Breast-feeding: What every mom needs to know

Breast-feeding is a learned art — but it's worth the effort. Consider these tips to get off to a good start.

By Mayo Clinic staff

You know the benefits of breast-feeding. Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients for your baby. It's easier to digest than is commercial formula, and the antibodies in breast milk will boost your baby's immune system. Breast-feeding may even help you lose weight after the baby is born.

But breast-feeding isn't always easy. You may need more practice — and patience — than you might have imagined. Here's help getting off to a good start.

Ask for help — right away

Reading about breast-feeding is one thing. Doing it on your own is something else. The first few times you breast-feed your baby — starting as soon after delivery as possible — ask for help. The maternity nurses or the hospital's lactation consultant can help you position the baby and make sure he or she is latching on correctly. Your doctor, your baby's doctor or your childbirth educator may be able to help, too. Learning correct technique from the very beginning can help you avoid trouble later on.

Feed your baby often

For the first few weeks, most newborns breast-feed every two to three hours around-the-clock. It's intense. But frequent breast-feeding sessions help stimulate your breasts to produce milk. And the sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you'll need to soothe a frantic baby. Watch for early signs of hunger, such as stirring and stretching, sucking motions and lip movements. Fussing and crying are later cues.

Get comfortable

Don't bend over or lean forward to bring your breast to your baby. Instead, cradle your baby close to your breast. Sit in a chair that offers good arm and back support. Support yourself with pillows if needed. Or lie on your side with your baby on his or her side, facing you.

When you're settled, tickle your baby's lower lip with your nipple. Make sure your baby's mouth is open wide and he or she takes in part of the darker area around the nipple (areola). Your nipple should be far back in the baby's mouth, and the baby's tongue should be cupped under your breast. Listen for a rhythmic sucking and swallowing pattern.

If you need to remove the baby from your breast, first release the suction by inserting your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth.

Let your baby set the pace

Let your baby nurse from the first breast thoroughly, until the breast feels soft — often about 15 minutes. Then try burping the baby. After that, offer the second breast. If your baby's still hungry, he or she will latch on. If not, simply start the next breast-feeding session with the second breast. If your baby consistently nurses on only one breast at a feeding during the first few weeks, pump the other breast to relieve pressure and protect your milk supply.

If your baby pauses during breast-feeding sessions to gaze at you or look around the room, enjoy the moment. Consider it an opportunity to slow down and bond with your baby.

Hold off on a pacifier — at first

Some babies are happiest when they're sucking on something. Enter pacifiers — but there's a caveat. Giving your baby a pacifier too soon may interfere with breast-feeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to introduce a pacifier until a baby is 1 month old and breast-feeding is well established.

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Oct. 14, 2008

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