Breastfeeding provides essential nutrition and numerous health benefits for both mother and baby. Here’s what you need to know about getting started, feeding frequency, and when to seek support.

Breastfeeding Duration: AAP & WHO Recommendations

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasize the importance of breastfeeding for infant health.

The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for at least one year or as long as desired.
The WHO advises breastfeeding for at least two years or longer to maximize health benefits for both mother and baby.

Breastfeeding Initiation & The First Hours

Golden Hour After Birth: Ideally, breastfeeding should begin within the first 1-2 hours after delivery to promote bonding, stimulate milk production, and support long-term success.
First two weeks: Babies receive colostrum, a nutrient-rich milk that strengthens their immune system for the first 3 days, this then transitions to mature milk.
Exclusive Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding 10-12x/day, helps establish a strong milk supply and ensures complete nutrition.

Feeding Frequency

First two weeks:

Newborns need to breastfeed every 2-3 hours, with a 4-hour stretch at night.
Feed every 3 hours and on demand, responding to your baby's hunger cues.
Expect 10-12 feedings per day.

After two weeks:

Once the baby has regained birth weight, feedings can be more flexible—feed on demand.
No need to wake the baby every three hours.
Expect 8 or more feedings per day.

Milk Transfer: How to Know if Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

Signs that your baby is feeding well include:

✔ Waking up for feeds and actively nursing with rhythmic sucking and swallowing.

✔ Regular wet and dirty diapers (at least 6-8 wet and 3-4 stools per day).

✔ Breasts feeling softer after nursing.

✔ Consistent weight gain.

Breastfeeding Best Practices

Milk Supply

Offer the breast 10-12 times in 24 hours.
If the baby doesn’t latch, hand express or pump to maintain supply.
If milk supply is delayed or supplementation is needed for medical reasons, start pumping after breastfeeding.

Proper Positioning & Latch

Ensure mom is comfortable—use pillows if needed.
The baby should have good body alignment.
Align the baby’s nose to the nipple for a deep latch.
Shape the breast to match the baby’s mouth and wait for a wide open gape before latching.
Bring the baby to the breast, rather than leaning over or pushing the breast.

Signs of a Good Latch

✔ No nipple pain or damage

✔ Rhythmic sucking and swallowing.

✔ Baby’s lips flanged outward (not tucked in).

When to Seek Help & Recommended Follow-Ups

Seek lactation support if you experience:

❌ Pain, lumps, redness, or engorgement.

❌ Latch issues or low milk supply.

❌ Concerns about baby’s weight gain.

Recommended Lactation Consultation Schedule

📅 Prenatal (34-37 weeks gestation ): Breastfeeding preparation.

📅 First Week (0-5 Days Postpartum): Initial lactation assessment.

📅 2 Weeks Postpartum: Follow-up on weight gain and milk supply.

📅 Preterm Baby: Follow-up within 1-2 weeks after the due date.

📅1 Month Check-in: Evaluate milk supply and feeding patterns. Even if everything is going well, check in to ensure you’re on track to meet your breastfeeding goals.

📅 1 Month Before Returning to Work: Guidance on pumping and milk storage.

📅 Before 6 Months or Before Starting Solids: Adjust feeding routines as needed.

📅 1 Year (Weaning Support): Assistance in transitioning from breastfeeding.

📅 Anytime: If you have any questions or concerns.

Book a consultation with Virtual Breastfeeding now and get expert advice tailored to your needs! We offer insurance-covered home and virtual consults.

To book a consult, go to www.virtualbreastfeeding.com or call 619-327-9354.

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrition and numerous health benefits for both mother and baby. Here’s what you need to know about getting started, feeding frequency, and when to seek support.

Breastfeeding Duration: AAP & WHO Recommendations

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasize the importance of breastfeeding for infant health.

The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for at least one year or as long as desired.

The WHO advises breastfeeding for at least two years or longer to maximize health benefits for both mother and baby.

Breastfeeding Initiation & The First Hours

Golden Hour After Birth: Ideally, breastfeeding should begin within the first 1-2 hours after delivery to promote bonding, stimulate milk production, and support long-term success.

First two weeks: Babies receive colostrum, a nutrient-rich milk that strengthens their immune system for the first 3 days, this then transitions to mature milk.

Exclusive Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding 10-12x/day, helps establish a strong milk supply and ensures complete nutrition.

Feeding Frequency

First two weeks:

Newborns need to breastfeed every 2-3 hours, with a 4-hour stretch at night.

Feed every 3 hours and on demand, responding to your baby's hunger cues.

Expect 10-12 feedings per day.

After two weeks:

Once the baby has regained birth weight, feedings can be more flexible—feed on demand.

No need to wake the baby every three hours.

Expect 8 or more feedings per day.

Milk Transfer: How to Know if Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

Signs that your baby is feeding well include:

✔ Waking up for feeds and actively nursing with rhythmic sucking and swallowing.

✔ Regular wet and dirty diapers (at least 6-8 wet and 3-4 stools per day).

✔ Breasts feeling softer after nursing.

✔ Consistent weight gain.

Breastfeeding Best Practices

Milk Supply

Offer the breast 10-12 times in 24 hours.

If the baby doesn’t latch, hand express or pump to maintain supply.

If milk supply is delayed or supplementation is needed for medical reasons, start pumping after breastfeeding.

Proper Positioning & Latch

Ensure mom is comfortable—use pillows if needed.

The baby should have good body alignment.

Align the baby’s nose to the nipple for a deep latch.

Shape the breast to match the baby’s mouth and wait for a wide open gape before latching.

Bring the baby to the breast, rather than leaning over or pushing the breast.

Signs of a Good Latch

✔ No nipple pain or damage

✔ Rhythmic sucking and swallowing.

✔ Baby’s lips flanged outward (not tucked in).

When to Seek Help & Recommended Follow-Ups

Seek lactation support if you experience:

❌ Pain, lumps, redness, or engorgement.

❌ Latch issues or low milk supply.

❌ Concerns about baby’s weight gain.

Recommended Lactation Consultation Schedule

📅 Prenatal (34-37 weeks gestation ): Breastfeeding preparation.

📅 First Week (0-5 Days Postpartum): Initial lactation assessment.

📅 2 Weeks Postpartum: Follow-up on weight gain and milk supply.

📅 Preterm Baby: Follow-up within 1-2 weeks after the due date.

📅1 Month Check-in: Evaluate milk supply and feeding patterns. Even if everything is going well, check in to ensure you’re on track to meet your breastfeeding goals.

📅 1 Month Before Returning to Work: Guidance on pumping and milk storage.

📅 Before 6 Months or Before Starting Solids: Adjust feeding routines as needed.

📅 1 Year (Weaning Support): Assistance in transitioning from breastfeeding.

📅 Anytime: If you have any questions or concerns.

Book a consultation with Virtual Breastfeeding now and get expert advice tailored to your needs! We offer insurance-covered home and virtual consults.

To book a consult, go to www.virtualbreastfeeding.com or call 619-327-9354.

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