Your body naturally prepares during pregnancy. There’s no need for nipple stimulation or lotions. In fact, avoid rubbing or stimulating your nipples, as this may trigger uterine contractions or cause skin irritation. It’s best to avoid using lotions or alcohol on your breasts. You can do normal cleaning of the breasts when bathing or showering.

Inverted nipples (where the nipple retracts inward instead of protruding) can present some breastfeeding challenges, but many women with inverted nipples are still able to nurse their babies successfully. Often, the baby’s strong suck can help draw the nipple out during feeding. Before birth, there’s no need for special preparation or exercises, but it’s helpful to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant early on. They can demonstrate positioning techniques and may recommend tools like nipple shields in certain cases. With patience, guidance, and support, most mothers with inverted nipples can establish effective breastfeeding.

Right after birth, you'll produce colostrum—the golden, nutrient-dense early milk. Your mature milk typically “comes in” around 2–5 days postpartum as your body responds to the baby’s feeding cues. Stimulation (feeding or pumping) during this time supports milk production. Milk most commonly comes in on day four postpartum.

You should begin feeding as soon as possible after birth, ideally within the first hour. At this time, your baby is alert and most willing to nurse. Early feeding helps both milk production and the baby’s instincts to latch on.

You’ll need approximately 500 extra calories per day to support milk production. Beyond that, continue to follow a healthy pregnancy-like diet and monitor your weight to avoid excessive weight gain.

Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Minimize alcohol and avoid smoking, as these substances can pass into your milk.

Learn more about creating a healthy breastfeeding diet.

These can get into your breast milk. Don’t use anything, even nonprescription medicine from the drug store, unless you first check with your doctor. It’s best to avoid alcohol and smoking while you are pregnant and even later when breastfeeding.

Download our ‘Over-The-Counter Medication Guide’ for breastfeeding mothers!

It’s safest to avoid alcohol while breastfeeding, but an occasional drink is not necessarily off-limits. If you choose to have an alcoholic beverage, time it carefully: wait at least 2–3 hours after a single standard drink before nursing to allow your body time to metabolize the alcohol and minimize the amount that passes into your breastmilk. You do not need to “pump and dump” unless your breasts become uncomfortably full during this waiting period and you need to maintain comfort or supply. Feeding your baby right before drinking can help reduce any risk. If you plan to consume more than one drink, wait longer before breastfeeding. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider or lactation consultant for personalized guidance.

Look for early hunger cues such as rooting (turning their head), sucking on their hands, or opening their mouth. Crying is a late signal; try to respond to early signs to help establish a calm nursing routine.

The first time to breastfeed should be as soon as possible after the delivery, since the baby is more awake and willing to nurse at this time. Nursing about every one and a half to three hours helps bring in milk, gives the baby the fluid it needs, and helps the baby’s digestive system start cleaning itself out. Nursing can usually begin when the baby is first brought to you. 

The baby’s body should be turned toward you with the baby’s tummy turned to your tummy and the baby’s knees against your stomach. This position prevents the baby’s mouth from slipping and helps keep your nipples from getting sore. Touching the baby’s lower lip usually causes its mouth to open wide, allowing you to bring the baby to your breast to latch as much of the areola (the dark circle around your nipple) as possible into the baby’s mouth. After about ten to fifteen minutes, gently put your little finger in the corner of the baby’s mouth and push the mouth open. Doing this breaks the suction, allowing you to easily remove the nipple. Switch to the other breast and let the baby nurse for another ten to fifteen minutes. By the time you get home, the feeding time should approach about ten minutes on each breast.

Check out these 10 tips for breastfeeding success!

Babies don’t follow set schedules and may not nurse for the same amount of time at each feeding. Most babies need approximately 10-12 feedings every 24 hours. It is okay to nurse about every one and a half hours. The feedings don’t have to be precisely timed.

The first few feedings are usually a “get acquainted” time. Your baby may not be hungry at first, and your milk may not have yet started flowing. Try to nurse anyway, but don’t get discouraged if the baby does not seem to get much. The baby will be getting colostrum (the very early milk that the breast makes), which is very healthy.

These are signs that indicate your baby is getting enough milk once you get into a breastfeeding routine: 

• Swallowing during feeds
• At least 6 feeds every 24 hours in the first month
• 6–8 wet cloth diapers (or 5–6 disposables) daily
• Daily bowel movements
• The baby seems satisfied for about an hour after feeding

Yes, you can breastfeed twins (or more). Milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis, so frequent nursing or pumping helps ensure you have enough milk for each baby.

Newborns typically wake for feedings every few hours around the clock. As your baby grows, nighttime feedings decrease gradually, often around 4–6 months, though every baby is different. Continue to respond to their cues.

Most experts recommend waiting until breastfeeding is well-established (usually 2–4 weeks postpartum) before introducing a bottle. This helps prevent nipple confusion and protects your milk supply.

If breastfeeding is delayed after birth, stopped for a while, or if you and your baby are separated, you will want to use a breast pump or hand expression to keep up your milk supply and empty your breasts. Ideally, if the baby is not nursing 6 hours after birth, you should begin to stimulate your milk supply by stimulating your breasts. Ask the hospital personnel for assistance with this.

To use a breast pump, follow these steps. There are many types of breast pumps available for purchase. Your hospital can recommend a breast pump to use (some may even sell or rent them). Whichever type you choose, always:

• Read the instructions carefully.
• Wash your hands and cleanse your breasts with clean water, and dry them.
• Get comfortable and relax. Think about the baby.
• Massage your breast from the chest wall to the nipple with the flat of the hand. Use your fingertips to massage in small circles from the entire area, moving toward the nipple.
• Begin pumping (it should NOT hurt).
• Alternate breasts as the flow decreases, or every 5-10 minutes if pumping to stimulate supply.
• Save the milk in a sterilized baby bottle or a throw-away bottle liner, cover it, and place it in the refrigerator. The milk can be stored for a few days and given to your baby in a bottle. It can also be frozen for more extended periods.

• Wash your hands and cleanse your breasts with clean water, and dry them.
• Get comfortable and relax. Think about the baby.
• Massage your breast from the chest wall to the nipple with the flat of the hand.
• Use fingertips to massage in circles from the whole area toward the nipple.
• Place your thumb and fingers one and a half inches from the nipple.
• Push back towards the chest wall.
• Roll your fingers forward, to compress the milk ducts.
• Work your fingers around the breast to empty all ducts.
• Switch from the right to the left breast to increase the amount expressed.

Avoid sliding your fingers over the skin or pulling on the nipple itself. Fingers should be kept away from the nipple so that milk doesn’t run over them. Milk that runs over your fingers may contain germs and should be discarded. Whatever method you choose, pump or hand, it will take time and practice to master. Consider your first few attempts as practice and don’t expect any milk on your first few tries. If you do get milk the first few times, consider it a bonus.

Store freshly expressed milk in clean, sterilized containers. It stays in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3–6 months, depending on storage type. Use the oldest milk first and label it with the date.

While breastfeeding is a natural process, it’s important to know when to seek help. Contact your healthcare provider or lactation consultant if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• For your baby:
  
  • Poor weight gain or weight loss beyond the first few days of life

• • Fewer than 6 wet diapers per day after day five
    
  • Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, no tears when crying, or a sunken soft spot (fontanel) on the head

• • Lethargy or excessive sleepiness, especially if the baby is difficult to wake for feeds

• • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) worsening rather than improving

• • Green, mucousy, or foul-smelling stools that persist
• For you:
  
  • Severe nipple pain, cracked or bleeding nipples that do not improve

• • Redness, warmth, swelling, or pain in the breast, which could signal an infection like mastitis
• • Fever or flu-like symptoms accompanying breast pain

These signs can indicate that your baby isn’t getting enough milk or that you might have an issue that needs prompt attention. Early support can help get breastfeeding back on track and ensure the health of both you and your baby.

If you’re finding breastfeeding difficult, you are not alone. Asking for help is the right first step. Reach out to your healthcare provider, a lactation consultant, or a support group for guidance. Many challenges can be overcome with support, whether it’s difficulty with latching, supply concerns, or discomfort during feeding.

But it’s also important to remember that your worth as a mother is not defined by your ability to breastfeed. If you decide breastfeeding isn’t right for you and your baby, that’s okay. You are not an inadequate mother. What matters most is that your baby is fed, nurtured, and loved. Every family’s journey is different, and formula feeding can also provide excellent nutrition, allowing  for meaningful bonding.