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Breastfeeding & Weaning

Breastmilk contains nutrients your baby needs for growth and development and protects your baby against infections and diseases. Breastfeeding is free and convenient and can promote bonding between you and your baby. It’s recommended you breastfeed exclusively until your baby starts solid foods at around 6 months and keep breastfeeding until at least 12 months.

Tips of Breastfeeding

How Often to Feed to Bring in the Milk Supply:
  • Every 1½ to 3 hours for the first month (8 to 12 times per day).
  • During the day, wake your baby up if more than 3 hours have passed since the last feeding.
  • During the night, wake your baby if more than 4 hours pass without a feeding.
  • After 1 month of age, allow your baby to sleep longer. If your baby is gaining weight well, feed on demand and do not awaken for feedings.
  • On the first breast, allow your baby to nurse up to 20 minutes. Reason: To get the high-fat, calorie-rich hind milk.
  • You can tell your baby has finished when the sucking slows down. Your breast should feel soft. Then offer the 2nd breast if your baby is interested.
  • For each feeding, switch which breast you start on.
  • Stools: 3 or more yellow seedy stools per day. Exception: 1 or 2 can be normal while the milk is coming in. Stools should start increasing by day 5 of life. Caution: Once the milk is in, infrequent stools are normal.
  • Urine: 6 or more wet diapers per day. Exception: 3 wet diapers per day can be normal while milk is coming in. Wet diapers should start increasing by day 5 of life. Note: If you aren’t sure about the diaper being wet, place a tissue in the diaper.
  • Satisfied (not hungry) after feedings
  • Breasts feel full before feedings and soft after feedings
  • It is very important that your baby is latched on right. This way she can get enough milk. Look and listen for regular swallowing. This shows that your milk has letdown. Letdown is the release of breastmilk into the milk ducts just before a feeding. It starts after 2 to 3 weeks of nursing. At first, milk letdown may take 60 to 90 seconds of sucking before it starts.
  • Enough sleep (extra naps), reduced stress (ask for help), relaxed environment, good fluid intake
  • Drink enough fluids to keep your urine pale yellow in color.
  • Usually that means drinking at least 2 quarts (2 liters) of fluid per day.
  • Increase how often you nurse. Limit the use of the pacifier.
  • Pump the breasts for 10 minutes after each feeding. Do this for a few days (see lactation consultant).
  • Never give extra water to infants younger than 6 months. Reason: Too much water can cause a seizure.
  • It’s not needed. Reason: Breast milk contains 88% water.
  • If your baby gets enough breast milk, extra fluids are not needed. They may decrease your baby’s interest and ability to breastfeed.
  • Engorgement usually begins 2 or 3 days after your baby’s birth.
  • Also, can start at any time when breasts are not emptied regularly.
  • Breastfeed your baby more often. Do not use pacifiers.
  • Remove a little milk before feeding your baby. Hand express or briefly use a breast pump.
  • Gently squeeze the areola with your fingers at the start of each feeding. This will soften the areola and help your baby latch on. Milk release won’t occur if your baby only latches on to the nipple.
  • Pump your breasts when they hurt or when a feeding doesn’t help discomfort. Also, pump when you must miss a feeding.
  • Use a cold pack on the breasts between feedings. A bag of frozen peas works well.
  • Call your doctor or Gynecologist if: not better after 24 hours of this treatment.