Breastfeeding Timeline
Before birth:
- Most all women are capable of breastfeeding
- Get adequate rest and nutrition
- Talk with your doctor or lactation consultant to prepare
- Buy a quality breast pump
Just after birth:
- Expect frustrations
- Get help from nurses, friends or lactation consultants
- Feed on demand, when the baby is crying or hungry (about every 2-4 hours)
- Understand that the baby needs less to eat in the first few days of life
- Milk will usually ‘come in’ and baby will eat more by the 4 th or 5 th day
First few weeks and beyond:
- You may pump and use a bottle if you want
- Breastfeed at least 2-3 times a day and use bottle in between
- Let dad help if using a bottle
- You can store breast milk in the freezer for up to 3-4 months if careful
- Avoid certain drugs (talk with your doctor about which ones)
- Don’t drink alcohol and breastfeed
You can breastfeed as long as you want, even up to about 2 years old!
Videos
Answers to your common questions on video
Pictures
Examples of different breastfeeding positions
Links
Connect to other useful websites
