Breastfeeding Basics

Did you know breastfeeding helps defend against infections, prevent allergies and protect against several chronic conditions?

For the first few days after your baby's birth, your body will make colostrum, a nutrient-rich "pre-milk." Colostrum has many benefits, including nutrients that boost a baby's immune system and fight infection.

Breast milk contains lactose, protein (whey and casein) and fat, which are easily digested by a newborn. The ingredients in breast milk change as an infant ages making it perfectly tailored to what your baby needs.

Breast milk also naturally contains many of the vitamins and minerals that a newborn requires. One exception is vitamin D — the AAP recommends that all breastfed babies begin receiving vitamin D supplements during the first two months and continue until a baby consumes enough vitamin D-fortified formula or milk (after one year of age).

How Can I Tell When My Baby's Ready to Nurse?

On-demand feeding means breastfeeding whenever your baby seems hungry. How can you tell? A hungry baby will:

• Move their head from side to side
• Open their mouth
• Stick out their tongue
• Suck on their hands and fists
• Pucker their lips as if to suck
• Nuzzle against mom's breasts
• Show the rooting reflex (when a baby moves their mouth in the direction of something that's stroking or touching their cheek)

How Do I Know My Baby Is Getting Enough to Eat?

Your baby's diapers can help you tell if your little one is eating enough. The more your baby nurses, the more wet diapers you'll see.

Your baby probably is getting enough milk if he or she:

• Feeds 8–12 times a day
• Seems satisfied and content after eating
• Sleeps well
• Is alert when awake
• Is gaining weight

If you're worried that your baby isn't getting enough to eat, call their pediatrician.

Mothers and babies need plenty of patience to get used to the routine of breastfeeding. No matter how you feed your baby, it’s a great way to strengthen your bond. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, and continued breastfeeding for 2+ years or as long as desired by the mother and infant. The decision to exclusively breastfeed is a personal one and may not be what works for every family. Be encouraged that any amount of breastmilk feeding, for any amount of time, has great benefits for your infant. Many families who find that exclusive breastfeeding isn’t going to work for them, can give breastmilk in bottles, or give some breastmilk and some formula to “combination feed.”