This document provides information and guidance on breastfeeding for new mothers. It outlines the benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mother, including decreased risk of various illnesses and diseases as well as health, economic and environmental benefits. It provides guidance on proper breastfeeding techniques such as different holds, ensuring a good latch, feeding frequency, avoiding nipple confusion, dealing with engorgement or cracked nipples, pumping and storing breast milk. It also provides local resources for breastfeeding support.

1. BREASTFEEDING 101
COFFEE BOURNE UTSN

2. WHY BREASTFEED?
• Benefits to Baby
 Breast milk is like medicine for baby. It decreases risk of
infections, diarrhea, constipation, allergies, asthma, SIDS, diabetes, an
d even cancer. Formula does not contain these protective ingredients.
 Your milk changes to meet your baby’s needs as he grows.
 Breast milk promotes normal brain and facial growth.
 Human milk is made for human babies. Formula is made from cow’s
milk or soybeans so it isn’t specially designed for a human baby.
• Benefits to Mom
 Reduces your risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
 It can help you lose weight faster.
 Releases hormones that make you feel relaxed and calm.
 You don’t have to buy baby bottles or formula.
 Fewer medical bills because baby is likely to be healthier.
• Benefits to Society
 Breast milk is a natural resource. It doesn’t require
water, energy, wasteful packaging, shipping, or storing.

3. BREASTFEEDING HOLDS
• Different holds can make
breastfeeding easier
• Baby should always face
mother, belly to belly
• Never push on the back
of baby’s head
• Support your breast and
bring baby to you for
maximum comfort
• Football hold can be
most helpful for mothers
with a cesarean

4. THE FIRST LATCH
• Use one hand to hold baby’s neck and shoulders. Your other
hand should be on your breast controlling how the nipple
enters baby’s mouth. Fingers on bottom thumb on top
making a “C” shape.
• Support your arms with pillows and set up in the hold that suits
your needs.
• Bring baby to you- NOT you to baby.
• Tickle baby’s lips to encourage him to open wide
• Pull baby close so the chin and lower jaw moves into your
breast first
• Watch the lower lip and aim it as far from the nipple as
possible so the baby takes a large mouthful of breast
• Top of head and nose should be titled back as if slightly
hanging off the breast. This gives baby room to breathe and
ensures a proper latch.

5. HOW OFTEN TO FEED
• Newborn babies should breastfeed roughly every 2-3
hours during the day and least every 4 hours at night.
• Watch baby’s hunger signs such as:
o Rooting (moving his mouth towards your finger when you touch
his cheek)
o Making sucking motions
o Bringing his hands to his mouth
• After day 4, when your milk comes in, baby should have
six to eight wet diapers every 24 hours. Fewer than this
can signal inadequate feeding.
• The fontanels on your baby’s head should not be sunken
in, this can signal dehydration.
• When baby seems full, try offering the other breast.

6. TIPS FOR EASIER BREASTFEEDING

7. BREASTFEEDING ISLAND
• Sometimes mothers go from the hospital to home and
breastfeeding becomes much more challenging.
• Creating a space that resembles the hospital in terms of
convenience can make breastfeeding easier.
• Gather everything you need for the day and keep it within an
arm’s reach in a place you would be comfortable all day
(couch, bed, reclining chair).
• Make sure you have diapers, wipes, remotes, cell
phone, water and snacks for mom, blankets, baby
seat, breastfeeding log, breastfeeding support book from
hospital
• Feed on demand and at least every two hours
• Breastfeeding is your job right now, be proud of the progress
you make throughout the day and don’t be afraid to call a
lactation consultant for help when it just isn’t coming together

8. AVOIDING NIPPLE CONFUSION
• Nipple confusion is a result of using a bottle to
supplement feeding before baby has mastered a
latch with the breast (usually 3-4 weeks from birth).
• The flow rate is faster on a bottle and baby gets
used to not having to suck to get milk.
• Bottle nipples require a different mouth movement
than the breast. The baby becomes confused
about how to feed at the breast.
• Confusion from the use of a pacifier is not
technically a form of nipple confusion but it can
change how baby latches and should be avoided.

9. PROMOTING COMFORT
• To relieve and avoid engorgement:
o Try to feed baby every two hours
o Massage your breasts while baby is feeding
o You may pump after baby feeds but realize that they more
you demand of your body, the more it will make.
o Increase your fluid intake, dehydration can irritate swollen
breast tissue.
• For cracked nipples
o Mother’s milk is best- express a small amount and leave it on
your nipple only. Allow to air dry.
o Lanolin cream may be applied sparingly. It does not need
to be removed before baby feeds.
o It is okay to keep breastfeeding if your nipples are bleeding.
o Make sure your latch is correct. An incorrect latch can
cause cracking and bleeding.

10. PUMPING
• Pumping is a great way to
provide breast milk to your baby
even when you have to be away
from him.
• Breast pumps come in many
forms depending on your needs.
• If you only plan to be away from
baby for hours at a time every
now and then, a hand pump will
be sufficient.
• If you plan on going to work or
school, an electric pump will be
more beneficial because it
provides more power and is more
time efficient.
• Store your milk in bags or bottles
for later use.

11. MILK STORAGE

12. VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION
• Human milk contains only small amounts of vitamin
D.
• Baby needs to be supplemented with vitamin D for
the first two months of life.
• Vitamin D comes from sunlight. Exposing baby to
sunlight without sunscreen for ten minutes every
morning is a good source of vitamin D.
• Vitamin D for breastfeeding infants can also be
purchased in drops at pharmacies and grocery
stores.

13. SUPPORT
• Mother’s Milk Bank 512.494.0800 (Austin)
• Mom’s Place 512.719.3010 (Austin)
• La Leche League 1.800.525.3243
• WIC 512.260.4241 www.wcchd.org

14. REFERENCES
The American academy of pediatrics section on
breastfeeding: Breastfeeding and the use of human milk.
(2005). Pediatrics, 496-506.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
and Committees on Health Care for underserved
women and obstetric practice (Breastfeeding:
Maternal and Infant Aspects No. Clinical review).
(2007). Retrieved from
http://www.acog.org/departments/underserved/
clinicalRe viewv12ils.pdf
Breastfeeding. (2006). World Health Organization.
Retrieved from
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2006/9241
59084X_ eng.pdf
HHS blueprint for action on breastfeeding. (2000). U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, 1-31.
Lowdermilk, D. L., Perry, S. E., & Cashion, K. (2009).
Maternity Nursing (8th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO :
Mosby.