Breastfeeding: Care Instructions

Breastfeeding (sometimes called chestfeeding) is a skill that gets easier with practice. Try to be patient with yourself and your baby. You're both learning how to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding has many benefits. It can help you bond with your baby. It may lower your baby's chances of getting an infection.

If you have trouble breastfeeding, talk to your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant. Support can also come from a trusted friend or family member who knows how to breastfeed.

Eat a variety of foods.

• Choose vegetables, fruits, milk products, whole grains, and proteins.

Try to limit or avoid certain things.

• Limit alcohol. It can pass through breast milk to your baby.

• Avoid smoking, vaping, marijuana, and other drugs.

• Try to reduce caffeine if your baby is fussy and has problems with sleep.

• Avoid fish high in mercury. These include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, and bigeye tuna, as well as tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico.

Talk to your doctor about medicines and supplements.

• Some can affect your breast milk or your baby.

Try different breastfeeding positions.

• Find what works for you and your baby.

• Different holds include cradle, cross-cradle, football, Australian, laid back, and side-lying.

Take care of yourself.

• Take steps to prevent painful or cracked nipples.

  • Make sure your baby feeds with a good latch.

  • Ask for help if you're having pain while breastfeeding.

  • Try letting some breast milk dry on your nipples.

• Rest when you can, and drink plenty of water. And ask for help if you need it.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

	You have symptoms of a breast infection, such as: Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around a breast. Red streaks extending from the breast. Pus draining from a breast. A fever.
	Your baby has no wet diapers for 6 hours.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

	Your baby has trouble latching on to your breast.
	You continue to have pain or discomfort when breastfeeding.
	You have other questions or concerns.

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.