An Easy Guide to


Breastfeeding


U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Office on Women’s Health 
An Easy Guide to 

Breastfeeding


This guide is for all women and their families. 


It is a supportive tool for all women who choose to breastfeed.

Dear Reader, 


Your baby was born to be breastfed. 

This booklet will provide some basic information to help make breastfeeding easy for you and your baby. 

You will learn: 

● The benefits of breastfeeding for baby, mom, dad and society; 

● Answers to frequently asked questions about breastfeeding; 

● What to do to help get breastfeeding off to a good start; 

●	Why breastfeeding is a public health issue and what is being done to 

promote and protect it; 

●	Why you should talk to your doctor or health care provider and your 

child’s pediatrician about breastfeeding; 

● Where to find breastfeeding help; and 

●	What breastfeeding questions to ask at your next health care or 


doctor visit.


This booklet, the 1-800-994-WOMAN (9662) toll-free number, and the


www.4woman.gov web site are designed to help you feel confident in


your decision to breastfeed.


Wanda K. Jones, Dr.P.H.


Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Women's Health)


U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Director of the Office on Women's Health 

Judy Torgus 

Director of Publications 

La Leche League International 

Breastfeeding
 1 
Babies were born to be breastfed.


Benefits of breastfeeding 

for babies and mothers 

●	Recent studies show that


babies who are exclusively


breastfed for 6 months are


less likely to develop ear


infections, diarrhea, and


respiratory illnesses. They


may also be less likely to


develop childhood obesity.


●	Breastfeeding delays the


return of menstrual periods


and may aid in spacing


pregnancies.


●	Breastfeeding reduces the


risk of breast and ovarian


cancers.


●	Breastfeeding creates a


strong bond between mother


and child.


● Breastfeeding mothers have increased self-esteem. 

Benefits of breastfeeding for families 

● Breastfeeding saves the family budget hundreds of dollars. 

● Breastfeeding saves on health care costs. 

● Breastfeeding contributes to a more productive workforce. 

● Breastfeeding creates a healthier society. 

2 E a s y G u i d e t o . . . 
Tips for a smooth start to breastfeeding 

●	 Read about breastfeeding


during your pregnancy so


you will know what to do


once your baby is in your


arms.


●	 Get good prenatal care to


help assure that you carry


your baby to term so


he/she won’t need special


care.


●	 Before you give birth, tell


your health care provider


about any previous breast


surgery or injury. If your


nipples appear flat or


inverted, ask if it will


affect how your baby


latches on.


●	 Talk to friends who have


breastfed, or attend a


breastfeeding support


group (such as La Leche


League) so you can meet


other breastfeeding 


mothers.


●	 Breastfeed your baby soon


after delivery because the


sucking instinct is very


strong at this time.


●	 Keep your baby in your


hospital room with you so


you can breastfeed often


and get to know one


another.


Breastfeeding 3
●	 If your baby stays in the nursery, tell the staff not to give your baby 

any infant formula or a pacifier. Ask them to bring your baby to you 

for feedings. 

●	 Expect your milk to increase a few days after a normal, uncomplicated birth. 

●	 Breastfeeding should not hurt. Ask for help if it is painful for you. 

●	 Breastfeed according to your baby’s cues. Most newborn babies want 

to breastfeed about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. 

●	 Breastfeeding is a learned process. Give your baby and yourself time 

to learn how to breastfeed. 

●	 Pat yourself on the back for giving the best to your baby! 

Your breastfeeding questions answered... 


Does breastfeeding hurt? 

Breastfeeding should not hurt. There 

may be some tenderness at first, but 

it should gradually go away as the 

days go by. To minimize soreness, 

your baby’s mouth should be wide 

open, with as much of the areola (the 

darker area surrounding the nipple) 

in his or her mouth as possible. 

When your baby is breastfeeding 

effectively, it should be calming and 

comfortable for both of you. If 

breastfeeding becomes painful for 

you, seek help from someone who is 

knowledgeable about breastfeeding. 

See the Where to find help with 

breastfeeding section on page 19 for 

assistance. 

4 E a s y G u i d e t o . . . 

What foods do I need to eat? 

Many cultures have suggestions 

about foods to eat or to avoid while 

breastfeeding. Eating such foods 

may make you or other family members more comfortable. However, 

research shows that a mother’s milk 

is affected only slightly by the foods 

in her diet. 

You may be thirstier and have a bigger appetite while you are breastfeeding. Drink enough non-caffeinated beverages to keep from 

being thirsty. Making milk will use 

about 500 extra calories a day. 

Women often try to improve their 

diets while they are pregnant. Continuing with an improved diet after your 

baby is born will help you stay healthy, which will help your mood and 

energy level. However, even if you don’t always eat well, the quality of 

your milk won’t change much. Your body adjusts to make sure your 

baby’s milk supply is protected. 

When should I start breastfeeding? 

You should nurse your baby soon after birth, if possible, when your baby 

is awake and the sucking instinct is strong. At first, your breasts contain a 

kind of milk called “colostrum,” which is thick and usually yellow or 

golden in color. Colostrum is gentle to your baby's stomach and it is full 

of antibodies to protect your baby from disease. Your milk supply will 

increase and the color will change to a bluish-white color during the next 

few days after your baby's birth. 

How often will my baby breastfeed? 

Newborns need to nurse frequently, at least every two hours, and not on a 

strict schedule. This stimulates your breasts to produce plenty of milk. 

Since human milk is more easily digested than formula, breastfed babies 

eat more frequently than bottle-fed babies do. Babies nurse less frequently 

as they get older and start solid foods. 

Breastfeeding 5
Here’s what will happen with you, your 

baby, and your milk in the first few weeks: 

Your baby will drink about 1 teaspoon of your 

milk at each feeding. You may not see the 

milk, but it has what your baby needs and in 

the right amounts. 

Birth 

First 

12-24 

hours 

Days 

Milk appearance and amount 

Your milk will appear yellow or golden. The 

amount will be small, but it gives your baby a 

healthy dose of protection against diseases. 

Continue resting and getting to 

know your baby. Your breasts may 

be a little tender at first. If breastfeeding hurts, ask for help from 

someone who has experience helping breastfeeding mothers. 

Breastfeeding should not hurt. 

You (the mom) 

You will be tired and excited. This 

is a good time for you to feed your 

baby. 

Your mature milk comes in. It will look bluish 

white, but may still look a little yellow or 

golden for about 2 weeks. 

2-5 

Your breasts will feel full and may 

leak. (You may use disposable or 

cloth pads in your bra to absorb the 

milk.) If your breasts become 

swollen and hard, remove a little 

milk from your breasts before feeding your baby. Between feedings, 

use ice packs to reduce swelling 

(sometimes called "engorgement"), 

which will go away in 1-2 days. 

Breastfeeding your baby helps 

reduce the swelling. 

Your milk gradually starts to look bluish 

white at the beginning of a feeding and 

creamy white toward the end of a feeding. 

The color may vary a little from day to day. 

Some foods you eat can change the color of 

your milk, but this won’t harm your baby. 

E a s y G u i d e t o . . . 

First 

4-6 

weeks 

Your body gets used to breastfeeding so your breasts will be softer 

and the leaking will slow down. 

Don’t worry. The milk is still there. 

6 
Breastfeeding 7

The Baby 

time for him or her to breastfeed. 

As your baby wakes up, he or she will have a strong instinct to suck and feed very often. 

unless needed for medical reasons. 

eats every 1-2 hours. Feedings will probably take about 15-20 minutes on each side, but all 

or her birth weight by about 10 days to 2 weeks of age. 

Feedings may take less time and be farther apart. Most breastfeeding babies like to nurse 

often, because it is comforting and it keeps them close to you. 

Your baby will probably be awake and alert in the first hour after birth and this is a good 

It is normal for some babies to sleep heavily. Labor and delivery are hard work for the baby. 

Some babies may be too sleepy to latch on well at first. Feedings may be short and irregular. 

Your baby will love the taste of your milk. Many babies like to eat or lick, nuzzle, pause, 

savor, doze, then eat again. Ask the nurses not to give your baby any formula or water 

Your baby will feed a lot, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. Your baby’s stomach is little, so 

lots of feedings are normal. Breastfed babies don’t eat on a schedule. It is okay if your baby 

babies are different. Your baby might take only one side at a time or seem to like one side 

better. After delivery, it is normal for a baby to lose a little weight. Your baby will regain his 

Your baby will be better at breastfeeding and have a larger stomach to hold more milk. 
How do I know my baby is getting 

enough milk? 

You can tell your baby is getting enough milk by 

keeping track of the number of wet and dirty diapers. In the first few days, when your milk is low 

in volume and high in nutrients, your baby will 

have only 1 or 2 wet diapers a day. After your 

milk supply has increased, your baby should have 

5 to 6 wet diapers and 3 to 4 dirty diapers every 

day. Consult your pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby’s weight gain. 

This chart shows the minimum number of diapers for healthy, fullterm babies. It is fine if your baby has more. 

Baby’s Age Wet Diapers Dirty Diapers Color and Texture 

Day 1 (birth) 1 Thick, tarry and black 

Day 2 2 Thick, tarry and black 

Day 3 3 Greenish yellow 

Day 4 (or when milk increases) 5-6 Greenish yellow 

Day 5 5-6 Seedy, watery mustard color 

Day 6 5-6 Seedy, watery mustard color 

Day 7 5-6 Seedy, watery mustard color 

8 Easy Guide to... 
How do I hold my baby when I breastfeed?


1. Support your breast with your thumb on top and four fingers underneath. Keep your fingers behind the areola (the darker skin around the 

nipple). You may need to support your breast during the whole feeding, especially in the early days or if your breasts are large. 

2. Brush or tickle the baby’s lips with your nipple to encourage the 

baby’s mouth to open wide. 

3. Hug the baby in close with his or her whole body facing yours. Your 

baby will take a mouthful of all of the nipple and most of the areola. 

The baby should never be latched onto the nipple only. 

4. Look for both of your baby’s lips to be turned out


(not tucked in or under) and relaxed — if you


can’t tell if the lower lip is out, press gently on


the lower chin to pull the lower lip out. The


tongue should be cupped under your breast.


5. You may see your baby’s jaw move back and


forth and hear low-pitched swallowing noises.


Your baby’s nose and chin may touch against your breast.


Breastfeeding should not hurt. If it hurts, take the baby off of your 

breast and try again. The baby may not be latched on right. Break 

your baby’s suction to your breast by gently placing your finger in the 

corner of his/her mouth. 

Breastfeeding Positions


Here are some positions in which you can hold your baby while breastfeeding. You can choose the one(s) that you and your baby feel most comfortable in. No matter which one you choose, make sure your baby’s 

mouth is near your nipple and he/she doesn’t have to turn his/her head to 

breastfeed. For most positions, your baby should be on his/her side with 

his/her whole body facing yours. This helps him/her to properly “latch on” 

to the nipple. Try using pillows under your arms, elbows, neck or back, or 

under the baby for support. 

Breastfeeding
 9 
1. Cradle Hold: This is a commonly used position that is comfortable for most mothers. 

Hold your baby with his head on your forearm and his/her whole body facing yours. 

2. Cross Cradle or Transitional Hold: This is 

good for premature babies or babies who are 

having trouble latching on. Hold your baby 

along the opposite arm from the breast you 

are using. Support baby’s head with the palm 

of your hand at the base of his/her head. 

3. Clutch or "Football" Hold: Good for mothers with large breasts or inverted nipples. 

Hold your baby at your side, lying on his/her 

back, with his/her head at the level of your 

nipple. Support baby’s head with the palm of 

your hand at the base of his/her head. 

4. Side-Lying Position: This allows mothers to 

rest or sleep while baby nurses. Good for 

mothers who have had cesarean births. Lie on 

your side with baby facing you. Pull baby 

close and guide his/her mouth to your nipple. 

10 Easy Guide to... 
Will I have to breastfeed in public? How do I manage that? 

You don’t have to breastfeed in public. Mothers often feel uncomfortable 

about it at first, but become more confident as they gain experience. Most 

of the time, other people don’t even notice these mothers and babies 

because the baby is quiet and doesn’t attract much attention. One way to 

gain confidence is to talk to other breastfeeding mothers about how they 

manage breastfeeding in public. Here are 

some ideas to try: 

●	If your trip will be short, breastfeed just


before leaving and right after you


return home.


●	 Find a women’s lounge, a sitting area,


or a public restroom (shopping malls


and larger department stores often have


women’s lounges or dedicated nursing


rooms).


●	 Sit in your car while you feed your


baby.


●	 Go to a women’s changing room in a


clothing store.


●	Turn your chair so you are facing


slightly away from other people. Ask


your host if you can use another room


if you are uncomfortable.


●	 Use a baby sling, nursing cover, or


blanket to cover your breast and your baby.


●	 Some women prefer to offer their milk in bottles while they are in public. It’s best to avoid bottles in the early weeks so your baby can learn 

to breastfeed well. 

Can I give my baby a pacifier if I breastfeed? 

Most breastfeeding counselors recommend avoiding pacifiers for about the 

first month because they may interfere with your baby’s ability to learn to 

breastfeed. After you and your baby have learned to breastfeed well, you 

may make your own decision about whether or not to offer a pacifier. 

Breastfeeding 11
Can I still breastfeed if I go back to work or school? 

Yes, you can! Breastfeeding 

keeps you connected to your 

baby, even when you are away. 

Employers and co-workers benefit because breastfeeding mothers 

need less time off for sick babies. 

Let your employer and/or human 

resources manager know that you 

plan to continue to breastfeed 

once you return to work. You 

should request a clean and private area where you can pump your milk. 

You can pump your milk during lunch or other breaks and refrigerate it or 

place it in a cooler for your baby to be fed later. 

Take as much time off as possible, since it will help you get breastfeeding 

well established and also reduce the number of months you may need to 

pump your milk while you are at work. If your baby will need to drink 

your milk from a bottle while you are gone, it is a good idea to start offering a bottle when your baby is about 4 weeks old and is breastfeeding 

well. It's best to avoid bottles before 4 weeks while you and your baby are 

learning to breastfeed. 

How much do breast pumps cost and 

what kind is best? 

Breastfeeding mothers have many options when it 

comes to pumps. Effectiveness and prices vary. 

Manual pumps cost under $50. Electric pumps that 

include a carrying case and an insulated section 

for storing milk containers sell for over $200. 

Some pumps can be purchased at baby supply 

stores or general department stores, but most 

high-quality automatic pumps have to be purchased or rented from a lactation consultant at a 

local hospital, or from a breastfeeding organization. See Where to find help with breastfeeding on page 19 for more 

information. 

12 Easy Guide to... 
Many mothers decide to purchase or rent pumps with the 

ability to pump both breasts at 

once — especially working 

mothers. Double-pumping, as it 

is called, is faster and more 

effective, so a mother doesn’t 

need as much time to pump. 

Compared to the cost of not 

breastfeeding, which can be 

more than $300 a month, even 

a top-of-the-line pump is 

affordable. Ask for recommendations from other mothers you 

know or from a breastfeeding 

counselor. 

Should I give my baby 

water or cereal? 

Your milk is all your baby will 

need for the first 6 months, 

even in hot weather. You don’t 

need to give your baby water, 

juice or a breast milk substitute. Research shows that 

babies are healthier if other 

foods are delayed. A newborn 

baby’s digestive system is very 

sensitive. Waiting 6 months 

helps protect your baby from 

food allergies and from diseases that cause diarrhea. Solid 

foods may be given when your 

baby is about 6 months old. 

Breastfeeding 13
I have heard that breastfed babies may not get enough vitamin D. What does this mean for my breastfed baby? 

The American Academy of Pediatrics 

(AAP) published a statement in April 

2003; saying that that some babies are at 

risk for vitamin D deficiency and rickets, 

the bone-softening disease caused by 

insufficient exposure to sunlight and/or 

inadequate vitamin D supplementation. 

Sunlight can be a major source of vitamin 

D, but factors such as the latitude where you 

live, the amount of pigment in your baby’s 

skin, your baby’s amount of sun exposure, and the use of sunscreen products all affect how much vitamin D your baby’s body can produce from 

sunlight. 

The AAP recommends that all infants, including those who are exclusively 

breastfed and those who are fed formula, have a minimum intake of 200 

International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day beginning during the first 2 

months of life. 

The AAP recommends that an intake of 200 IU of vitamin D per day be 

continued throughout childhood and adolescence. Vitamin D supplements 

for infants are available over the counter. 

When should I wean my baby? 

It is recommended that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six 

months. You may continue to breastfeed through the first year of life and 

longer if you and your baby wish. 

14 Easy Guide to... 
How can I encourage my partner’s support for 

breastfeeding? 

Prepare your partner in advance and explain that you need support. 

Highlight the important benefits of breastfeeding and be sure to emphasize 

how much money you'll save, too. Not breastfeeding can cost over $300 a 

month when you include the cost of increased medical bills — money that 

could be used for food, housing costs, savings, or a vacation. Point out to 

your partner that breastfeeding will give your child the best start in life, 

with effects that last well into childhood and adulthood. If your partner 

seems jealous of the closeness between you and your baby, suggest other 

ways for him to be close to your baby, such as talking or singing to the 

baby, giving a bath, or by simply sitting with you and your baby to enjoy 

the special mood that breastfeeding creates. 

Breastfeeding 15
Can I breastfeed if I smoke or drink alcohol? 

In their most recent statement on the subject, the American Academy of 

Pediatrics announced that newer research seems to show that the beneficial effects of breastfeeding outweigh the negative effects from the mother’s smoking. For example, babies who are exposed to second-hand smoke 

have a higher rate of upper respiratory infections, but breastfeeding helps 

protect babies from these illnesses. It is always better to quit smoking. If 

you can’t quit, try cutting down during the time you are breastfeeding. You 

and your baby will both be healthier. 

Light drinking by a breastfeeding mother has not been found to be harmful 

to a breastfeeding baby. Larger amounts of alcohol may make your baby 

sleepy or dizzy and may affect his or her growth over time. 

Can I breastfeed if I need to take prescription medication? 

Always check with your healthcare 

provider before taking any medication. Most medications pass into 

your milk in small amounts. If you 

take medication for a chronic condition, such as hypertension, diabetes 

or asthma, your medication may 

already have been studied in breastfeeding women, so you should be 

able to find information to help you 

make an informed decision with the 

help of your health care provider. Newer medications and medications for 

rare disorders may have less information available. The American 

Academy of Pediatrics has information about many prescription and overthe-counter medications posted on their web site at: www.aap.org/ 

Why does the U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services care about breastfeeding? 

Breastfeeding is a public health issue — it directly contributes to 

improved health of mothers and babies. Research shows that babies benefit from breastfeeding because it is a cost-effective, low-tech way of 

16 Easy Guide to... 
reducing infant illness, hospitalization, 

and mortality, particularly for low 

birth-weight and pre-term babies. 

Healthier babies grow up to be healthier adults. Research shows that babies 

who are exclusively breastfed for 6 

months are less likely to develop ear 

infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses. They may also be less likely to 

develop childhood obesity. 

A recent evaluation of research on 

breastfeeding and breast cancer showed that the more months a woman 

breastfeeds the less likely she is to develop breast cancer. Researchers estimated that women in countries like the US could reduce their risk of 

breast cancer by 4.3% for each 12 months spent breastfeeding. 

Why don’t more women breastfeed their babies? 

The results of recent focus groups done by the U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health suggest some reasons. 

Women believe that breastfeeding hurts, either from 

hearing of others’ experiences 

or because of their own experience with a previous baby, 

and women worry that their 

milk will not be as beneficial 

if their diet is poor, if they 

smoke, or if they drink alcohol. Research has shown that 

the overall benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the negative 

effects of moderate smoking, 

drinking, and eating nonhealthy foods. 

Breastfeeding 17
Other factors make a difference 

in breastfeeding rates, too. For 

instance, the focus group results 

show that many women believe 

that breastfeeding is difficult to 

balance with working outside 

the home. Also, many of us did 

not grow up around women 

who breastfed, so we did not 

learn about breastfeeding from 

our mothers and other relatives. 

Some of us do not have access to prenatal care, which may lead to low 

birth weight and premature birth — factors that may make breastfeeding 

more difficult. And women sometimes go through an entire pregnancy 

without receiving any information on breastfeeding. Learning about 

breastfeeding should be a standard part of your prenatal care. 

Why should I talk to my doctor or health care provider 

about breastfeeding? 

Talking to your health care provider 

will help you learn his or her views 

on breastfeeding and find out what 

kind of support for breastfeeding 

she/he offers. Most pediatricians in 

the United States agree that human 

milk is superior for infant feeding. 

Your health care provider or your 

child’s pediatrician should offer you 

accurate, easy-to-understand breastfeeding information. Some clinics 

and doctors’ offices offer the services 

of a board certified lactation consultant to help with breastfeeding. See the section on page 22 for questions to 

ask at your next doctor or health care provider visit. 

18 Easy Guide to... 
Where to find help with breastfeeding...


National Women’s Health Information Center— 

Breastfeeding Helpline and Web Site 

If you have questions or would like more information on breastfeeding, 

call the National Women’s Health Information Center’s (NWHIC) 

Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-800-994 WOMAN (9662); TDD 1-888-220-

5446 (9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, EST). If you call during 

times that the Helpline is not staffed, leave a message and you will be 

called back on the next working day. The Breastfeeding Helpline is a project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is staffed 

with La Leche League-trained Breastfeeding Information Specialists. For 

serious problems, they will suggest you follow up with your health care 

provider or refer you to a lactation consultant in your area. 

A lactation consultant is a professional health worker trained to help new 

families be successful with breastfeeding. If a breastfeeding counselor or 

lactation consultant uses the initials “IBCLC,” they have been certified by 

the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. To find an 

IBCLC nearby, check the IBCLC organization web site at www.iblce.org 

for a list of all the currently certified IBCLCs who are registered in the 

United States. 

Breastfeeding Information Specialists may also refer you to a local La 

Leche League Leader. Neither Breastfeeding Information Specialists nor 

La Leche League Leaders give medical advice. 

The Helpline also offers a breastfeeding packet with pamphlets on basic 

breastfeeding issues as well as special breastfeeding situations. You also 

can order Easy Guides to Breastfeeding in Spanish and Chinese, and for 

African American and American Indian and Alaska Native women and 

their families. 

You also can find more information on the NWHIC web site: 

www.4woman.gov. 

Breastfeeding
 19 
La Leche League International 

La Leche League International (LLLI) also offers valuable 

breastfeeding information. La Leche League Leaders are 

volunteers who provide one-on-one help to breastfeeding 

mothers on the phone or at monthly group meetings. To 

find a La Leche League Leader in your area, find the listing for your state or territory on the LLLI web site at www.laleche 

league.org. The LLLI web site also contains a large collection of breastfeeding information, including FAQs and many personal stories from 

mothers. By phone, you can call 1-800-LA LECHE. The recorded message 

for the La Leche League International business office at 847-519-7730 

offers the option of locating a Leader near you using your zip code. 

During business hours (central time zone), you may speak with an operator who will assist you. Your may also find information about your local 

group in local phone listings or at the library, or watch for announcements 

in your local newspaper. 

The LLLI catalogue offers books and pamphlets on breastfeeding, childbirth, nutrition and parenting. To receive a copy of the LLLI catalogue by 

mail, call 1-800-LA LECHE. You may also check out the online version of 

our catalogue at our web site. 

African American Breastfeeding Alliance, Inc. (AABA) 

AABA is the first organization whose sole purpose is to promote breastfeeding to African American mothers, fathers 

and families. AABA’s goals are to: improve the overall 

health status of African American babies; increase access to 

breastfeeding information for African American parents; and 

create a breastfeeding-friendly culture within the African 

American community. AABA’s programs include: the African American 

Breastfeeding Campaign, Peer Counselor Training, Breastfeeding Hotline, 

Breastfeeding Drop-In Clinic, Roundtable Discussions and Comprehensive 

Research Initiatives. An emphasis is placed on producing publications and 

videos that show African American women breastfeeding their babies. Call 

toll-free 1-877-532-8535 for more information. 

20 Easy Guide to... 
Your baby was born to be breastfed.


Breastfeeding is a learned 

skill, like learning to cook; 

it requires patience and 

your baby are still learning, 

you may become frustrated 

and experience some discomfort, but it will get beted in some situations, such 

as after a premature or 

cesarean birth, or when your 

baby has a health problem. 

Just take it one feeding at a 

time and do not hesitate to 

ask for help if things are not 

going well or if you need 

support. Remember that 

breastfeeding usually gets 

Invest the time in yourself 

and your baby to protect 

and build a bond that will 

last a lifetime. 

Breastfeeding 21

practice. While you and 

ter. More time may be needgradually easier, not harder. 

your health, save money, 
Questions to ask your health care 


provider about breastfeeding...


How do I prepare myself for breastfeeding at home, at work, and at the 

hospital? 

Home 

Work 

Hospital 

What will hospital staff do to help me with breastfeeding? 

Can my baby stay with me while I am in the hospital? 

22 E a s y G u i d e t o . . . 
How many of your patients breastfeed their babies? 

Can I speak with other patients who have breastfed? 

What are your suggestions for breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples? 

You may want to ask your health care provider these questions, too. These 

questions are more about parenting style than about medical treatment, so 

choose what works for you. Different parents make different decisions 

about these things. 

Where can I get breastfeeding support? 

How do I breastfeed outside of my home? 

When should I wean my baby? 

Breastfeeding 23
Suggested Reading


The following La Leche League publications are available for 

free at the National Women’s Health Information Center by calling 

1-800-994-WOMAN (9662): 

● Approaches to Weaning 

● Breastfeeding After a Cesarean


Birth


● Breastfeeding and Working 

● Breastfeeding Father 

● Breastfeeding Twins 

● How to Handle a Nursing Strike 

● Mother’s Guide to Pumping Milk 

● Sore Breasts 

● Thrush 

●	When a Nursing Mother Gets


Sick


● When Babies Cry 

● Your Baby’s First Solid Food 

● Breastfeeding the Baby with Reflux 

Editors: 

Judy Torgus, Director of Publications, La Leche League International 

Nancy Jo Bykowski, IBCLC, La Leche League International 

Gina Ciagne, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health 

Suzanne G. Haynes, Ph.D., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on 

Women's Health 

Joyce Cusack, M.H.S. 

Designers: 

Adrienne Barnes and Paul Torgus 

May, 2004 

24 E a s y G u i d e t o . . . 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

Office on Women’s Health 

200 Independence Ave,. S.W. Room 712 E 

Washington, DC 20201 

www.4woman.gov 

1-800-994-WOMAN (9662) • TDD 1-888-220-5446 

1400 N. Meacham Rd. 

Schaumburg, IL 60173-4808 

www.lalecheleague.org 

1-800-LA LECHE