Show How to get started, how to get comfortable and how to make sure the baby is getting enough to eat when breastfeeding. Back to Top In This Article
They make it look so easy, those breastfeeding moms you’ve seen. Without skipping a beat of conversation or a bite of lunch, they open a button and latch on a baby, as if breastfeeding were the most natural process in the world. But while the source may be natural, nursing know-how — especially for newbie moms and their babies — often doesn’t come naturally at all at first. Whether your first time is a breeze, something of a struggle or somewhere in between, there’s a lot to learn. So the more you know about technique (how to position baby), mechanics (how to know baby is getting enough milk) and logistics (when a meal is over and when it’s time for another), the more confident and empowered you’ll feel. Once you get past the initial trial-and-error days of finding the best system for you, nursing becomes one of motherhood's most rewarding responsibilities. And breastfeeding offers lots of benefits for both you and your baby — giving both of you a head-start on a healthy future. Breastfeeding 101To raise your breastfeeding IQ before you start nursing, take this mini-course in breastfeeding basics. When your milk comes inBreast milk arrives in three stages. Nature designed each for your baby’s age, making it the perfect food from the first day to the tenth and beyond:
Continue Reading Below Latching baby onto your breastIn the beginning, it might take quite a few tries to get your baby into the right position — but keep trying. First, it’s essential to know a good latch, since improper latching is the most common cause of breast discomfort. Baby's mouth should cover both your nipple and the areola, so that baby’s mouth, tongue and lips massage milk out of your milk glands. Sucking on just the nipple will not only leave your infant hungry because the glands that secrete the milk won’t be compressed, it will also make your nipples sore and cracked. Here’s how to get that latch going:
Is baby having trouble properly latching on? Break the suction carefully by gently inserting a clean finger into the corner of her mouth or by pressing on your breast near the mouth. Then begin the lip tickling anew and let her latch on again properly, with the nipple and the areola in the mouth. How long to breastfeedWhile you may have heard that short feeds prevent soreness and cracking, that usually doesn’t come from feeding too long but from getting into a less-than-ideal position. So instead of setting time limits on each feed, let your sweetie take her time at the breast — and expect feedings to be long initially.
How often to breastfeedFeeding babies when they’re hungry (on demand) rather than on a schedule is ultimately best for breastfeeding success. But since babies usually aren’t born hungry — their appetite generally picks up around the third day — chances are there won’t be much demand at first. Which means you may have to initiate — even push — at first. A newborn should have at least eight to 12 feedings each 24 hours, even if demand isn’t up to that level yet, for the first few weeks. Break that down and you’ll probably be nursing every two to three hours, day and night, counting from the beginning of each nursing session. Feeding patterns vary widely from baby to baby, however, so you might need to nurse a little more or less frequently. If you have a hungrier or more impatient infant on your hands, you may go little more than an hour between feedings; a more easily satisfied baby might be able to go for three-and-a-half to four hours. If you feel like you're nursing constantly, don't worry; it's temporary. As your milk supply increases and your baby gets bigger, the breaks between feedings will get longer. Don't be concerned or surprised if your formula-feeding or supplementing friends say their newborns eat far less often. Breast milk is more easily digested than infant formula, allowing the tummies of nursing babies to empty faster — and thirst for more sooner. Signs baby’s hungryA good way to master the right breastfeeding balance is to nurse when your baby seems hungry. Don't wait for tears; by then, your little one may be uncomfortably hungry, especially the longer she cries. She might be tiny but she'll make her needs known by:
Breastfeeding positionsYour hospital will likely teach you the basic cradle hold. But with some trial-and-error, you might find another breastfeeding position works better for you and your baby. Here's the lowdown on all the basic breastfeeding positions:
How to tell if your baby is getting enough milkMany new nursing mothers worry at some point that baby isn't eating enough. Your breasts aren't calibrated on the outside, after all, so you don’t know how much milk you’re producing and baby is consuming. If you’re concerned, a few indicators can help you check that your baby is getting her fill:
Breastfeeding tipsNervous about getting started? These tips can help give you more confidence and ensure you and baby get the most out of the experience: Before you deliver
At the hospital
When you get home
Getting breastfeeding helpLooking for breastfeeding support ahead of time? Or want help getting over a glitch? There are many breastfeeding problems experts and experienced peers can help you solve, from a poor latch to mastitis, breast engorgement and more. Here are some reliable resources you can call on:
If you’ve sought out professional help and are still having trouble breastfeeding, remember that it’s not an all-or-nothing proposition. Talk to your doctor about whether you should consider supplementing with formula or formula-feeding. Remember: What babies really need is love and attention from you — and that doesn’t come from breast or bottle. From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
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