Nursing Mothers Counsel

Breastfeeding Tips

Contents

	Establishing a Good Milk Supply
	Positioning
	Engorgement
	Sore Nipples
	Signs That Breastfeeding is Going Well
	Locating a Breast Pump or Lactation Consultant
	Recommended Reading

Establishing a good milk supply

Frequent feedings
Your baby should nurse 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. The amount of milk you produce is directly related to the amount of stimulation your breasts receive. Breastfeeding time should not be limited, and both breasts should be used at each feeding, alternating starting sides. If your baby has trouble latching on by day three, call Nursing Mothers Counsel.

Drink plenty of fluids

Nursing mothers need plenty of fluids. If you remember to drink something every time you nurse your baby, you will stay hydrated. Your urine should be pale in color. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, because these substances encourage fluid loss.

Rest when the baby rests

It is very important for a new mother to rest. Ideally you should sleep when the baby sleeps for at least the first two weeks.

Eat a balanced diet

You need to eat a nutritious diet while breastfeeding, just as you did while pregnant. Take care not to miss meals.

Relax during feedings

Breastfeeding is enhanced if you are comfortable and relaxed during feedings. If your baby has trouble latching on by day 3, call NMC!

Positioning

Having the baby positioned properly at the breast is important in avoiding sore nipples and ensuring that baby is receiving adequate nutrition. Be sure to:

Find a comfortable position, sitting up or lying down. Baby's tummy should be facing your tummy.
Support your breast with your hand, thumb on top and fingers underneath.
Stimulate baby to arouse interest, tickling baby's lips with your finger or nipple. With baby's mouth wide open, quickly bring baby to your breast. Be patient and keep trying--this is a learned skill for both of you.
At every feeding, be sure to get the nipple and a good portion of the areola well back into the baby's mouth.

Engorgement

Engorgement is defined as swollen, hard breasts. If baby feeds frequently, engorgement will probably be relieved within 48 hours. To keep the areola soft so the baby can latch on to feed, try the following:

	Apply moist heat to the breast before feeding, expressing enough colostrum or milk to soften the areola.
	Stand in a hot shower with the water at your back, allowing the water to run over your shoulders and breasts. Express or pump milk while in the shower to soften the areola.
	You might need to limit the time the baby feeds on the first breast to make sure the baby will take the second breast during the feeding.
	Cold packs might relieve pain and swelling if used after feeding.

If these measures do not relieve engorgement, call NMC.

Sore Nipples

Sore nipples usually result from improper positioning. If sore, review positioning and also follow these steps:

	Baby should feed first on the less sore side.
	Short, frequent feedings are better than long, infrequent feedings.
	Change feeding position to allow baby's jaws to exert pressure on less sore areas.
	Remember to remove baby from the breast by breaking the suction with your finger.
	After each feeding, wipe baby's saliva from the nipple, express a few drops of breast milk on the nipple area to promote healing, and air dry breasts for 15 to 20 minutes.

Call NMC if soreness continues or is severe!

Signs That Breastfeeding is Going Well

	Baby is feeding well 8 to 12 times every 24 hours.
	Baby's urine is pale in color.
	Baby wets at least six diapers every 24 hours after the third day.
	Baby's bowel movements are soft and mustard-colored by the end of the first week. BM's may be frequent, and amount will vary.
	Baby regains birth weight by 2 to 3 weeks of age and continues to gain at a steady rate.

If your baby is not having at least 6 wet diapers every 24 hours by day 5, call NMC and/or your pediatrician!

For additional information, contact your local NMC Chapter or call our National Referral Line at (415) 599-3669.

NMC carries Medela electric breast pumps for rental and Medela accessories for purchase. If you need a pump, contact your local NMC Chapter, or call Medela at 1-800-TELL-YOU. Medela also refers to Certified Lactation Consultants (professionals) through this number.

NMC recommends the following books: The Nursing Mother's Companion by K. Huggins Best feeding: Getting Breastfeeding Right for You by Renfrew, Fisher, & Arms Working Woman's Guide to Breastfeeding by Nancy Dana & Ann Price