Breastfeeding: Basic Steps Bring Success

Signs of Adequate Breast Milk Intake

• Nursing 8-12 times in 24 hours.

• Six or more wet diapers in 24 hours.

• Up to 3 stools in 24 hours/1st month.

• Breast feels softer after feeding.

• Normal breast tissue swelling subsides in about 1 week and is not a sign of decreased milk supply.

• Baby will want to nurse more often for about 2 to 3 days.

• Likely during first days at home and about 10 to 14 days, 4 to 6 weeks, 3 to 6 months.

• Eat to appetite.

• Eat a variety of food.

• Drink to satisfy thirst.

• Rest often, sleep when baby sleeps.

Community Support

• Healthcare Provider.

• 1-800-LaLeche

• Local health department and/or WIC.

Positioning

• Wash hands prior to nursing.

• Find a comfortable posture, support with pillow.

• Position baby on his/her side, facing mother “chest to chest” at nipple level.

• Mother should support breast, keeping fingers away from areola, at first and throughout the feeding: using the C-hold.

• Stimulate rooting reflex by gently stroking baby’s lower lip with nipple.

• When baby’s mouth opens wide (like a yawn), quickly pull baby to breast (not breast to baby), centering nipple deeply into baby’s mouth so gums compress areola.

• Tip of baby’s nose and chin should touch breast.

• If it hurts, above steps may need to be repeated: remove baby from breast by breaking suction with finger inserted between gums, in corner or mouth.

• Alternate positions to avoid stressing certain nipple areas and to aid flow from all milk ducts.

• Alternate starting breast.

Suckling Assessment

• Lips should be curled outward.

• No clicking/smacking sounds heard.

• Swallowing should be heard.

• A tugging sensation is normal with latch on.

Frequency

• Breastfeed within first hour of life or as soon as possible.

• Thereafter, feed on cue (ie. hand to mouth, rooting and sucking movements) or every 1 ½ to 3 hours.

• No time restrictions at breast.

• Frequent, unlimited breastfeeding encourages milk supply and minimizes engorgement.

• Offer both breast in feeding if baby wishes.

Breast Care

• Use only water on breasts when bathing.

• Air dry nipples after feeds.

• Avoid soaps, sprays and creams on areola/nipples.

• Avoid nipple shields.

Other Considerations

• Formula, water and pacifiers are not recommended and may cause baby to feel full and sleepy, lose interest in breastfeeding, and become nipple confused.

• Rooming-in helps feeding on cue and assures frequent feedings.

Printed with permission of the Virginia Breastfeeding Task Force, Virginia Department of Health.