1. Why should I breastfeed?
2. Does the size of my breast matter?
3. Do I have to change my diet?
4. How do I get started?
5. What causes my soreness?
6. Can I still breastfeed if I have to go back to work or school?
7. When do I wean my baby?

1. Why should I breastfeed?
Thinking about feeding your baby is very important. From the moment you heard you were having a baby, you probably began to think aboutnames, cribs, clothes, and childcare. Feeding your new baby is something you should consider carefully and plan as well.

First of all, breastfeeding is giving your baby the best start for both physical and emotional development. Your baby will have be better protected against:

• Allergies
• Illness
• Ear infections
• Problems with obesity
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Tooth decay

Here are some advantages for you to consider:
Physical benefits

• Breastfeeding lessens your bleeding after having your baby
• Helps your uterus return to its normal size
• Helps you to lose weight after the baby is born

Emotional benefits

• Women enjoy nursing and that special connection with their babies
• The hormones you produce while nursing help you relax
• Makes you feel proud that you are producing something specially made for your baby

Cost benefits

• No extra cost for formula, bottles and all the extras it takes to give artificial milk to your baby
• WIC benefits go further
• Breast milk doesn’t stain so less need for replacement of baby items

Convenience

• Breastfeeding is free
• It is environmentally-friendly (no cans or litter to throw away)
• No need to sterilize bottles or other equipment
• Traveling is easier - just pack your diapers and go!

2. Does the size of my breast matter?
Breast size does not matter. Many people think that if you have small breasts you will not be able to make enough milk. Some also think that a mom with large breasts will make an over-supply of milk. This is simply not true. You will be able to make the right amount of milk for your baby. The more you nurse the more milk you make.

3. Do I have to change my diet?
Not really, but you should always try to eat healthy for yourself. You may eat a variety of foods and always drink enough water to satisfy your thirst.

4. How do I get started?
Begin by letting your healthcare provider know that you plan to breastfeed. When you are in the hospital, you will want to let the hospital staff know that you are breastfeeding your baby and ask that they please not give your baby any artificial milk (formula) or artificial nipples. Also let your family and friends know of your decision and ask for their support.

• Try to feed your baby in the first hour after birth
• The first milk is called colostrum and helps protect your baby from germs and sickness
• No preparation for your nipples is necessary
• Wake baby to feed by unwrapping the blanket or taking off t-shirt
• Position baby so that both of you are comfortable
• Hold the baby close with baby’s mouth at the level of your breast and make sure mom and baby are tummy to tummy
• Use extra pillows to support baby if necessary
• If you experience pain, reposition baby’s mouth on your breast
• Remove baby from breast by gently inserting your finger into the side of the baby’s mouth until the suction breaks
• A baby will nurse at least every 2 to 2 ½ hours but every baby is different
• Watch for hunger cues (waking, sucking hand, turning head) and nurse when the baby is just getting hungry (don’t wait until he or she is crying hard)
• Let your baby nurse on one breast until she is finished; after burping, you can offer the other breast. If the baby doesn’t take the second breast, offer it first at the next feeding
• Baby should feed 8-12 times in 24 hours within the first week
• Baby has at least 6 to 8 wet diapers in 24 hours after breastfeeding is well-established
• The first stool is black & sticky then turns green within a couple of days
• Stools are mustard-like color and loose about day 4 or 5
• You should be able to hear your baby swallow (sounds like a clicking sound)

Be sure to call a peer counselor or lactation consultant if you have any questions or concerns.

For additional information visit www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding

5. Does breastfeeding hurt?
Breastfeeding should not be painful.  Some tenderness may occur during the first week of breastfeeding. If the entire feeding is painful, or if the soreness continues, the baby’s mouth is most likely not properly on the breast. If the baby’s mouth is latched onto the end of the nipple, this will cause pain. The baby’s mouth should be opened as wide as possible and take in as much of the dark area (areola) as possible. Always make sure the baby’s bottom lip is curled out. Here some additional suggestions:

• Always make sure the dark area (areola) is far back into the baby’s mouth
• Try holding baby in different positions until you feel comfortable
• Nurse frequently
• Start with the least sore side
• You can rub a little breast milk on a sore nipple after feedings

          If the soreness continues and you begin to experience cracked nipples or bleeding,           contact your breastfeeding specialist, lactation consultant, or peer counselor.

6. Can I still breastfeed if I have to go back to work or school?
            Absolutely! Just plan ahead.  Many moms choose to pump their milk so they can keep breastfeeding longer.  Let your employer or school counselor know that you will need a private room to pump at least twice a day and a place to store your breast milk. Your baby can still receive all the benefits of breastfeeding even if you are not there at the time. For more specific information on how to pump and/or prepare to wean baby, call your lactation specialist or peer counselor or visit these sites (disguised link):
          http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
          http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/breastfeed_pump.html
          http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-feeding/FL00120
          http://www.workandpump.com/

7. When do I wean my baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding your baby for at least the first year of his or her life. Weaning is a personal decision.  As a mom you should nurse for as long as you and baby are comfortable. Sometimes baby-led weaning occurs. However, if you choose to wean your nursing baby, do not stop suddenly or all at once. This may cause engorgement. If you choose to wean before one year, you will need to give your baby artificial milk (formula).  Wean baby gradually so that both you and baby have time to adjust.

Enjoy your breastfeeding experience!