Simple Steps for Successful Breastfeeding

Educate yourself about breastfeeding. Pre-Natal Breastfeeding Classes will help you to: 

• Understand when your baby is asking to eat 
• Properly latch on your baby 

Surround yourself with supportive people – Especially your partner and other breastfeeding moms. La Leche League and CinnaMoms, for instance 

                                       Lack of support is the #1 reason moms stop breastfeeding! 

Be confident in your abilities – This is your experience! Don’t let others, and their negativity, impact how long you breastfeed your baby!

Plan ahead— Get the right bra and proper nursing clothes. Going back to work does not mean you have to stop breastfeeding!

Provide skin to skin contact right after birth and as often as possible. 

• Nurse within 1 hour after the baby’s birth, for a Vaginal birth 
• When it is safe to do so, for a Caesarean Birth. 

Avoid separation from your baby – 

• Room-in as much as possible (don’t send your baby to the nursery, even at night.)  Offer the breast after a procedure, this will comfort the baby. 

Reinforce your decision to exclusively breastfeed to hospital staff – 

• Do not offer pacifiers or bottles of formula to your baby, unless medically indicated. 
• Breastfeed on demand 
• When your baby shows early hunger cues, offer the breast. 
• Do Not limit or time baby’s time at the breast. 
• Let baby decide when she/he is full. 

Ask for early assistance – International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are great in this department. 

                                  In the early weeks of your baby’s life, all you need to be concerned about is   

                                    Breastfeeding,  holding your baby skin to skin, and loving on your baby.