Getting Started Breastfeeding Your Baby
Breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby. It is all your baby needs for
the first 6 months of life. It can take time to learn how to breastfeed. Be
patient. You and your baby are both learning something new.
The first milk your body makes is called colostrum. It is often a thick,
creamy yellow. Colostrum is rich in nutrients and antibodies that protect
your baby from infections and diseases. Breastmilk changes as your
baby grows. It becomes a thin, white liquid that sometimes may even
look bluish.
Babies do not need any extra water. Your milk is all they need. Avoid
giving your baby bottles, pacifiers or using nipple shields in the first few
weeks of life unless directed to do so by a doctor. The more often you
breastfeed, the more milk you make. It is normal for babies to breastfeed
every 1 to 3 hours in the beginning.
Getting Ready to Breastfeed
Wash your hands and make yourself comfortable. Use pillows to help
you hold and support your baby. Some mothers massage their breasts
gently before breastfeeding.
