After Your Baby is Born

You can make plenty of milk for your baby! The best start is to hold your baby skin-to-skin right after birth until he latches on to your breast.

Baby Steps to Breastfeeding Success

© USBC 2011

1- Hold your baby skin to skin for at least the first hour after birth. Your baby will use her instincts to find her way to the breast all by herself! Ask the nurse for help in knowing when your baby is ready to breastfeed. Watch this video about skin-to-skin (also called Kangaroo Care)

2- Room in with your baby so you can learn your baby’s feeding signals or cues, and feed whenever she shows signs she is hungry. Download this helpful handout from Mother’s Advocate: Keep Your Baby With You-It’s the Best for You, Your Baby and Breastfeeding.

3- Put your baby to breast at least 8-12 times in 24 hours.

4- Avoid supplements, pacifiers, and bottles unless your doctor advises you to.

5- Get help with any questions or concerns you have. While at the hospital, ask to see an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), a health care provider who specializes in helping mothers with breastfeeding.  Visit the Finding Help section to find an IBCLC in your community who can help.

6- Read more about Baby’s First Days here.

The information above was adapted from @ 2010 International Lactation Consultant Association. Written by Cathy Carothers for World Breastfeeding Week Action Kit, “Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps! The Baby-Friendly Way.”