Breastfeeding Basics

Breastfeeding should start as soon as you and your baby are stable (usually within the first one to two hours after birth). It can be challenging at first, but there are resources available to help. Contact the hospital where you plan to deliver to find out if they have a lactation consultant (a person specially trained to help breastfeeding moms). A lactation consultant can answer your breastfeeding questions before your baby is born and meet with you after you deliver to share breastfeeding tips and additional information.

Learn more breastfeeding basics below:

There are three basic positions to hold your baby while breastfeeding: cradle, football and side-lying hold.

Cradle: Hold your baby in front of you, facing your body, with his or her face right at your breast.

Football: Hold your baby by your side with his or her head at your breast. This position may be more comfortable if you had a C-section or if you’re experiencing cramping.

Side-Lying Hold: You and your baby lie face to face. Try cushioning your head with your arm so your baby can lie straight.

Helpful Tips:

  • Relax your shoulders and bring your baby close to your breast. This will position him or her for feeding. Your baby’s body should be straight.
  • Encourage your baby to open his or her mouth and take your breast into his or her mouth.
  • Tickling your baby’s lower lip with your nipple will make his or her mouth open wide enough (as wide as a yawn).
  • Make sure your baby takes most of the dark area around the nipple into his or her mouth.
  • Use extra pillows to support yourself and your baby, if needed.

Breastfeeding may be challenging at first and it may take a few weeks for you and your baby to get used to it, but don’t give up. It is normal for many new mothers and their babies to have a hard time at first. Keep working at it. Soon, you and your baby will be just fine.

Helpful Tips

  • If your breasts feel heavy or full, it is probably time for another feeding.
  • Start with a different breast each time you feed your baby.
  • Let your baby feed until he or she is satisfied. Babies typically feed for 10 to 20 minutes on each breast.
  • To stop feeding, gently slide your finger into your baby’s mouth and remove your breast.
  • Once your baby is finished feeding, burp him or her and then offer the other breast.

Our Baby Partners team is here to help you. Call Baby Partners at 215-967-4690 (TTY 1-877-454-8477) to request a doula (a specially trained caregiver) to come to your home and assist you with breastfeeding.

Q: How often should I nurse my baby?

You should expect to nurse your baby 8 to 12 times a day or about every two to three hours.

Q: Should I wake my baby up to feed?

Sometimes. If your baby naps for three or more hours in the daytime, wake him or her up for a feeding. But if your baby is asleep for the night, it’s OK to let him or her sleep through a feeding.

Q: How do I know when my baby is hungry?

Your baby will cry when he or she is hungry. Other signs that a baby is hungry are smacking their lips, moving their head from side-to-side in search of your breast and sucking their own fingers or hands.

Q: How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

Check your baby’s diaper. By the time your baby is 5 days old, you should expect five or six wet diapers and three to four soiled diapers per day.

Q: What can I do if I get sore nipples?

If your nipples are sore, make sure your baby takes your breasts properly when feeding. Rub a small amount of milk on your nipples after each feeding and let them air dry. Use warm water, without soap, when washing your breasts.

Q: What if I experience a clogged milk duct?

You can relieve the discomfort from baby, changing position, gently rubbing or massaging the lump, taking a warm shower or wearing a good-fitting nursing bra.

Breastfeeding Helplines:

  • Baby Partners 24-hr. breastfeeding helpline (for HPP members only) –215-967-4690 (TTY 1-877-454-8477)
  • PA Healthy Baby Line – 800-986-BABY (2229)
  • Pennsylvania Hospital Breastfeeding Warmline – 215-829-3644
  • Nursing Mothers’ Advisory Council (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) – 215-572-8044
  • La Leche League International – 877-452-5324
  • Pacify - a free mobile app that provides 24/7 breastfeeding and lactation support. Pacify works on iPhone and Android devices. After downloading, use the enrollment code HPP. Any time you need help, open the app and press the "Lactation Consultant" button. You will be connected with the first available provider and most calls are answered in under 30 seconds.

Online Breastfeeding Support 

In-Person Support

The following sites provide breastfeeding support from a counselor or lactation consultant. You are encouraged to make an appointment as staff may be working with another mom and baby.