Quick answer: Start breastfeeding within an hour of birth, feed only breast milk for 6 months, then continue alongside other foods up to 2 years or beyond. Most feeding problems, such as sore nipples, come from a shallow latch, so fix the latch first. Keep feeding through engorgement and mastitis, and see a doctor the same day if you have fever or a red, painful breast.
What does a good latch look like?
A good latch prevents most breastfeeding problems. Look for:
- a wide-open mouth, with the chin touching the breast;
- more of the dark area (areola) visible above the mouth than below it;
- lips turned outwards, like a fish;
- a slow, rhythmic suck followed by a swallow;
- no pain after the first few moments.
If it hurts throughout the feed, gently slide a clean finger into the corner of the baby's mouth to break the suction and try again.
Let the baby finish the first breast and then offer the second if they want it. Skin-to-skin contact in the early days keeps the baby close for frequent feeds, which helps your milk supply build up.
Which breastfeeding position should I use?
- Cradle or cross-cradle: good for most healthy babies; cross-cradle gives more control of the baby's head.
- Side-lying: restful at night and comfortable after a caesarean section.
- Football (clutch) hold: the baby is tucked under your arm; helpful after a caesarean or with large breasts.
Whatever you choose, bring the baby to the breast (not the breast to the baby), with the baby's ear, shoulder and hip in a line and tummy facing you.
How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?
The first milk (colostrum) is small in quantity but rich in antibodies, and a newborn's stomach is tiny. Signs of enough milk after day 5 are:
- 6 or more wet nappies a day;
- regular soft, yellow stools;
- a baby who seems content after most feeds;
- steady weight gain at check-ups.
Most mothers make enough milk. If you are worried, feed more often, check the latch and try skin-to-skin contact. Water, herbal drinks or formula are not needed unless a doctor advises. Our newborn care guide explains more about feeding and nappy patterns in the first month.
What can I do about sore nipples, engorgement and blocked ducts?
- Sore nipples: usually mean a shallow latch. Correct the latch and ask a midwife or doctor to watch a feed. Expressing a little milk and letting it dry on the nipple after feeds can be soothing.
- Engorgement (hard, full breasts): feed often, use a warm compress or gently express a little milk before the feed to soften the breast, and a cold compress afterwards for comfort.
- Blocked duct or mastitis: a painful, red, wedge-shaped area, sometimes with fever and flu-like aches. Keep feeding or expressing, rest and drink fluids. See a doctor the same day, as antibiotics are sometimes needed. It is safe to continue breastfeeding.
What should the mother eat, drink and avoid?
Eat an ordinary, balanced diet and drink fluids according to thirst. No special "milk-making" food is required. Most medicines are compatible with breastfeeding, but always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any. Avoid smoking, including smokeless tobacco such as jorda and gul, and avoid alcohol. If you take vitamins or iron, ask your doctor which ones suit you; supplements are listed in our vitamins and supplements category.
How do I store expressed breast milk?
| Where | How long (best quality) |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | Up to 4 hours |
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days (some guidelines allow longer in a very cold fridge) |
| Freezer | About 6 months |
Use clean containers, label them with the date, and thaw in the fridge or in warm water. Never microwave breast milk, because it heats unevenly and can scald the baby's mouth. Do not refreeze thawed milk.
Keep breastfeeding alongside family foods after 6 months; our guide on starting solid foods at 6 months shows what to offer first and what to avoid.
What if I think my milk supply is low?
Worry about low supply is very common, but most mothers do make enough. Feed more often, offer both breasts, check the latch and hold the baby skin-to-skin. Expressing a little milk after feeds can also encourage supply. Do not start water, herbal drinks or formula unless a clinician advises, because they can reduce the baby's demand at the breast.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor promptly if:
- the baby is not gaining weight, or has fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after day 5;
- the baby refuses the breast or is too sleepy to feed;
- you have fever, or a red, hard, hot breast;
- nipples are cracked and bleeding and do not heal;
- there are white patches in the baby's mouth or burning, shooting nipple pain (possible thrush).
You can also talk to a doctor through an online doctor consultation for feeding questions, but a baby with poor feeding, fever or lethargy should be examined in person. Feeding accessories and infant essentials are available in the baby care category.
References
This article is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified doctor. If your baby seems unwell, seek medical care promptly.
