Breastfeeding for beginners: Get started

Breastfeeding your baby is the best way to give her the nutrition and energy she needs. For some moms and babies breastfeeding comes naturally, but for others it may take a little more patience. Hang in there and don’t be afraid to ask for support if you need it – you’re doing the best for your little one.

Here are some simple ways to get started:

Feed… on demand

When it comes to knowing how often to breastfeed, let your baby lead the way. They will show you signs, which you’ll soon learn to read, of when they’re hungry and full. “Feeding on demand” – a part of “responsive feeding” – is important for helping your baby regulate how many calories they eat.

There is no set schedule or amount for each feeding. We’re all born with the natural ability to tell when we’re hungry or full. By feeding on demand and watching for cues, you’ll help your little one maintain this natural ability, which helps promote healthy growth now and throughout childhood.

Nurse… frequently

Breastfeeding your baby eight to 12 times in 24 hours is perfectly normal. Most newborns will want to feed every two to three hours because their tiny stomachs can only hold so much breast milk at a time. At one day old your baby’s stomach is only about the size of a grape (holding 5-7ml) and by a week is the size of a ping pong ball (holding 45-60ml). It’s no surprise, then, that they needs frequent refills!

If your baby wants to feed more than 12 times a day, go with it. If your baby regularly feeds fewer than eight times a day (or doesn’t seem interested in feeding), you should speak to your healthcare provider. 

Practice… skin-to-skin

Laying your naked baby (in just a diaper) on your bare chest has been shown to have many benefits. As well as giving you a precious moment to enjoy your special bond, it can help regulate your baby’s body temperature, encourage their readiness to feed once awake, and increase your milk production.

Wake… for regular feeds

For the first few weeks your baby probably won’t differentiate between day and night and may be ready to feed every two hours or so. Eating frequently is important so they can get the calories, nutrients, and fluids they need for healthy growth.

If your newborn has slept for four hours straight, gently wake them up for a feeding. You can do this by changing their diaper, holding them skin-to-skin, or massaging their back, belly, or legs. Once your baby is a month old and growing well, you can let them sleep!

Stop… when your baby’s full

Just like there’s no set schedule for feeding, there’s no set time limit for a single feeding. You may find your baby breastfeeds for around 15-20 minutes per breast but this can vary. If they seem full after a quick feeding, don’t pressure them to have more.

Likewise, if they breastfeed for a long period and is actively sucking, don’t stop them. Let your baby finish one breast completely before offering the other. That way they’ll get the fattier “hind milk” that is released towards the end of a feeding. You may want to make a note of which breast your baby has fed from so you can start with the other breast next time.

Offer… only breast milk

Breast milk contains everything your baby needs. Unless there is a medical need (and you’ve been advised by a healthcare provider), feed them only breast milk for the first six months. Breast milk works on a “supply and demand” basis so if you give your baby something else, your body will get the message that your baby doesn’t need to be fed.

Your milk supply is established based on how much and how often your baby breastfeeds. Check with your healthcare provider about pacifier use. Although pacifier use at bedtime or naptime can be safe for babies, consider waiting for at least three to four weeks before giving a pacifier or offering expressed milk in bottles. This may help to decrease the chance that a baby may get more familiar with the feel of a pacifier, and breastfeed less, or have trouble with latching onto your breast (sometimes known as “nipple confusion”).

Feel… confident

Your body is incredible: it created this beautiful bundle you’re holding in your arms and is now producing the perfect food for her healthy growth and development. Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of your baby’s life. The recommendation is the ideal, but keep in mind that any amount of breast milk you give your baby provides health advantages.

By practicing these techniques you’ll quickly gain confidence and breastfeeding will soon feel like second nature for both of you. You can feel proud that you’re doing an awesome job and giving your baby health advantages that will last a lifetime!

Breastfeeding takes a little time to master, but there are ways to get there faster. Read “Breastfeeding for beginners: 4 steps for a successful start” to learn the tips and tricks.