Once your baby is born, your breasts will start to fill up. At first, your body will produce a “pre-milk,” called colostrum. This can be thin and watery or thick and more yellow-colored. The pre-milk has a slower flow to help your baby learn to nurse. After 3 to 4 days of nursing, your real breast milk will come in.
I Love Breastfeeding And You ?
Most babies are ready to eat 1 to 2 hours after birth. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to breastfeed.
Your baby’s nose may touch your breast during nursing. Babies’ noses are designed to allow air to get in and out. If you’re concerned your baby can’t breathe easily, gently press down on your breast near your baby’s nose to give them more room to breathe. Your baby shouldn’t have to turn his or her head or strain his or her neck to nurse.

How should I hold my baby while breastfeeding?
You can hold your baby in a number of ways. Some of the most common positions are:

Cradle. Put your baby’s head in the crook of your arm. Support your baby’s back and bottom with your forearm. Your baby should be lying facing you. Your breast should be right in front of your baby’s face.
Side-lying.While lying down, place your baby alongside you. Your baby should be facing you. Pull your baby close to you so he or she can latch on. You can use a pillow to prop up, if needed. This position can help if you had a cesarean section (C-section). You don’t want to fall asleep while nursing in this (or any other) position. Co-sleeping can be dangerous for your baby. It increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Football. Tuck your baby under your arm, along your side. His or her head should be resting in your hand. Support your baby’s body with your forearm. Your baby should be facing you. This position can help if you had a C-section. It also can help if your breasts are large, your baby is small, or you have multiple babies.
Cross-cradle. Hold your baby with the opposite arm of the breast you’re using. Support your baby’s head and bottom with the palm of your hand and forearm. Your baby should still be lying facing you. This position can help premature babies or babies who have a weak suck. It provides added head support.
How often should I feed my baby?
Feed your baby as often as he or she wants to be fed. Learn how to tell when your baby is hungry. Crying can be a sign of hunger, but it may be too late. Babies who are crying or are upset have a harder time latching on. Watch out for early signs of hunger. Your baby may:

Make sucking motions.
Turn toward the breast if they are being held.
Put their hands in their mouth.
Become excited or alert.
After birth, your baby may be hungry 8 to 12 times a day or more. This number may decrease over time or increase during a growth spurt. Growth spurts occur at about 2 weeks and 6 weeks of age and again at about 3 months and 6 months of age.

Let your baby eat until they are satisfied. This may be for about 15 to 20 minutes at each breast. Try to have your baby nurse from both breasts at each feeding. Make sure your baby finishes one breast before starting the other. Your baby should let go on their own once they are done.

Don’t limit the time you let your baby nurse. It may keep your milk ducts from completely emptying. This can decrease your milk flow and make it harder for your baby to latch it on. It also can cause swelling and pain. Applying a cold compress before nursing can ease discomfort.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Your baby is getting enough milk if he or she:

Acts satisfied after each feeding.
Gains weight consistently after the first 3 to 7 days after birth. (Your baby may lose a little weight during the first week after being born.)
Has about 6 to 8 wet diapers a day.
Has about 2 to 5 or more stools a day at first. This number may decrease to about 2 stools or less a day.
Sometimes babies fall asleep while nursing. You can squeeze your breast to make more milk flow. This may awaken your baby. If you are not sure he or she got enough milk, offer your other breast to see if your baby latches on again.

How can I increase my milk supply?
If you think your baby needs more milk, increase the number of feedings a day. It’s important for you to get plenty of rest and eat right. Give your body time to catch up to your baby’s demands.

Don’t replace breast milk with baby formula or cereal. This can make babies lose interest in breast milk. It also will decrease your milk supply. You shouldn’t give your baby solid foods until about 6 months of age.
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