Getting started

Here are some tips to get started:

• The more you nurse, the more milk you will make. Nurse “on demand” — whenever your baby wants to be fed. This ensures that you will have enough milk to nourish your baby.
• Getting your baby latched on correctly will help prevent sore nipples. Ask your nurse or lactation consultant for help if you need it.
• Once your baby is latched on, you should feel a strong tug at your breast (not pain) and hear your baby swallowing. If you are unsure if your baby is swallowing, ask your nurse or lactation consultant for help.
• Watch for your baby’s “feeding cues,” like licking lips, bringing hands to mouth, moving head side to side, and being awake and alert. These are signs that your baby is ready to feed.
• Use a variety of nursing positions throughout the day to completely empty your breasts and prevent sore nipples.
• Remember to burp your baby.

Place your baby on your chest skin-to-skin immediately after birth. Most babies will crawl to the breast and latch on with little assistance. Be patient and do not force your baby to the breast. For the first few moments, you may feel some stretching or discomfort as your baby latches on. If you feel prolonged pain, seek the help of a lactation consultant. Your baby may not be latched on to your breast correctly.

Breastfeeding is a learned skill. It may take some time for your body and your baby to get into a rhythm, so be patient and persistent. It takes practice!

Tips for success

Babies will nurse frequently in the early days after birth, “clustering” their feedings. Cluster feedings often occur at night during the first few weeks. Feed often and do not try to schedule your baby during this time. Breastfeeding “on demand” when your baby shows signs of hunger is important for establishing your milk supply — the more you nurse, the more milk you will make.

As your body’s milk supply increases, you may feel breast fullness. Use a variety of positions throughout the day to completely empty your breasts with each feeding and prevent sore nipples. If you believe you have an over-supply of milk, talk to one of our lactation consultants.

Infants can easily become over-stimulated by lights, noise, and being separated from you, so keep your baby close. Your baby will be most content when held skin-to-skin where he or she can hear your heartbeat and stay warm — so cuddle, rock, and nurse your baby often. Your partner can also provide skin-to-skin contact to bond with your baby.

It is perfectly normal for a newborn to nurse 10 to 12 times — or more — in a 24-hour period.

Foods that promote milk supply

• Nutritious bone soups with vegetables
• Oatmeal cooked from raw or steel cut oats
• Brown rice, barley, and beans
• High fiber foods such as grains
• Coconut water
• Almonds, apricots, dates, or figs
• Pero (coffee substitute)
• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Ginger
• Basil
• Green Papaya

Foods that may decrease milk supply:

• Sage
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Rosemary

• You can hear your baby swallow.
• Your baby will have a rhythmic suck/swallow pattern while feeding.
• Your baby will appear satisfied and relaxed.