Mom with baby

Do you know anyone who has breastfed?

What have you heard about breastfeeding?

How will you know if your baby is getting enough to eat?

Breastfeeding isn’t hard, but it takes some learning.

Here is what you need to know:

Getting started with breastfeeding.

  • Your baby knows how much he needs to eat.
  • Your milk comes in when your baby is 2 to 5 days old.
  • At first there may be too much. Before long, you will make only as much as your baby needs.
  • Your breasts might tingle when the milk flows down to the nipple. Or not.
  • You can see and hear your baby swallow when he’s getting milk.
  • Your baby might want to eat often – that’s all right.
  • If he eats too often or not often enough, get help making the feeding better. Read his sleep and awake signs. Help him stay calm and awake while he eats.

You make more milk when your baby needs more.

  • Your baby will grow and need more breastmilk.
  • He lets you know he needs more by being hungry more often.
  • His sucking more tells your breasts to make more milk.
  • Let him eat every hour or two – or more often – even if he doesn’t get much.
  • After a day or two you will make more milk and he won’t eat so often.
Mom feeding child

You need to feed yourself.

  • It takes energy to make breastmilk and to be strong to take care of your baby.
  • You don’t need to eat a lot of extra food or special food. But you do need to eat.
  • Have regular meals with food you enjoy.