Breast Feeding

Getting off to a good start (weeks one to three).

• Colostrum is the first milk and is all your baby needs during the first days.
• Newborns are usually very sleepy in the first few days. It can be normal for your baby to breastfeed only 3 or 4 times in the first 24 hours and 6 times in the next 24 hours.
• Breastfeed often after the first few days, feed baby every two to three hours or at least eight to twelve times within a 24-hour period.
• The more you breastfeed your baby, the more milk you will have. Giving baby formula can decrease your milk supply.
• Learn baby's hunger signs: stirring in her sleep, eye movements, hand to mouth or sucking motion. The best time to feed your baby is when she shows these signs of hunger. If you wait for her to cry she may be too upset to eat.
• Feed your baby from both breasts at each feeding. Feed from the first breast as long as your baby is actively sucking. Then try the other breast. It is normal for some babies to nurse from only one breast at a feeding.
• It is best not to use bottle nipples or pacifiers for the first 3 to 4 weeks. They can confuse some babies because they are so different from your nipples.

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• It is normal for babies to want to feed every hour or two at times or when they are having a growth spurt. Breastfeed more often to make more milk. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you will make.
• By the fourth day of life your baby is getting enough milk if the baby:
• Breastfeeds 8-12 times in 24 hours, and you hear baby swallowing while breastfeeding
• Has 2 to 5 yellow seedy bowel movements daily during the first month
• Soaks 6 to 8 diapers in 24 hours
• Gains weight
• Breast milk is all your baby needs for the first 6 months. Talk to your baby's doctor before adding cereal or other solid foods.

Caring For Your Breasts

• Bathe or shower daily. Use only water on your nipples.
• Do not use soap or alcohol on nipples. PurLan or Lansinoh may be used for soothing.
• For the first 2 to 3 weeks, rub some breast milk on your nipples after each feeding and let them air dry to prevent sore nipples.
• Use breast pads if your breasts leak between feedings. Change pads often.
• It is best to use a nursing bra without underwires.

Important things to remember

• Eat a well-balanced diet and drink when you are thirsty. You do not need to stop eating your favorite spicy or "gassy" foods.
• Cigarette smoke is harmful to both you and your baby. If you do smoke, limit the number of cigarettes and smoke outside the home.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Call your doctor before taking any medication. Be sure to tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding your baby so that a medicine safe for breastfeeding can be used.
• You can go to work or school and still continue to breastfeed.

Call for help or information if:

• Baby has trouble feeding.
• Breastfeeding hurts or you have sore nipples.
• You have hard, hot and/or red areas on the breast, or flu-like symptoms with fever.
• Baby is having less than 6 wet diapers in 24 hours by the 5th day of life.
• Baby is having less than 2 bowel movements in 24 hours during the first month.
• Baby is not swallowing during feedings.
• You think baby is not gaining weight.

See Resources for Help for phone numbers. Remember both you and your baby are learning. You both can do this!