Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Basics

Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for babies, supporting their growth, brain development, and overall health. It also provides many benefits for moms, such as reduced risk of developing certain types of cancer. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or child care provider, understanding these breastfeeding basics can help you support both the baby and breastfeeding parent for a successful start.

• Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. It changes over time to meet a baby's needs as he or she gets older. It also contains antibodies that help strengthen the baby’s immune system.

• Breastfeeding takes time and practice. It is normal for both mom and baby to need time to get the hang of it. Support is key! Look here to see if there is a breastfeeding support group near you. Look here to find a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care provider.

• Practicing skin-to-skin contact is important. It can promote bonding, support milk production, and encourage breastfeeding success.

• Feed on demand. Babies should be fed anytime they show signs of hunger like rooting, sucking on their hands, or smacking their lips. It is normal for babies receiving breast milk to feed more often than babies receiving formula.

• Supply and demand. The more a baby nurses, the more milk a mom’s body will produce. Regular nursing or pumping helps maintain a good milk supply.

• Practice paced bottle feeding for breastfed babies. If using a bottle, it’s important to use a paced feeding method to mimic breastfeeding and reduce the risk of overfeeding. Click here to learn more about paced bottle feeding!

• Every drop counts! Any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial. 

• Dirty diapers look different. The stools of a baby receiving breast milk look very different from those of a baby receiving formula. Expect stools that are mustard yellow in color and semi-liquid.