The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast milk as the preferred
feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns, with only rare
exceptions. Breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible after birth.

Preparing to Feed

• Choose your favorite place and most comfortable position
• You can feed your baby sitting up or lying down
• Use pillows to support your baby at breast height
• Cradle hold: baby’s head is comfortably in the bend of your elbow
• Football hold: a good choice if your breasts are very large or you’ve had a
  cesarean delivery
• Make sure your baby is facing you, tummy-to-tummy
• Gently massage your breasts to help stimulate the milk flow with one hand below
  and one hand above to knead your breast
• Correct positioning and latch are essential to encourage milk flow

Feeding Your Baby

• To get your baby to latch, hold your breast with 4 fi ngers underneath and your thumb resting lightly on
  top. Tickle his lower lip with your nipple to stimulate his interest in sucking
• When your baby roots, or opens his mouth wide, draw him quickly to your breast
• Don’t let your baby’s head turn to either side to find the breast
• His nose should be touching your breast and his chin dug in
• To know if he’s latched on properly, listen to him swallow and look at his temples and ears… even his
  cheeks
• Once your baby is latched on, allow him to finish feeding on the first side before offering the second
  breast
• Burp your baby before switching to the 2nd breast

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