Your Breastfeeding Journey
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Prepare for your breastfeeding journey by knowing what to expect before, during, and after nursing a baby. These answers to commonly asked questions from mothers can help you grow your confidence and success at breastfeeding.
How Do I Prepare for Breastfeeding?
Before you deliver your baby, you’ll want to:
What Breastfeeding Supplies Do I Need?
Each breastfeeding journey is unique. Items you may need include:
- Breast pump
- Milk storage bags and containers
- Nipple creams, ointments, and lotions
- Nipple shields if recommended by your lactation consultant
- Nursing bra, covers, pads, and pillows
How Can My Support Partner Help?
Know that you don’t have to do everything by yourself. People who want to help can:
- Do chores around the house
- Love and care for your baby
- Make sure you get enough rest and have enough to eat and drink
- Run errands for you
- Support, appreciate, and encourage you throughout your breastfeeding journey
- Take care of any other children or animals who are at home
What Are the Signs My Baby is Hungry?
It’s best to follow your baby’s lead. You can tell your baby is hungry if they:
- Become more alert and active
- Look for your breast
- Make sucking motions with the mouth
- Put hands or fists to the mouth
How Do I Know My Baby is Getting Enough Milk?
When your baby is full or empties a breast, they’ll unlatch from your nipple. Your baby may want more milk. Offer your second breast to see if they are still hungry. Your baby is getting enough milk if they:
- Appear calm and relaxed during feedings
- Nurse every one to two hours the first two months, and then less often as they get older
- Have regular dirty and wet diapers
- Grow at the rate you and your pediatrician discuss
Talk with your pediatrician or lactation consultant if you worry that your baby is not getting enough milk. They can help with your milk supply and monitor your baby's health.
What Are Common Issues Women Face When Nursing?
Most women will face some hurdles when breastfeeding, such as:
- Swollen breasts
- Latch issues
- Leaking milk
- Mastitis, an infection of breast tissue from a blocked milk duct or bacteria
- Milk supply concerns
- Pain
- Sore nipples
Seek professional help if you experience any of these issues.
How Do I Breastfeed While Going Back to Work?
Before you return to work, you'll want to:
- Build up your storage of breast milk by pumping when your baby is napping or in someone else’s care
- Have someone else give your baby a bottle so your infant can start adjusting to a new caregiver
- Plan a pumping schedule for work, and set a goal of every three hours to maintain your milk supply and to avoid swelling
- Make sure you have the right supplies to pump and store breast milk at work
When Should I Stop Breastfeeding?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers feed their babies only breast milk for six months and continue breastfeeding for a total of at least one year. After a year, it’s up to the mother and child to determine how long they want to continue.
How Do I Wean My Baby?
When you are ready to stop breastfeeding, you’ll want to:
- Slowly reduce how long and often you breastfeed each day
- Continue to bond with your child when they want to nurse
- Use an iron-fortified formula to supplement your milk if you begin to wean before your baby turns one
- Give your child a bottle or cup depending on their age to help them adjust to eating without a breast
Weaning can take days, weeks, and sometimes months, depending on your and your baby’s needs. Talk to your lactation consultant if you want help during your transition.
Connect with Our Team
Contact our childbirth education team if you have any questions or concerns.
Email: Childbirth Education team
Phone: 703.558.2468
