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Tips for getting breastfeeding off to a good start

• Let your doctors and hospital staff know that you plan to breastfeed and that you want only breastmilk for your baby.

• Breastfeed early: most babies are ready to feed in the first hour after birth.  If that’s not possible, breastfeed as soon as you can.

• Breastfeed often: most babies go to the breast at least 8 – 10 times in 24 hours, and 12 or even more feedings are not uncommon, especially in the early days.

• Watch your baby, not your watch: babies’ feeding cues are not usually subtle.  They root, suck their fingers and bob their heads in search of the breast. Crying is a late hunger cue!

• Pay attention to latch-on and positioning: breastfeeding should not hurt!

• Watch for signs that your baby is getting enough to eat: active sucking and swallowing sounds; 5 or more wet diapers and 3 or more stools a day after your milk “comes in”; weight gain of 4 – 7 (or more) oz. a week.

• Get help if you need it: breastfeeding is natural, but many mothers and babies need assistance, and when problems are addressed early, they are usually easy to fix.

• Listen to and trust your mother’s (or father’s) heart. It won’t steer you wrong.