Learning to Breastfeed
Breastfeeding is a process that takes time to master. Babies and mothers need to practice.Keep in mind that you make milk in response to your baby sucking at the breast. The more milk your baby removes from the breasts, the more milk you will make.
After you have the baby, these steps can help you get off to a great start:
- Breastfeed as soon as possible after birth.
- Ask for a lactation consultant to come help you.
- Try not to give your baby other food or formula, unless it is medically necessary.
- Allow your baby to stay in your hospital room all day and night so that you can breastfeed often. Or, ask the nurses to bring your baby to you for feedings.
- Try to avoid giving your baby any pacifiers or artificial nipples so that he or she gets used to latching onto just your breast.
Updated June 6, 2016
