Breastfeeding Basics

Mom’s Health

• Consume 2,200 to 2,700 calories a day to maintain a sufficient, nutritional milk supply
• Adjust daily nutritional servings to accommodate breastfeeding needs by consuming healthy, well-balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy
• keep water or fruit juice close by during feedings to counter the natural increase in thirst

Baby’s Needs

• Begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth
• Allow newborns to nurse whenever they show signs of hunger
• Breastfeed exclusively during baby’s first six months
• Practice latching-on and positioning to unsure the most comfortable, productive feedings for both mother and baby
• Let baby determine when the feeding is over
• After six months of exclusive breastfeeding, begin introducing solids into baby’s diet
• Begin weaning baby from breastfeeding by substituting feedings with infant formula or additional solid food, as appropriate