The Basics
Breastfeed your baby for the first 6 to 12 months after birth. Breastfeeding is healthy for you and your baby.
If you have a health condition or are taking any medicines, talk with your doctor or midwife about breastfeeding before your baby is born.
To learn more:
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a healthy choice for both you and your baby.
Benefits for baby
Breast milk:
- Has just the right amount of protein, fat, sugar, and water to help your baby grow
- Helps protect your baby from infection and illness
- Is usually easier for babies to digest than formula
Benefits for mom
Breastfeeding:
- Gives you and your baby time to be close and bond
- Can save your family thousands of dollars
- Burns calories
- May help lower your risk of diabetes, depression, and some types of breast and ovarian cancers
When is my baby ready to eat other foods?
- From birth to age 6 months:
- Feed your baby breast milk only (no water, no juice, no nonhuman milk, and no foods).
- It’s okay to give your baby vitamins, minerals, and medicine that your doctor recommends.
- From ages 6 months to 12 months:
- Keep breastfeeding your baby.
- You can start feeding your baby cereal or other baby food.
- For age 12 months and up:
- Continue to feed your baby new foods that are recommended by your doctor.
- If you can, keep breastfeeding.
Take Action!
Here are some tips for breastfeeding success.
Talk to your doctor or midwife about breastfeeding.
While you are pregnant, tell your doctor or midwife that you plan to breastfeed.
Many health centers, clinics, and hospitals have lactation counselors to answer all your questions and help you get started. A lactation counselor (or lactation specialist) helps women learn how to breastfeed.
After you begin breastfeeding, you may have questions about how you and your baby are doing with breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or lactation counselor as often as you need to.
Make a plan for after your baby is born.
If you plan to go to work after pregnancy, a lactation counselor can help you plan to keep providing breast milk for your baby while you are away.
Learn more about pumping and storing your breast milk.
Nurse your baby whenever he or she wants to eat.
Try to breastfeed within an hour after your baby is born. Newborn babies need to nurse often (every 2 hours). Watch your baby for signs of hunger, such as mouthing (called rooting), being more alert, or acting fussy.
Put your nipple as far back in the baby’s mouth as you can.
Nurse with the nipple and the brown area around the nipple (called the areola) in the baby’s mouth. This will make you more comfortable.
Try out these different breastfeeding positions.
Ask for help if breastfeeding is difficult.
Breastfeeding is natural, but it isn't always easy. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or lactation counselor if you have pain in your nipples or any other problems. Ask for help so that you and your baby get the most from breastfeeding.
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