Breast-feeding: Learning how to nurse
What do I need to know to breast-feed successfully?
Breast-feeding is the process of using breast milk to provide some or all of a baby's nutritional needs. You can feed a baby breast milk directly from the breast (the best way to stimulate milk production) or from a bottle after expressing the milk with a pump. Be aware that only using a breast pump without ever feeding your baby at the breast will reduce your milk supply after a while.
To breast-feed successfully, it is important to:
- Plan. Make sure to discuss your breast-feeding plans with all the doctors who are involved in the care of you and your baby.
- Learn proper breast-feeding positions and techniques. Breast-feeding becomes easier with knowledge and skills.
- Recognize and treat problems early. If you can anticipate and manage challenges right away, you are more likely to have a positive breast-feeding experience.
- Have a support system. Know when and how to get help.
- Take a breast-feeding class while you are pregnant and join a support group to attend after your baby's birth.
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| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: May 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine | |
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