Helpful Hints on Breastfeeding

Helpful Hints on Breastfeeding

Going to work or school?

Breastfeed your baby often when you are home. Feed her/him just before you leave.

	Ask the sitter not to feed your baby just before you come home.
	When you are away from your baby, try to pump or express your milk every 3 hours.
	Find a quiet place. Use a restroom or lounge if you need to.
	Relax and think of your baby.
	You can hand express your milk or use a hand pump, battery pump, or electric pump. Ask for help to learn how.

Saving your milk

Store fresh breast milk in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours or freeze. Mark the date on the label. Warm breast milk with warm water, not in a microwave.

Hand expressing your milk:

	1. Put your thumb and finger behind the dark skin around your nipple.
	2. Press them back toward your chest.
	3. Press thumb and finger together to express your milk.
	4. Move your thumb and finger to a new position and repeat steps 1, 2, and 3.

Taking care of sore nipples and breasts that are too full

If your breasts get too full, they may swell and feel painfully hard and warm. Your baby may fuss and not feed well.

To relieve fullness:

Breastfeed every 1 1/2 - 2 hours for a day or so.

Do not skip nighttime feedings.

Be sure your baby has a good mouth position to get all the milk out of your breasts.

Massage your breasts gently before and during a feeding

Sore nipples are usually caused by your baby's poor mouth or body position.

Use a new position each time you feed.

Start feeding at the less sore breast first.

Check your baby's mouth position.

Breastfeed every 2-2 1/2 hours for a day or two.

Rub a little breast milk into you nipples and let them dry in the air.

Waking a sleeping baby.

A sleepy baby does not feed well. A baby should be awake for most of a feeding.

How to wake a baby:

Unwrap her/him and change her/his diaper.

Pat her/his feet and wiggle her/his legs gently.

Talk to her/him, rub her/his back.

Wash her/his face with a cool cloth.

Or try this method:

Lay her/him in your lap.

Support her/his head and back with your hands.

Gently pull her/him up to a sitting position.

Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 slowly several times until he/she opens his/her eyes.

Feeding in front of others

	Wrap a sweater over your shoulder.
	Wear a loose sweater or blouse to pull up from your waist.
	Unbutton your shirt from the bottom.
	Put a baby blanket or cloth diaper over your arm.

Getting help and encouragement

Healthcare providers and mothers who have breastfed can share their experiences and give you more helpful hints.

For more information contact you local health department or physician.