Basic Breast Feeding Advice for
New Mommies

Breast feeding is not as easy as it looks. I often wonder how something so natural be so frustrating. It takes patience and practice from both you and your baby to learn how to do this well.

Problems with breast feeding are common and that is why most hospitals and birthing centers have lactation specialists on staff. These knowledgeable trained staff members are invaluable resource for new nursing mommies so don't feel shy about contacting them.

Listed here is advice for breastfeeding new mommies. The health and nutrition of your baby is your first concern so always ask for help if you continue to have difficulties or questions.

Is Baby Getting Enough ?

• Your newborn should be breast feeding at least eight times in a 24 hours time period to insure he getting enough to eat.

• If your baby is still fussy after nursing he may not be getting enough.
• Keep track of your baby's wet diapers. You should be changing 4-6 wet diapers per day (24 hours).
• If your baby's urine is orange or reddish in color it is a sign of dehydration.
• Your baby's soft spot should not be sunken in. If it is this too is a sign of dehydration.
• Your baby's skin should not show signs of being dry or flaky.
• Your baby's lips should be moist and not chapped.
• Weight gain is a sign that your baby is receiving enough calories from nursing.

How Long Should Baby Nurse ?

• For the first 1-2 weeks breast feed your baby when he seems hungry.
• After the first 2 weeks your baby will most likely start a schedule of nursing every 2-3 hours.
• Allow your baby to nurse on one side for up to 20 minutes or until your breast becomes soft. Switch sides and offer the other breast to your baby. Allow him to nurse if he's interested. Remember to alternate which breast you start your baby's feedings with.

Breast Feeding Positions

• Position your baby across your body facing your breast. Place as much of the colored part of your nipple(areola) into his mouth.
• Avoid only placing the nipple tip into your baby's mouth. This will hurt and not stimulate enough milk production.
• Supporting your breast from the bottom will help position your breast for breast-feeding.
• Stroke the breast that your baby's nursing from to start milk flow.
• Find a comfortable quite place to nurse. This reduces stress and distracting stimulation.




• Nursing pillows are a life saver. These pillows can relieve back and shoulder strain. Take a look at this innovative nursing pillow.

Mommy's Diet and Vitamins

• Ask your doctor about taking vitamins or natural supplements while breast-feeding.
• Avoid all alcohol products while nursing.
• Spicy and/or acidic foods can upset baby's tummy. Try to avoid or limit these foods.
• Observe how your baby reacts to dairy in your diet. These products can be hard for your baby to digest.
• Drink a lot of water. It's good for you and will help maintain milk production.

Breast Care Advice

• Allow your nipples to air dry to promote skin health.
• Rub nipples with breast cream to help reduce nipple tenderness and cracked skin.
• Tender lumps can indicate plugged ducts. Apply moist heat and massage the tender breast to try to expressed blocked milk.
• Large hard breast is a sign of engorgement. This can be painful for you and hard for your baby to latch. Apple cold packs to your breast after each feeding.
• Breast infection called Mastitis can occur while nursing and requires medical attention. You can have flu-like symptoms and breast pain. Call your doctor this can get very serious.

Ask The Lactation Consultant

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