Breastfeeding Basics

The first milk you produce after birth is thick, nutrient-rich colostrum.  Your mature milk will come in within several days.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby.

For your baby, it:

• Has all the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.
• Boosts immunity.
• Helps with brain development.
• Is easier to digest than formula, helping prevent constipation and colic.
• Can lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), infections, some long-term illnesses, and allergies.  Read more here.

It helps you by:

• Strengthening the bond between you and your baby.
• Helping your uterus return to its normal size and reducing postpartum bleeding.

It’s normal to feel some discomfort or have trouble feeding at first, but things should improve as you and your baby get used to breastfeeding.

These tips can help:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Get plenty of rest.  Try resting when your baby sleeps.
• Feed on demand, whenever your baby shows hunger cues.
• Do not skip feedings.  Breastfeed or pump regularly.
• Find a comfortable position.

It's very important to avoid medications that can transfer to your baby through breast milk.  Read more here.

If you're struggling, ask for help before giving up!

Here are a few ways to encourage breastfeeding:

1) Get a proper latch.  

• Make sure your baby’s mouth covers both your nipple and areola (the darker area around the nipple).
• Read more here.  

2) Breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry.  

• Feed as soon as your baby shows early signs, like rooting or sucking on their hands, instead of waiting for them to cry.

3) Use skin-to-skin contact.  

• Holding your baby against your bare chest can help with bonding and stimulate milk production.

4) Burp your baby during and after feeding.  

• This helps reduce gas and keeps them comfortable until the next feeding.

5) Offer your baby both breasts at each feeding, alternating which one you start with.

Track how often you're feeding and which breast you start with in an app or on a sheet of paper.

Remember: You can't nurse too often, but you can nurse too little.

Feed according to your baby's age:

Newborn (0 to 2 months)

• Feed every 2 to 3 hours, 8 to 12 times a day.
• Wake them every 2 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night if they're not waking up on their own.

Age 2 to 4 months

• Feed every 3 to 4 hours, 7 to 9 times a day.
• Their feedings may get a bit longer and less frequent.

Age 4 to 6 months

• Continue breastfeeding on demand, about 6 to 8 times a day.

Age 6 months and older

• Breastfeed 4 to 6 times a day.
• You can also introduce solid foods, but breast milk should still be their primary source of nutrition until about 12 months.
• If you add food, start with soft, single-ingredient foods like mashed vegetables or baby cereal.

Some moms face challenges in their breastfeeding journey.  Here are a few common ones and how to handle them.

1) Sore nipples

• May be caused by an improper latch or frequent feeding.
• Try using nipple creams.
• Or try adjusting your baby’s position to improve their latch.  Read more about getting a proper latch here.  Try these positions to find the best one for you and your baby.

2) Clogged milk ducts

• When milk doesn’t flow properly, it can cause lumps and discomfort.
• Try massaging the area and feeding more frequently.

3) Balancing breastfeeding and returning to work

• Pumping and storing milk can help make it easier if you want to continue breastfeeding.

4) Pain while breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding should not be painful.  If you have pain, try relatching your baby.
• If the pain persists, talk to your OB (obstetrician) or lactation consultant.

Contact your OB or pediatrician if your baby:

• Isn't making enough wet diapers as shown here by age.
• Isn’t gaining weight as expected.
• Seems very sleepy during feedings.
• Seems unsatisfied after feedings.

Contact your OB if:

• Breastfeeding is still painful after the first few days.
• Your breasts feel painfully full and swollen.
• You have pain, redness, and fever (symptoms of a breast infection called mastitis).

Consider reaching out to the following for help and guidance:

1) A lactation consultant

• This is a specialist who helps with breastfeeding challenges.  
• Find one here: The Lactation Network or International Lactation Consultant Association

2) Breastfeeding support groups

• Groups like La Leche League offer support and advice from other moms and experts.

3) National resources like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

• WIC offers breastfeeding support and resources for eligible families.

4) Your doctor or pediatrician.

• They can provide advice and refer you to additional breastfeeding resources.