Image
Prepare for Success

 

Prepare before your baby is born

  • Talk to your healthcare provider​

  • Attend classes through your hospital or WIC

  • Build a support team – your health care provider, lactation professional, peer support group, home health nurses and WIC clinic may be available to support you!​

  • Sign up for FREE text messages on prenatal care, baby health, parenting and more! Text4Baby – Sign up by texting BABY (or BEBE for Spanish) to 511411

Provide a good start in the first days​

  • Breastfeed or chestfeed within the first hour after baby is born.​

  • Hold your baby skin to skin in the first days and beyond​

  • Let baby set the pace and feeding schedule – follow their cues.​

  • Feed baby at least 8-12 times a day.​

  • Your milk only (unless baby needs supplementation for medical reasons) and let others know.​ Avoid bottles or pacifiers until breastfeeding or chestfeeding is consistent.​

  • Lean on your support network.

Image
A question mark with the words "Did you know?" under it.

Learn about Biological Nurturing and laid back breastfeeding positions to help get latching off to a great start.

Last Updated: March 20, 2023