By Mary Kay Vogel, IBCLC
 Lactation Consultant
Iowa State University Extension
BEGINNING TO BREASTFEED
Newborn babies welcome the comfort of your arms and the chance to try breastfeeding. Breastfeed as soon as possible after birth.
Colostrum, the first milk, protects your baby from germs and sickness. Breastfeed often. You will give your baby a good supply of colostrum and:
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- help your baby to learn to breastfeed,
- increase your milk supply,
- keep your breasts from getting too full, and
- help your uterus return to normal size.
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Starting The Feeding
Relax and make yourself comfortable. Sit up or lie in bed. Ask a nurse to help you start breastfeeding. Many mothers need help at first.
Holding Your Baby
Turn your baby's whole body - face, tummy, and knees - toward you. Bring your baby's chest close to your chest. Your nipple should be right at your baby's mouth. A pillow or folded blanket on your lap can support your arm and your baby.
Helping Your Baby Latch On
Support your breast with your fingers below and your thumb above. Keep your hand behind the darker skin of the nipple.
Lightly tickle your baby's lower lip with your nipple. After a few tries, your baby will open wide, as if to yawn.
Quickly center your nipple in your baby's mouth, and bring your baby's body very close to yours. Most of the darker skin around the nipple should be in your baby's mouth.
Baby's nose and chin should touch the breast. Baby's lips should be curled out, not tucked in.
Ending the Feeding
Let your baby end the feeding. Your baby will let go or fall asleep. If you need to stop breastfeeding, put your finger in the corner of your baby's mouth to break the suction.
Try burping your baby, then offer the other breast. Let your nipple air dry for several minutes after each feeding.
Start one feeding on one breast and the next feeding on the other breast.
How Often and How Long to Feed Your Baby
Newborns are hungry often because their stomachs hold only about 1/4 cup of milk. They let you know by:
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- sucking on their hands,
- rooting (opening their mouths wide and searching for milk), or
- fussing.
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Newborns breastfeed every 1 1/2 to 3 hours for 20 minutes.
Each baby is different, though. Some babies feed a short time and need coaxing to continue. Some babies feed happily for 20 minutes or more. Some babies cluster feed. They breastfeed several times in two to three hours and then sleep deeply for several hours. Your baby should breastfeed 8 to12 times in 24 hours.
Learning How to Breastfeed
It takes some practice for breastfeeding to go smoothly. In the early days and weeks, avoid using bottles and pacifiers. A baby sucks differently on a bottle nipple and may become confused. Encourage your baby to breastfeed rather than use a pacifier so your milk supply will meet your baby's needs.
BREASTFEEDING POSITIONS
Cradle Hold:
A pillow under your baby keeps you comfortable and your baby level with
your nipple.
Side Hold:
Place your baby on a pillow at your side with baby's body under your arm.
Lying Down: Put a pillow behind your back for support. Keep baby turned toward you. If your baby falls asleep and you want to rest too, put baby's back against your chest. Then your baby can breathe freely.
FUSSY BABY
If your baby is fussy, calm your baby with rocking, cuddling, or singing. Babies breastfeed betterwhen they are calm. Keep your baby near you, and breastfeed when your baby firstseems hungry.
SLEEPY BABY
Wake your baby every two to three hours to breastfeed. Try changing your baby's diaper, removing baby's blanket and some clothing, or rubbing baby's back. If you have a sleepy baby, keep the baby near you so you can tell when your baby starts to waken.
YOU CAN TELL IF YOUR BABY IS GETTING ENOUGH BREAST MILK
The first milk, colostrum, comes in small amounts. It is just what your baby's body needs. In the first few days, your baby will have one or two wet or dirty diapers each 24 hours.
Your breast milk becomes more plentiful three or four days after your baby's birth. It is easier to hear the soft "ka, ka" sound as your baby swallows. Now your baby should:
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- swallow often after the milk begins to flow,
- have six or more wet diapers in 24 hours, and
- three or more soft, yellow stools in 24 hours.
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Ensure a good milk supply and a good weight gain for your baby by:
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- holding and latching your baby correctly, and
- breastfeeding 8 to 12 times each 24 hours.
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Seek help if your baby does not have enough wet diapers and stools three to four days after birth.
WHO TO CALL FOR HELP
These early day are full of new experiences for you and your baby. During the first week home, call someone who helps mothers and babies with breastfeeding. Ask lots of questions to be sure breastfeeding is off to a good start. Breastfeeding benefits you and your baby in so many ways.
Call a lactation consultant, health care provider, WIC breastfeeding specialist, or La Leche League (1-800-525-3243).
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