How to breastfeed

It’s good to learn the basics of breastfeeding to make sure you and your baby get the most out of the experience and so your baby gets a complete feeding each time.

If you need help, be sure to meet with a lactation consultant.

Getting ready to feed your baby

Being ready for a feeding helps you relax. And being relaxed will help your let-down reflex, a process that releases milk when your baby feeds.

Get ready and relaxed

• Slip into a loose blouse or a shirt that can be easily raised.
• Settle down in a warm, quiet, darkened room. Newborns have trouble opening their eyes in bright light.
• Have a drink nearby. Your baby isn’t the only one who’ll get thirsty.
• Use one or more pillows to support your arms and the baby. Support your back with a pillow, and use a stool to raise your feet.
• Make sure your baby is alert so he or she will latch on.
• Have a lightweight blanket handy to cover your nursing baby, if you want more privacy.

Get in the right position

• The right position will help your baby latch on and get a full feeding.
• Good breastfeeding positions are the cradle hold, the football hold, and the side-lying position. See  Breast-Feeding Positions.
• Experiment to find the positions that are most comfortable for you and your baby.
• Switch positions now and then to help reduce nipple soreness.
• Switch breasts from feeding to feeding. This helps you to empty each breast completely.

Get your baby properly latched on

Getting your baby properly latched on will help your baby get a good feeding. It will help prevent sore nipples, blocked milk ducts, and breast infections. The pain and frustration of an improper latch is one of main reasons some women stop breast-feeding.

For all breastfeeding positions

• Turn your baby toward you. You should be tummy to tummy with your baby’s nose right in front of your nipple.
• Support and narrow your breast with one hand. Use your other arm to support your baby’s back and head.
• Touch your baby’s lower lip with your nipple to get your baby to open his or her mouth. When your baby opens wide, bring him or her quickly to your breast.
• Use your other hand to guide your breast into your baby’s mouth.
• Make sure your baby’s lips are flared outward to cover your nipple and as much of your areola (the darker area around your nipple) as possible.
• Listen for a regular sucking and swallowing pattern while your baby is feeding. Your baby’s ears will wiggle slightly when he or she swallows.
• Relax and breast-feed your baby.
• When your baby is finished, gently break the latch by placing your little finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth.

How to know when your baby is finished

Let your baby feed until he or she is satisfied – your baby will let you know when that is. After a while, you will learn when your baby has fed long enough or needs to be encouraged to finish.

• Your baby is getting full when he or she sucks more slowly, pulls off, or loses interest.
• Offer the other breast if the first breast feels empty. Usually your baby will continue breast-feeding but for less time than on the first breast.
• Sometimes a baby will want to continue feeding after being burped. Burp your baby. Gently pat your baby’s back to help him or her let out any swallowed air.
• Offer your breast again.
• If your baby falls asleep before finishing breast-feeding, you may need to waken him or her to finish.

To learn more about your baby’s feeding needs, see Feeding Patterns.

How often to feed your baby

You can’t go wrong with this one simple rule: feed your baby on demand. And don’t worry – you won’t run out of milk. A nursing baby stimulates your body to produce more milk.

Your baby’s age usually determines when and how much he or she wants to feed:

• During the first 2 weeks, your baby will usually want to feed every 1 to 3 hours.  You may have to wake a sleepy baby to feed him or her at first. Sometimes a newborn will only feed for a few minutes on each breast or only on one breast. Try to let your baby breast-feed at least 15 minutes on a breast. Over time, your baby will feed longer.
• At around 3 months of age, your baby may feed less often because he or she is able to drink more milk at one time.
• When your baby has growth spurts, he or she may seem to be hungry more often. After a growth spurt, your baby may not want to feed as often.

How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk

Most new moms soon learn to recognize the signs of a full, happy baby. You can rest assured that your baby is getting all the needed food and nourishment if he or she:

• Wakes up frequently, eager to eat.
• Rhythmically sucks and swallows milk.
• Breastfeeds at least 15 to 20 minutes on each breast at each feeding.
• Feeds at least every 1 to 3 hours during the first 2 months.
• Has dirty and wet diapers on a regular basis.
• Grows at a normal rate.