Getting started
The first weeks of breastfeeding are a learning time for you and your baby. You are learning how to care for and feed your baby, and your baby is discovering how to breastfeed and ask for comfort.
Be patient. Over the next days and weeks, both of you will learn how to breastfeed.
Help with breastfeeding is available. A nurse or lactation consultant will observe you and your baby breastfeeding before you leave the hospital.
A list of breastfeeding resources in your community is also available; please ask your health care provider for a copy.
During the first weeks, your milk will change from colostrum (a thick, rich fluid) to mature milk (a thinner, whitish fluid). This happens gradually.
Your milk provides all the food and fluid your baby needs.
Where should I breastfeed my baby?
Select a quiet, comfortable place to breastfeed. If you'd like, pour yourself a glass of water or juice to drink while you are breastfeeding your baby.
Choose a chair with arm support and put your feet on a stool to bring your baby closer to you. Or, try lying down on your side. Use pillows on your lap or under your arms to support your baby and avoid straining your back.
If you are in pain, take medication before breastfeeding to help make you more comfortable.
How should I hold my baby?
Hold your baby close to you, "tummy to tummy." Your baby's whole body should face your body. Your nipple should be directly in front of your baby's mouth so he or she can easily attach to your breast.
Remove your baby's blankets and loosen clothing to bring him or her as close to you as possible. Keep your baby's head higher than his or her stomach.
Here are two examples of positions to hold your baby while breastfeeding. Choose a position that is comfortable for both you and your baby.
How should I position my baby on my breast?
Hold your breast with one hand; place your thumb on top of your breast and four fingers underneath, away from the dark area around the nipple (areola).
Stroke your baby's lips with your nipple and wait for your baby to open his or her mouth. When your baby's mouth is open wide (like a yawn), quickly bring your baby onto your breast.
Check your baby's mouth position to make sure the bottom lip is rolled out. Your baby's chin and nose should be touching your breast. Your baby's mouth will be about one inch behind the nipple and on the areola, not on the nipple.
You will feel a tugging at your breast; this should not be painful. If it hurts, break suction (gently slip your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth) and try to latch your baby on your breast again.
How do I know when my baby is getting milk?
Changes in,your baby's sucking pattern will help you know when your milk lets down or is released. Your baby will begin with rapid, short sucking motions. Soon after you will notice a slower, steady sucking pattern and will hear your baby swallow.
How often should I breastfeed?
Feed your baby every one to three hours during the day and night. Most newborns need to breastfeed about eight to 12 times per day.
Let your baby breastfeed for 10 to 20 minutes or longer on the first breast until he or she seems satisfied. There is no need to limit the length of the feedings unless your nipples are sore.
If your baby falls asleep after feeding from the first breast, wake your baby by changing the diaper, burping him or her, and then offer your other breast.
It is OK if your baby does not feed at both breasts during each feeding. Start on the other breast at the next feeding.
Remember to feed often throughout the day. If you wake your baby for feedings about every 2½ hours during the day, your baby will adjust, sleeping longer at night. Many babies will develop a six-hour period of sleep by six to 12 weeks of age.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
By one week of age, be sure your baby has had at least six to eight wet diapers and two to three large yellow stools every 24 hours. The urine should be pale in color. If your baby is not getting enough milk, the urine will become deep yellow in color and the amount will decrease.
If it's hard to tell if your baby has wet, place a square of toilet paper on top of the diaper. When your baby urinates, the toilet paper will be wet.
Breastfed babies have yellow, watery stools, often with each feeding. Later on, after 1 month, some breastfed babies may only have one stool per week.
Breast care
To provide your breasts with the support needed, we recommend wearing a good fitting nursing bra during the day and at night. (Be sure to bring your nursing bra with you to the hospital.)
Wash your hands before breastfeeding. A bath or shower once a day is all you need to keep your nipples clean. Do not use soap or other products when washing your nipples; use warm water only.
Allow your nipples to dry after a feeding. Leave the flaps of your nursing bra down after feeding and whenever possible to dry your nipples.
How can I avoid sore nipples?
Sore nipples are common in the first weeks and are often caused by poor positioning. To avoid sore nipples, follow these guidelines:
- Make sure your baby's mouth is opened wide (like a yawn) before he or she latches onto your breast.
- Change your position for breastfeeding. Be sure the baby's mouth is about one inch behind the nipple and on the areola, not on the nipple.
- Rub colostrum or breast milk into your nipple and areola after each feeding.
- If your nipples are sore and dry or cracking, start breastfeeding with the less sore breast first.
- Use acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or other pain medication, as prescribed by your health care provider.
- If your nipples remain sore, call a lactation consultant.
When can I introduce bottles?
Bottles should not be introduced until you and your baby are comfortable with breastfeeding. In fact, some mothers never use bottles at all.
After the first four to six weeks, once you and your baby have become comfortable with breastfeeding, bottles can be introduced. It may help if someone other than you feeds your baby the first bottle.
You may choose to pump your breasts and use this breast milk for an occasional or regular bottle feeding, or you may use a formula supplement.
If you will be returning to work and would like to continue breastfeeding, call a lactation consultant two to four weeks before you return to work to discuss your options.
Are supplements necessary?
There is no need for supplements in the first weeks. In fact, supplements should be avoided, as they will decrease your milk supply. Frequent emptying of the breast is important to establish your milk supply.
Artificial nipples, pacifiers, and bottles should also be avoided for the first three weeks, as they may confuse your baby.
Your baby controls your milk supply by feeding often. As your baby grows, there will be times when he or she breastfeeds more than usual, and this will increase your milk supply.
How can I take care of myself the first weeks after delivery?
Get enough rest. Whenever the baby is sleeping, you should rest, too. Let your family and friends help with older children and house chores. Your job during the first weeks is to get to know your new baby.
Good nutrition remains important. Follow the same guidelines for healthy eating as you did during pregnancy.
Remember, eating well keeps you healthy. Your health care provider may recommend that you continue to take a prenatal vitamin while you are breastfeeding.
If you are uncomfortable from delivery, take the pain medicines as directed by your health care provider. Pain can make breastfeeding more difficult, since it can interfere with your milk letting down. Pain medications prescribed by your doctor or midwife will not harm the baby.
Ask your health care provider or lactation consultant about the safety of any medicine that you may need to take while breastfeeding. Most prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding.
Advice for breastfeeding mothers
- We encourage you to put your baby to breast within 30 to 60 minutes after birth. Keep your baby with you so you can breastfeed often.
- Breastfeeding provides comfort as well as nutrition to your baby. Offer your breast whenever your baby cries, whimpers, or seems uncomfortable. Breastfeeding "on demand" is most natural.
- Newborns breastfeed often — the average is eight to 12 feedings per day.
- Breastfeeding should not hurt.
- The more you breastfeed, the more milk you will make for your baby.
- Once you and your baby learn how to breastfeed, breastfeeding will be a good time to relax and enjoy each other.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 10/31/2006...#3992
