How to Breastfeed

Now that you've decided to breastfeed your baby, here are some guidelines to help you get started.

  • Right after giving birth

    • Breastfeed your baby within the first hour after birth.
    • Have your baby room-in with you to encourage frequent breastfeeding.
    • Hold your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible.
    • Feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger.
    • Avoid giving formula, water, or other supplements unless medically indicated.
    • Ask for breastfeeding support if you experience any difficulties.

  • How to feed the baby

    • Watch for feeding cues every 1–3 hours, such as sucking movements, sucking sounds, hand-to-mouth movements, soft cooing or sighing sounds, and restlessness.
    • Crying is a late feeding cue, so try to feed your baby before they become upset.
    • Breastfeed from one breast first and allow your baby to finish feeding or release the breast on their own before offering the second breast.
    • Practice proper positioning and right latch to help ensure effective feeding and comfort for both mother and baby.

  • Other tips

    • Keep your baby with you as much as possible, day and night, to encourage frequent breastfeeding and help establish your milk supply.
    • Avoid pumping during the early days unless advised by your healthcare provider or lactation consultant.
    • Avoid feeding your baby with bottles or offering pacifiers during the early weeks while breastfeeding is being established.
    • Do not give formula or water unless medically indicated, as this can reduce your baby's demand for breast milk and may affect your milk supply.

  • Signs of effective breastfeeding

    • Baby has at least 3 bowel movements every 24 hours after the first day of life.
    • Baby has seedy, yellow stools by day 5.
    • Baby has at least 6 wet diapers per day by day 4, with urine that is clear or light yellow.
    • Baby appears satisfied and content after feedings.
    • Swallowing can be heard or observed during feedings.
    • Baby returns to birth weight by 7–10 days of age.
    • Mom has noticeable increase in breast fullness and milk production by day 5.

Why breastfeed?

Infant formula can never duplicate human milk. Human milk contains living cells, hormones, active enzymes, immunoglobulins, and many other bioactive components that support a baby's growth and development.

Read more

Top Concerns

Explore our most common breastfeeding concerns and find practical guidance to help you and your baby thrive.

Read more