Breastfeeding your baby, according to a lactation expert

Breastfeeding overview

Breastfeeding, or nursing, is the practice of a mother feeding her baby breast milk directly from the breast. If you can breastfeed, it’s an excellent way to provide your baby with the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding until your baby is six months old. However, every family is different, and some mothers may choose to breastfeed beyond six months or stop before their baby reaches six months. Breastfeeding is a personal choice, and ultimately, “fed is best.”

Benefits of breastfeeding

Deciding to breastfeed your baby is an important, personal decision, and there are many benefits to consider:

Nutritional value

Breast milk is approximately 88% water; the remainder comprises carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. These proportions can vary based on your diet and will change over time to meet your baby’s needs during growth.

Immune support

Breast milk is rich in immune-supporting proteins and cells that strengthen your baby's immune system. Studies have shown breastfeeding can decrease the incidence of ear infections and certain respiratory illnesses.

Bonding

Breastfeeding is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby. During the first few days postpartum, skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding can regulate your baby’s nervous system and temperature. These moments provide a chance to cuddle, engage in skin-to-skin contact, and begin to build a strong mother-child relationship.

Breastfeeding your newborn

The first milk produced is called colostrum. Colostrum is highly concentrated, nutritionally dense, rich in proteins and antibodies, and deep yellow in color. During the first few days, a baby's stomach is about the size of a marble, so small amounts of colostrum provide all the nutrition they need.

A mother’s milk typically comes in around 3 to 5 days after birth. However, certain factors such as a Cesarean delivery, medical conditions, medications, and anesthesia can delay milk production. When it starts to come in, your breasts will swell and become noticeably larger, sometimes leading to discomfort. Between days 2 and 5 postpartum, you’ll start to produce transitional milk. Transition milk is a blend of colostrum and mature breast milk. Mature milk will arrive around the 2-week mark, and it has a higher water content, so it’s less concentrated but remains nutritionally dense. Mature milk is also lighter in color.

Foremilk vs. hindmilk

Breast milk composition changes throughout a feed. The first milk is called the foremilk, and it’s typically higher in carbohydrates. After your baby drinks the foremilk, they will get to the hindmilk, which is richer in fat.

Latching

Proper latching takes time, practice, and patience for both mother and baby. A deep latch on the breast stimulates milk production and ensures your baby effectively feeds and gets enough milk. A deep latch also ensures that breastfeeding remains pain-free for the mother. It also reduces the intake of air, which can minimize gas and discomfort. On the other hand, a shallow latch can lead to improper transfer of milk and can cause pain for the mother.

Step-by-step guide to latching

Follow these steps to encourage a deep latch:

1. Position your baby belly to belly, ensuring both your and your baby’s belly are touching (baby should be on their side).
2. Use a nursing pillow to prop the baby up. To provide additional support, place an additional pillow under your arm on the side of the breast you are feeding from.
3. Position the baby's nose near your nipple and wait for them to open wide for a deep latch. Their mouth should be wide open at a 45-degree angle.
4. If your baby’s lip is tucked under, use your pinky finger to gently uncurl your baby’s lip.
5. If the latch isn’t deep or you experience pain, gently release the latch using your pinky finger and try again. It may take a few attempts to achieve a deep latch.

Newborns are sleepy, so they may start off with a deep latch but begin to slip into a shallow latch during the feed. To maintain a deep latch, try keeping them awake by gently tickling their chin or the sole of their foot. It may be challenging to achieve a deep latch if your baby is overly hungry or unsettled. Watch for early hunger cues and aim to latch when they are calm to improve feeding success.

There are some circumstances that make breastfeeding more challenging, such as prematurity, tongue ties, and cleft palate. If you experience any difficulties, contact your local or Summer Health lactation expert for additional guidance and breastfeeding support.

How long to breastfeed

Newborn nursing sessions usually last 15 to 25 minutes per side. As babies become more efficient eaters, nursing sessions may shorten over time.

Fullness cues

During the first few weeks postpartum, your baby will be sleepy, and you’ll likely have to wake them for nursing or encourage them to finish feeding. As your baby grows, they will show fullness cues when they’ve had enough. These cues may include no longer sucking, pulling away from the breast, their hands open to form a tight fist, or falling asleep after feeding from both sides.

Daily breastfeeding sessions

In the newborn phase, babies feed on demand, usually every 1.5 to 2 hours, totaling 10 to 12 daily feeds. As they grow, you can gradually extend the time between feeds to every 2 to 4 hours. It’s completely normal for their appetite to fluctuate, so it’s more important to follow their hunger cues than stick to a strict feeding schedule.

Breastfeeding positions

Here are several common breastfeeding positions when nursing your baby:

• Cradle Hold: This is the most common position, where the mother sits upright with the baby positioned to the side and the baby’s body against the mother’s stomach.
• Football Hold: This position provides more support for the baby, with the baby resting along the mother’s forearm while their body is tucked along her side, with their feet towards the back of where the mother is sitting. The mother typically supports the baby's head with her hand.
• Side-Lying Position: This position provides more support for your baby and is particularly helpful for overnight feeds. Both the mother and baby lie on their sides, with stomachs touching.

FAQs: Breastfeeding your baby

Should you breastfeed your baby on both breasts?

Ideally, you should breastfeed your baby on both sides during each nursing session. You should also alternate the starting breast for each session. For instance, if you begin a nursing session with the right breast, start the next session with the left breast.

How do you know when to switch your baby to the other breast?

When your baby becomes very sleepy, looks unsettled, your breasts feel empty, or your baby is fussy and seems to want more, it's time to switch breasts. During the newborn phase, it might be difficult to recognize your baby's cues, so setting a timer for 15 to 20 minutes can be helpful.

What are signs that my baby is getting enough milk?

If your baby is gaining weight and appears comfortable during nursing, they are likely getting enough milk during breastfeeding sessions. However, if your baby isn't getting enough milk, they may lose weight or be very fussy during and in between breastfeeding sessions.  

What are some breastfeeding tips for moms?

• Since breast milk is almost entirely water, staying hydrated is important for maintaining a healthy supply.
• Continue taking your prenatal vitamins or switch to a regular or postnatal vitamin.
• Your milk supply operates on a supply-and-demand basis—the more you breastfeed or pump, the more milk your body will produce.
• During the newborn phase, babies require very little milk. Many new moms worry they're not producing enough milk, which isn’t usually the case. When in doubt, complete a weight check at your pediatrician's office. Your baby’s weight is the best indicator of adequate milk intake.