How should I hold my baby during breastfeeding ?

There are different ways you can hold your baby during breastfeeding (figure 1). You can try different positions to figure out which way works best for you and your baby.

What does "latch-on" mean ?

Latch-on is another word for when a baby makes a tight seal with his or her mouth around the nipple and the areola (the dark skin around the nipple) (figure 2). A good latch-on helps the baby get enough milk and can prevent the mother’s nipples from getting hurt. But even with a good latch-on, it can be normal for women to feel a little pain when a feeding starts.

How often should I breastfeed and how long should a feeding last ?

A woman should breastfeed when her baby shows signs of being hungry. A baby can show that he or she is hungry by:

1. Waking up from sleep
2. Moving the head around as if he or she is looking for the breast
3. Sucking on his or her hands, lips, or tongue

Babies can breastfeed on different schedules and for different amounts of time. For example, some babies finish a feeding in 5 minutes, but others might take 20 minutes or longer.

Doctors recommend letting the baby finish breastfeeding on one side so that he or she gets all the milk from that breast. Then, you can see if your baby wants to drink from the other breast. The next time you breastfeed, try to remember which breast your baby started on the last time, and start on the other side. Switching the side you start with each time will help both your breasts continue to make milk.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk ?

You can tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk by:

1. Checking his or her diapers – By day 4 or 5 after birth, babies should have at least 6 wet diapers a day.
2. Checking his or her bowel movements – By day 4 after birth, babies should have 4 or more bowel movements a day. By day 5, their bowel movements should be yellow.
3. Having your doctor check to see if your baby is gaining weight

Does my baby need any other food or drink?

For the first 6 months, most babies need only breast milk. But your doctor might recommend that your baby take a liquid vitamin, too.

When a baby is 6 months old, he or she can start eating and drinking other things, too. Ask your doctor which foods you can feed your baby and when. You can still continue to breastfeed after your baby starts solid foods.

What problems can happen during breastfeeding?

Some women have problems during breastfeeding that can include:

1. Swollen, hard, and painful breasts.
2. Painful or cracked nipples.
3. Breast or nipple infections.
4. Blocked milk ducts, which can cause red and painful breast lumps.

How are breastfeeding problems treated?

Treatment will depend on the problem. For example, women with swollen, hard, and painful breasts often feel better if they:

1. Use their hand or a breast pump to let some milk out.
2. Use an ice pack or take pain-relieving medicine to treat the pain.
3. Take a warm shower to start their milk flow and let some milk out.

Talk with your doctor  if you are having problems with breastfeeding. Almost all breastfeeding problems can be treated. Some women also find it helpful to talk with a breastfeeding expert called a "lactation consultant."

Should I see a doctor ?

Call your doctor if you have:

1. A blocked milk duct that does not get better.
2. A fever and a hard, red, and swollen area of the breast.
3. Blood leaking from the nipples.
4. Pain that lasts for the whole breastfeeding session.

Do I need to eat or drink more when I am breastfeeding ?

Yes. Women need to eat extra calories and make sure that they drink enough fluids. Ask your doctor if there are vitamins you should take, or foods or medicines you should avoid.

When should I stop breastfeeding ?

Women choose to stop breastfeeding at different times and for different reasons. But doctors do not recommend that women stop breastfeeding all at once. Instead, when you decide to stop breastfeeding, you can drop one feeding every 2 to 5 days or breastfeed for a shorter time each feeding.