care team.
What if I need urgent help?
Phia is not an emergency service. If you or your baby are in immediate danger, call 911 or seek emergency care.
Membership
$19/mo
Chat with Phia’s providers is included.
Text Phia your feeding question. No app, no forms.
A lactation provider can join the conversation.
Support through pregnancy and postpartum.