You may sometimes doubt your ability to successfully breast-feed. It is common to have questions and occasional struggles. Remember, most breast-feeding issues are easily resolved when you know what to expect and have support from others.

Getting started and keeping it up

You may be unsure about how to begin breast-feeding. A lactation consultant is available at many hospitals and birthing centers. These consultants help you and your baby learn good breast-feeding techniques, such as getting a good latch and learning a variety of feeding positions.

Unless your baby is born needing immediate medical care, it is best to begin breast-feeding within 1 hour of birth. Also, immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby after delivery may help promote long-term and successful breast-feeding.

With practice, you will get better at using the basic breast-feeding positions.

• Cradle hold
• Cross-cradle hold
• Football hold
• Side-lying hold
• Australian hold

Try alternating feeding positions to encourage complete emptying of your breasts. Using different holds can help prevent you from developing plugged milk ducts.

Women who have had a cesarean delivery may prefer positions in which the baby doesn't rest on the abdomen, such as the side-lying position or the football hold.

Because the first 2 weeks of breast-feeding often are the most challenging, you may question your ability to continue. Your body is recovering from childbirth and adjusting to hormonal changes that can exhaust you and make you feel overwhelmed. You may also struggle with minor problems, such as nipple soreness or breast engorgement, that may make breast-feeding uncomfortable.

With proper planning, preparation, and support, you can breast-feed successfully. Physical conditions that may interfere with breast-feeding usually are minor, treatable, and temporary. For example, if you feel that you don't have enough milk, your health care professional can help you solve the problem.

How to breast-feed

Your milk supply and your baby's growth

During the first few weeks, you may have concerns about whether you are producing enough breast milk for your baby. The key to increasing breast milk production is emptying your breasts well and frequently. This means breast-feeding every 1 to 3 hours. Frequent breast-feeding increases your prolactin levels, which stimulates the breasts to produce more milk.

Most babies lose weight in the first several days after birth but regain it within a week or two. Weight gain is more rapid after mature milk is produced, about 10 to 15 days after you deliver your baby. After breast-feeding is established, your baby will also get more hindmilk, which provides additional fat and calories. Look for signs that your baby is getting enough milk and is growing well. If you continue to have concerns, see the When to Call a Doctor section of this topic.

If you are unsure whether your baby is getting enough milk, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you to determine the problem, if one exists. Do not supplement your breast-fed baby's diet with formula unless your doctor recommends it. Extra feedings with formula can interfere with your breast milk production and may lead to early weaning.

Typical bowel patterns of a breast-fed baby