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Breastfeeding — The Complete Guide for Mothers

Everything you need to know about breastfeeding — evidence-based and reviewed by midwives.

Reviewed by midwivesUpdated: March 2026
Table of Contents

Why Breastfeeding Matters

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years of age or beyond. This recommendation is based on extensive scientific evidence.

Breast milk is perfectly tailored to your baby's needs. It contains over 200 different components — including antibodies, growth factors, stem cells, and living immune cells. Its composition adapts dynamically: it changes throughout the day, during a single feeding session, and over the months.

Benefits for your baby

  • Lower risk of ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses
  • Protection against allergies, asthma, and eczema
  • Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
  • Better cognitive development through long-chain fatty acids (DHA)
  • Optimal jaw development through the sucking motion

Breastfeeding also benefits you as a mother: faster uterine recovery, lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, natural bonding through the hormone oxytocin, and practical advantages like cost savings and constant availability.

The First Days

The first days after birth are crucial for a good breastfeeding start. Ideally, your baby will be put to the breast within the first hour after birth — the so-called bonding contact. Babies have a particularly strong rooting reflex during this phase.

Colostrum — Liquid Gold

In the first 2–3 days, your breasts produce colostrum — a yellowish, thick pre-milk. Although the amount seems small (just a few millilitres per feed), colostrum is extremely nutrient-dense and packed with antibodies. Your newborn's stomach in the first days is only the size of a cherry — so the small amounts are exactly right.

Milk typically comes in between day 3 and day 5 after birth. Your breasts may feel full, warm, and tender. This is completely normal. Frequent nursing — every 2–3 hours, including at night — helps establish milk production and prevent engorgement.

Proper Latching — How To

Correct latching is the key to pain-free breastfeeding and effective milk transfer. Most breastfeeding problems can be traced back to an unfavourable latching technique.

Step by Step

  1. Bring your baby close — tummy to tummy, nose at nipple height.
  2. Wait until your baby opens their mouth wide (like a yawn).
  3. Quickly bring baby to breast (not breast to baby). The chin touches the breast first.
  4. Baby should latch asymmetrically — more areola visible above the lip than below.
  5. Lips should be flanged outward (like fish lips), not rolled inward.

Signs of a Good Latch

  • No pain (slight pulling in the first seconds is normal)
  • Audible, rhythmic swallowing
  • Cheeks are round, not sucked in
  • Baby feeds calmly and contentedly
  • Nipple looks round after feeding, not flattened or lipstick-shaped

Common Problems & Solutions

Sore Nipples

Sore or cracked nipples are common in the first days and are almost always caused by suboptimal latching. The good news: with the right technique, they heal quickly.

  • Correct latching — this is the most important measure
  • Apply lanolin cream (e.g. Lansinoh) thinly after feeding
  • Let nipples air-dry
  • Silicone nipple shields only as a temporary solution
  • Apply breast milk to the nipple — it has antibacterial properties

Clogged Ducts / Engorgement

Engorgement occurs when milk accumulates in one or more milk ducts. The affected area feels hard, warm, and painful. Clogged ducts need treatment to prevent developing into mastitis.

  • Before nursing: apply warmth (warm washcloth, shower)
  • During nursing: gently massage toward the nipple
  • Nurse frequently — offer the affected side first
  • After nursing: apply cold to reduce swelling (cold pack, chilled cabbage leaf)
  • Avoid tight bras and constricting clothing

Low Milk Supply?

Worry about low milk supply is one of the most common reasons for early weaning — yet most mothers actually have enough milk. Milk production works on supply and demand: the more frequently and effectively your baby nurses, the more milk is produced.

  • Nurse more frequently = more milk production (the most important principle!)
  • Power pumping: pump 20 min, rest 10 min, pump 10 min, rest 10 min, pump 10 min
  • Fenugreek capsules or nursing tea may provide support
  • Drink enough (2–3 litres/day) and eat well
  • Reduce stress — stress hormones inhibit the let-down reflex

Mastitis (Breast Infection)

Mastitis often develops from untreated engorgement. Typical symptoms include flu-like feeling, fever above 38.4°C (101°F), redness, and severe pain at the affected area.

⚠️ If you have a fever, see a doctor immediately! Antibiotics are often necessary for mastitis and are breastfeeding-compatible. You can and should continue nursing during mastitis.

Breastfeeding and Work

Returning to work doesn't mean the end of your breastfeeding journey. With good planning, you can successfully combine breastfeeding and working.

Pumping at Work

  • Start pumping regularly 2–3 weeks before returning to work to build a freezer stash
  • Plan a pumping break every 3–4 hours (15–20 minutes each)
  • Invest in a good electric double pump — it saves time
  • Prepare a cool bag and ice packs for transporting milk

Storing Breast Milk

  • Room temperature (up to 25°C): up to 4 hours
  • Refrigerator (4°C): up to 4 days (best used within 3 days)
  • Freezer (-18°C): up to 6 months (best used within 3 months)
  • Use thawed milk within 24 hours, never refreeze

Weaning — When and How?

There is no "right" time to wean. The WHO recommends breastfeeding until at least age 2, but every breastfeeding journey is individual. What matters is that the timing feels right for you and your child.

Gentle Weaning — Tips

  • Go slowly: replace one feeding per week
  • Drop the least favoured feeding first
  • Offer closeness and cuddles as a substitute — nursing is also comfort
  • Distract when baby wants to nurse: snack, play, walk
  • The evening/night feed is usually the last to go
  • Cool compresses for engorgement, don't pump to relieve
  • Sage tea can gently reduce milk production

Weaning can be emotional — for you and your child. Sadness is completely normal and not a sign that you're doing something wrong. The hormonal shift (dropping prolactin and oxytocin levels) can temporarily cause mood swings. Be gentle with yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I breastfeed my newborn?
Newborns should be fed at least 8–12 times in 24 hours, roughly every 2–3 hours. Frequent nursing in the early weeks is crucial for establishing milk supply. Feeding on demand — whenever your baby shows hunger cues — is the best approach.
How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?
Key indicators include: at least 6 wet diapers per day from day 4 onward, regular bowel movements, audible swallowing during feeds, a content baby after nursing, and steady weight gain. Your paediatrician will monitor weight at check-ups.
Can I drink coffee while breastfeeding?
Yes, in moderation. Up to 300 mg of caffeine per day (about 2–3 cups of coffee) is considered safe. Small amounts of caffeine pass into breast milk. Watch whether your baby becomes more restless after you consume caffeine.
How long should a breastfeeding session last?
Duration varies widely — from 10 to 45 minutes. Newborns often take longer. What matters more than time is that your baby is actively drinking and releases the breast contentedly. Let your baby empty one breast before offering the other.
When can I start pumping breast milk?
If breastfeeding is going well, you can start pumping around 4–6 weeks. Earlier pumping may be necessary for medical reasons (premature birth, separation). Morning is usually when milk supply is highest — a good time to pump.
Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?
A slight pulling sensation in the first days is normal, but breastfeeding should not be persistently painful. Ongoing pain usually indicates a latching issue. A lactation consultant can identify the cause and help. Sore nipples typically heal within a few days with correct latching.
What should I eat while breastfeeding?
You can eat everything in principle. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein is ideal. You need about 500 extra calories per day. Alcohol should be completely avoided. Gassy foods may or may not affect your baby.
Can I stop breastfeeding and start again?
Yes, relactation is possible, but it requires patience and consistency. Frequent nursing and possibly power pumping can restimulate milk production. The shorter the break, the easier relactation is. A lactation consultant can support you through the process.

Have a question about breastfeeding?

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This guide is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. For breastfeeding problems, contact your midwife, a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), or your OB/GYN. For fever, severe pain, or signs of mastitis, please seek medical help immediately.