Getting comfortable with your baby at feeding

Before each feeding, get comfortable with your baby.

Ensure that your baby is latched on correctly. This means that he should have a good grip on your areola, not just your nipple. When your baby is latched on properly, the breast milk will flow better, the milk supply will be stimulated and your baby is kept satisfied. If also helps to prevent your breasts from becoming engorged or overly full. After some practice, you will know when your baby is properly latched, it may feel like he is pulling or tugging as he draws in milk.

If your nipple becomes sore, try starting on the side that bothers you the least. If your breasts are too sore and you may need to skip feeding, you should express your milk by hand or with a breast pump at your baby’s regular feeding times so you will be able to maintain your milk supply. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is latched on correctly yet you are still having pain while breastfeeding.

It usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks to fully establish your milk supply as it is based on a “supply and demand” system. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. There is no need to give supplemental formula, sugar water or a pacifier to satisfy his urge to suck as you try to establish breastfeeding; this may decrease you milk production.

Your baby will let you know when he is satisfied, he may let go of your breast or may fall asleep. If allowed, some babies may nurse constantly to satisfy their need to suck. If this is your baby, ensure he is getting enough milk or speak to your pediatrician about the use of a pacifier.

About 10 to 20 minutes on each breast provides about 90% of available milk. After that, you baby receives less and less milk per suck.