Helpful breastfeeding tips.

• 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. 

• Breastfeed often. In the first month, most babies will breastfeed well at least 8 times a day. This can be every 1-1/2 to 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.

• 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.)

| More...