Mother’s milk is the perfect food for your baby – breastfed babies are healthier babies: natural, free, clean, healthy and safe.
Tips for Successful Breastfeeding
- It may take 2 – 3 weeks to feel secure that your baby is thriving on your breast milk
- Try to nurse your infant in the delivery room or as early as possible
- Early and frequent breastfeeding will allow your milk supply to become established to satisfy your baby’s needs
- Bring your baby to your breast, not your breast to your baby
- Hold your baby close with his chest against yours and his chin against your breast
- Do not give your infant water or formula unless directed by your pediatrician or lactation consultant
- Drink a lot of fluids and eat well
- Breastfeeding will become easy and natural
Breastfeeding is going well when
- Your baby nurses 8 – 12 times in a 24-hour period
- Your baby nurses about 15 minutes on each breast
- Your baby has at least 3 wet diapers a day during the first few days and 6 wet diapers by the end of the first week
- Your baby has one or more yellow, seedy bowel movements a day by the end of the first week
- You can hear and see your baby continue sucking and hear swallowing while nursing
- Your full breasts are softer after the baby nurses
You can still feed if
- Your breast is red and swollen (which may be mastitis)
- Your nipples are sore or cracked (breast shields, breast pump or expressing by hand might be necessary)
Breastfeeding Benefits Your Baby
- Provides the best feeding for your infant
- Contains all nutrients your infant needs for the first 6 months of life (except Vitamin D which your pediatrician will prescribe for your nursing infant)
- Breast milk is easier to digest
- Breast milk protects your baby from illness
- Decreases the risk for allergies
- Creates a special bond between you and your baby
- Supports optimal brain development
Breastfeeding Benefits You
- No preparation
- No cost
- Always readily available to feed your baby
- Helps your uterus return to its normal size faster
- Evidence suggest that there is a decreased incidence of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis in women who breastfed
Help is available!
- Your infant should be seen by the pediatrician 2 to 3 days after discharge and again at 7 to 10 days of age
- Your baby’s pediatrician and your lactation consultant can provide you with help and support during your breastfeeding experience
