Breastfeeding: What You Should Know

Topic:

Mother-Baby

Breastfeeding is natural and healthy for both moms and babies. It’s not just about the milk—it’s about creating a special bond that can last a lifetime.

Why Breastfeed?

Pediatricians recommend only breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then adding solid foods while continuing to breastfeed until at least 1 year or longer.
Babies who are not breastfed are more likely to have health problems like asthma, ear infections, and learning challenges.
Moms who don’t breastfeed may face higher risks of health issues like breast cancer, diabetes, and stress.

How to Start Breastfeeding

Learn about breastfeeding while pregnant. Classes or support groups can help.
After your baby is born, ask to hold your baby skin-to-skin. This helps breastfeeding begin naturally.
Breastfeed within the first hour after birth. Your baby’s instincts are strongest then, and this helps your milk start flowing.

Tips for Success

Breastfeed often, even at night, to build a good milk supply.
Keep your baby with you in the hospital so you don’t miss feeding cues.
Avoid pacifiers and bottles in the early days, as they can interfere with breastfeeding.
Accept help with chores and focus on resting and caring for your baby.

Skin-to-Skin Contact
This means holding your baby on your bare chest, with a blanket over both of you. It helps your baby feel calm, stay warm, and breastfeed better.

What to Eat and Avoid
Moms can eat most foods in reasonable amounts. Keep eating healthy foods like you did during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before taking any medications.

The First Few Weeks
Breastfeeding takes practice for both mom and baby. Be patient with yourself! Spend as much time as you can with your baby to learn their feeding cues.

Remember

Babies need to be held a lot—this helps them feel safe and happy.
Limit visitors in the early days to focus on bonding and learning to breastfeed.
Take your baby everywhere—it’s easy when breastfeeding!

Getting a Good Latch

Calm your baby by holding them close, skin to skin.
Place your baby just below your breast so they can lift their head slightly to latch.
Point your nipple toward your baby’s nose and hold your breast with your hand, keeping your fingers behind the darker area (areola).
Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide, like a yawn, with their tongue forward.
Quickly bring your baby to your breast. The baby’s chin should touch the breast first, with lips curled outward.

How to Know the Latch is Right

Breastfeeding should not hurt. If it does, break the latch with your finger and try again.
You’ll feel a gentle tugging, not sharp pain.
Let your baby finish one breast before offering the other.

Feeding Your Baby

Feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger (stretching, making noises, sucking on hands). Don’t wait for them to cry.
Let your baby feed as long as they need to—some feedings may be quick, others longer.
Breastfeed at least 10–12 times in 24 hours for the first month.

Milk Supply and Growth

Breast size doesn’t affect milk supply. The more often your baby feeds, the more milk you’ll make.
Around 2–4 days after birth, your milk will increase, and your breasts may feel full. This is normal and will settle down.
Breast milk is all your baby needs for the first 6 months. Avoid formula and pacifiers unless medically needed.

Signs Your Baby is Feeding Well

You can hear swallowing sounds, but not clicking or smacking.
After feeding, your baby looks relaxed and satisfied.
Your baby gains weight steadily. By 10 days old, they should regain their birth weight.

Diapers and Bowel Movements

By day 4, your baby should have 6 or more wet diapers and at least 3 bowel movements daily.
Stools will change from black to green/brown to yellow as your milk increases.

When to Ask for Help

If breastfeeding is painful, your baby isn’t gaining weight, or you’re worried about milk supply, get help from a healthcare provider or breastfeeding educator.
Call your doctor if your baby isn’t wetting enough diapers or seems unwell.

Preventing and Managing Soreness

Prevent soreness: Ensure your baby is latched on correctly.
Relieve soreness:
- Start feedings on the less sore side.
- Use crushed ice in a plastic bag (wrapped in cloth) before feeding.
- Apply lanolin cream designed for breastfeeding moms.
- Seek help from a breastfeeding educator if soreness worsens or cracks appear.

Uncomfortably Full Breasts (Engorgement)

Prevent engorgement:
- Breastfeed 10–12 times daily.
- Let your baby finish one breast before offering the other.
Relieve engorgement:
- Use warm compresses or a warm shower before feeding.
- Gently massage breasts and hand-express milk to soften the areola.
- For severe engorgement, apply cold packs between feedings.
- Use a breast pump if necessary and seek help for persistent issues.

Plugged Ducts

Prevent plugged ducts:
- Avoid tight bras or carriers.
- Breastfeed often and massage lumpy areas.
- Change feeding positions to help drain the breast fully.
Relieve a plugged duct:
- Apply warmth and massage the area.
- Breastfeed with your baby’s chin near the sore spot.
- Rest and consult a healthcare provider if the issue persists or you have a fever.

Breast Infection (Mastitis)

Symptoms include flu-like aches, redness, and tenderness.
Steps to manage mastitis:
- Breastfeed more frequently, starting on the affected side.
- Apply warmth and massage the sore area.
- Rest, hydrate, and consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

Breastfeeding Away From Home

Breastfeed before leaving home or in a parked car.
Use baby slings, covers, or blankets for discretion.
Remember, Florida law protects your right to breastfeed wherever you’re authorized to be.

Tips for Success

Breastfeeding takes 4–6 weeks to master—be patient.
Seek support from lactation consultants, La Leche League, or breastfeeding hotlines.
Understand your legal rights and resources for breastfeeding assistance.

Breastfeeding and HIV

Mothers with undetectable HIV levels on ART have a less than 1% risk of transmission through breastfeeding.
Consult your healthcare provider for evidence-based counseling on feeding options.
Always know your HIV status and seek testing if uncertain.

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