Learning To
Breastfeed
Getting Started
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
 Get comfortable and find a position that works well for you. See section on "Breastfeeding Positions." |
 Hold your breast in your hand. Thumb is on top and fingers are below the breast. |
 Stroke baby's lips with your nipple. Wait until baby's mouth is wide open like a yawn . . . |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
 . . . then pull baby to breast. Baby's mouth should cover lots of the dark area around the nipple (about 1-11/2 inches). |
 Your baby is "latched" or placed on your breast properly if you:
|
 If baby falls asleep after a few minutes, squeeze your breast to help your milk to flow. Do not squeeze so hard that it hurts. This will help baby to start sucking again . |
| 7 | 8 | 9 |
 . . . also try taking baby's clothes off or changing the diaper. Tickle baby's ears, chin and feet. |
 If you want to take baby off your breast, slip your finger into baby's mouth and between the gums to break the suction. |
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Tips To Help
Breastfeeding
- Breastfeed as soon as possible after birth. Your baby is most awake and ready to learn how to breastfeed during the first 2 hours after birth. Breastfeeding early will also help you to make more milk.
- Get help to breastfeed. In the hospital, ask your nurse to help you put your baby onto your breast. Get help right away if you are having breastfeeding problems. See the back of this book for places to get help when you are at home.
- Breastfeed often. In the first month, most babies will breastfeed well at least 8 times a day. This can be every 11/2 - 3 hours. It is common for babies to have many breastfeedings in a short period, and then sleep longer between feeds at other times. There are no set times to feed your baby. Feed your baby when he/she is showing signs of hunger (see section on "Questions About Breastfeeding,"question 4.)
- Do not give your baby soothers or bottles. If you decide to use these, it is best to wait until your baby has learned to breastfeed. This often happens by 4-6 weeks. Giving a soother or bottle too early can cause your baby to have problems latching onto your breast and could make breastfeeding painful.
- Give your baby only breast milk. No extra drinks or foods are needed for a healthy baby in the first 6 months of life. Extra drinks or foods before this time will slow down your milk supply and may affect your baby's health (for example, your baby may develop an increased risk for allergies).
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