Breastfeeding FAQs

Every woman’s journey to motherhood is different, but one of the first decisions a new mom makes is how to feed her child. Here are some facts about breastfeeding and practical tips on how to make breastfeeding work for you.

How often should I nurse in the first few weeks?

If you and your baby are healthy after birth, it is best to breastfeed within the first hour after delivery. While in the hospital, keep the baby with you in your room so you can learn his hunger cues and respond promptly. Then, breastfeed your baby at least eight to 12 times every 24 hours so that you will make plenty of milk. This means that in the first few days after birth, your baby will likely need to breastfeed about every one to two hours during the day and a few times at night.

Some newborns feed as often as every 90 minutes, while others feed about every 3 hours. If your baby isn't waking on her own during the first few weeks, wake her if 3-4 hours have passed since the last feeding. Healthy babies develop their own feeding patterns. Follow your baby's cues for when he or she is ready to eat. Signs your baby may be hungry include:

Becoming more alert and active
Putting hands or fists to mouth
Making sucking motions with mouth
Turning head to look for the breast

How long should feedings be?

There is no set time for feedings. They may be 15 to 20 minutes per breast. Or, they may be shorter or longer. Your baby will let you know when he or she is finished feeding. If you worry that your baby is not getting enough milk, talk to your baby's doctor. Use our feeding chart to track how often your baby wants to eat.

How much do babies typically eat when breastfeeding?

A newborn's tummy is very small, especially in the early days. Once breastfeeding is established, exclusively breastfed babies who are 1 to 6 months old take in between 19 and 30 ounces of breast milk each day. If you breastfeed your baby eight times a day, your baby will get around three ounces per feeding. Every baby is different.

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

There are many signs you can watch for to see if your baby is getting enough milk, including:

Your baby passes enough clear or pale yellow urine, not deep yellow or orange.
Your baby has enough bowel movements.
Your baby switches between short sleeping periods and wakeful, alert periods.
Your baby is satisfied and content after feedings.
Your breasts may feel softer after you feed your baby.

From birth to 3 months old, a baby usually will gain two-thirds to one ounce of weight each day. Keep in mind that many babies lose a small amount of weight in the first days after birth. Your baby's doctor will check your baby's weight at your first doctor visit after you leave the hospital. Make sure to visit your baby's doctor for a checkup within three to five days after birth and then again when the baby is 2 to 3 weeks old.

How many months should I breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, and for as long as both the mother and baby would like. Most infants should drink only breast milk for the first six months.

The easiest and most natural time to wean is when your child leads the process. But how you feel is also very important in deciding when to wean. Your decision may depend on several factors, such as returning to work, your health, your baby's health or a feeling that the time is right.

What should I do when I have to go back to work or school?

Most insurance companies pay for a personal use breast pump. Contact your insurance provider to see what benefits they provide.

https://www.womenshealth.gov/

Does my baby need cereal or water?

Breast milk alone is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first six months after birth. Until then, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding your baby only breast milk. Giving your baby cereal may cause your baby to not want as much breast milk. This will decrease your milk supply.

You can slowly introduce other foods starting around six months of age. Even when babies enjoy discovering new tastes and textures, solid foods should not replace breastfeeding, but merely complement breast milk as the infant's main source of nutrients throughout the first year. Beyond one year, as the variety and volume of solid foods gradually increase, breast milk remains an ideal addition to the child's diet.

Does my baby need more vitamin D?

Most likely, yes. Vitamin D is needed to build strong bones. All infants and children should get at least 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D each day. To meet this need, your child’s doctor may recommend that you give your baby a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU each day.

Is it okay for my baby to use a pacifier?

If you want to try it, it is best to wait until your baby is at least three or four weeks old to introduce a pacifier. This allows your baby time to learn how to latch well on the breast and get enough milk. Once your baby is breastfeeding well, you should use the pacifier when putting your infant to bed to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Do I still need birth control if I am breastfeeding?

Yes. Breastfeeding is not a sure way to prevent pregnancy, even though it can delay the return of normal ovulation and menstrual cycles. Talk to your doctor or nurse about birth control choices that are okay to use while breastfeeding.

Does my breastfed baby need vaccines?

Yes. Vaccines are very important to your baby’s health. Breastfeeding may also help your baby respond better to certain immunizations, giving him or her more protection. Follow the schedule your doctor gives you. If you miss any vaccines, check with the doctor about getting your baby back on track as soon as possible.

Are there times when I shouldn't breastfeed?

While rare, your doctor may advise you or tell you not to breastfeed if you:

Take certain medicines, like anxiety medication or certain migraine medications that are dangerous for babies and can be passed to your baby in your breast milk
Have a specific illness (like HIV or active tuberculosis)
Get radiation therapy, though some therapies may mean only a brief pause in breastfeeding

If you take medicine or have an illness, talk to your doctor before you begin breastfeeding. Medicines that are safe for you to take during pregnancy may also be safe while you are breastfeeding. You should always check with your doctor before you start breastfeeding. Talk to your baby's doctor if your baby shows any signs of a reaction to your breast milk, such as diarrhea, excessive crying, or sleepiness.

A public service pertaining to medication safety for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers is:

http://www.infantrisk.com/

Should I stop breastfeeding when I am sick?

In most cases, you can continue to breastfeed your baby when you are sick, and if your baby is sick. But, if you are sick with the flu, including the H1N1 flu (also called the swine flu), you should avoid being near your baby, so that you do not infect him or her. Have someone who is not sick feed your baby your expressed breast milk.

Is it safe to smoke, drink or use drugs?

If you smoke, the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to quit as soon as possible. If you can’t quit, it is still better to breastfeed because it may protect your baby from respiratory problems and SIDS. Be sure to smoke away from your baby, and change your clothes to keep your baby away from the chemicals smoking leaves behind. Ask a doctor or nurse for help quitting smoking!

You should avoid alcohol in large amounts. An occasional drink is fine, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting two hours or more after drinking before nursing. You also can pump milk before you drink to feed your baby later.

It is not safe for you to use an illegal drug. Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and meth can harm your baby! Some reported side effects in babies include seizures, vomiting, poor feeding, poor neurological development, and tremors.