Breast milk gives babies the nutrition they need and offers health benefits for both mother and child.

Breastfeeding is natural, but it can take practice for you and your baby to feel comfortable. Here are some tips that can help.

When to feed your baby:

• Crying is often a late sign of hunger and if your baby is too upset, it can be hard for them to breastfeed. Try to feed your baby as soon as you see them show an early sign of hunger, such as:
  • Moving their head from side to side
  • Sticking out their tongue
  • Sucking on their hands and fists
  • Moving their lips as if to suck
  • Nuzzling against your breasts
  • “Rooting” (when your baby moves their mouth toward something that's touching their cheek)
• For the first few weeks, your baby should breastfeed every 1–3 hours. Your baby should not go more than about four hours without breastfeeding (even at night).

To breastfeed:

• Sit in a comfortable chair and position your baby. Most women cradle the baby with the baby's belly toward their own belly.
• Hold your breast and press it together. When your baby's mouth is wide open, bring your baby to your breast. Be sure to put as much of the nipple and areola (dark skin surrounding the nipple) into your baby's mouth as you can.
• Look and listen for swallowing.
• After the first breast is no longer full and firm, switch your baby to the other breast.
• Switch which breast you offer first at each feeding.

Other important information:

• Your baby is getting enough breast milk if they:
  • Have six or more wet diapers a day
  • Have four or more yellow, seedy poops per day, usually one after each feeding. After about a month, babies poop less often and many may go a few days without pooping.
• If you want to use a pacifier or a bottle, wait until your baby is breastfeeding well, which usually takes 3–4 weeks.
• Breastfed babies should take vitamin D drops (400 international units) every day. Vitamin D helps build bones, and breast milk has very little vitamin D.

Take care of yourself:

• Drink a glass of water with every feeding and more throughout the day.
• Take your prenatal vitamins as your healthcare provider recommends.
• Don't take any medicines or herbal products without talking to your healthcare provider first.
• Don't drink alcohol or use drugs. They can get into your milk and cause health problems for you and your baby.

Your baby:

• Doesn't seem to be getting enough milk
• Has trouble passing poops or has hard poops
• Has yellow skin

You:

• Have cracked, sore, or painful nipples
• Have a hard, swollen, red, or tender breast
• Develop a fever or become ill (You can continue to breastfeed through most illnesses, but talk to your healthcare provider first.)

I am finding breastfeeding hard. Where can I get help? Breastfeeding takes time and practice. If you feel down or sad, or if you have trouble taking care of your baby, talk to your healthcare provider about getting help. A lactation consultant or a mother's support group also can offer support and help with breastfeeding.

You can get help online at:

• United States Lactation Consultant Association (uslca.org)
• International Lactation Consultant Association (ilca.org)

How long should I breastfeed my baby? Every family is different, and the answer depends on what works for you, your baby, and your circumstances. Any amount of breast milk has benefits. Experts recommend:

• Giving your baby only breast milk (no other foods or liquids) for the first six months of life.
• Starting your baby on solid foods around 6 months of age and continue breastfeeding until your baby is at least 1 year old.