Breastfeeding basics

• You will go through breastfeeding bootcamp.

  Your adorable sucker will want to be at your breast virtually all of the time and not in a way you can schedule into your planner.

• Non-stop breastfeeding is instinctual for newborns

  Respect mother nature's design and avoid mastitis by feeding whenever your infant cries with a dry diaper. This phase lasts about two months and becomes more regular and predictable by the third month.

• There is no such thing as an empty breast.

  Your body doesn't run out of milk or stop producing it as long as your baby is suckling contentedly. Besides, their suckling stimulates milk production!

• Avoid pumping & breastfeed exclusively for the first six weeks

  If possible, don't use your pump until the end of the sixth week post-partum, as the uniform sucking action can negatively impact your supply and potentially cause you to over-produce risking a painful bout of mastitis.

• Use lansinoh oil to keep your nipples from chapping

  This mild topical cream can be bought at your local drugstore and keeps salves your nipples as they adjust to the acidity of your infant's mouth.

• What you eat goes into your milk

  The means you should keep eating fresh fruits, veggies and unprocessed meats. Stay away from junk food, fast food, fart-inducing foods, citrusy things, onions and cabbage.

• Create a stress-free feeding zone

  Learn to slow yourself down, shut off your phone (your supply and let-down are directly impacted by stress), clear your mind and focus on your body's interaction with your child. The healthier and happier you are going in, the more likely you'll be to successfully breastfeed your infant into a thriving toddlerhood.