FAQ – Department of Pediatrics

Full term, healthy babies are born with instincts that help them latch on to the breast. To take advantage of these instincts:

Put the baby to breast immediately after birth.
Give the baby a chance to find the nipple before offering too much help.
Delay routine interventions that separate you from your baby until after the baby has breastfed.
Spend time holding your baby skin-to-skin. This helps you get to know one another.

Yes, you can. Your nipples will become easier for your baby to latch onto over time.
You may need help from a professional lactation consultant at first. Sometimes, supervised use of a nipple shield can be helpful.

It is better to watch the baby and observe signs of readiness to feed. This is called baby-led feeding.

A healthy breastfed baby:

Makes yellow colored bowel movements by day 3 or 4.
Makes 6 or more wet diapers each day from day 3 or 4.
Makes at least 3 large bowel movements each day starting on day 3 or 4 (breastfed babies older than 6 weeks may go several days between bowel movements).
Gains about 1 ounce a day during the first few months.

Most medications can be used when breastfeeding but please check with your doctors before taking any medications when breastfeeding.
Some moms notice a reduction in milk supply when taking birth control medications or over-the-counter cold medications.

Take a warm shower, or apply warm compresses for 2-3 minutes before breastfeeding/expressing milk.
Latch baby onto the breast frequently and comfortably.
If your baby is not latching well, hand express breast milk or use a breast pump to reduce engorgement.
Rest and breastfeed frequently, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours.
Use cool compresses in between feedings to reduce breast
Consult your doctor if the problem does not resolve or if you have increased pain, fever, or red, hot streaks on your breast.

Breastfeed Frequently
Some sleepy babies may need to be awakened and encouraged to breastfeed more frequently.
Offer Both Breasts at Every Feeding Switch from one breast to the other 2 to 3 times throughout each feeding to keep a sleepy baby interested in nursing.
Avoid Bottles and Pacifiers These can interfere with extra breastfeeding that is needed as you are trying to build up your milk.
Drink Plenty of Liquids and Eat a Well –Balanced Diet Try to drink a glass of water or juice everytime you breastfeed. Eat a wide variety of foods.
Get Plenty of Rest and Relaxation Your milk supply will increase faster if you are relaxed and rested. Take naps with your baby as often as possible. Think happy thoughts!