BREASTFEEDING TIPS
SAVE THESE INSTUCTIONS
Breastfeeding is the most precious gift you can
give to your child. Human milk is the most
beneficial nutrition available and contains
hundreds of ingredients not found in formula. It
also contains antibodies that help to protect your
baby from infection and to stimulate the baby’s
immune system.
Although the primary benefit of breastfeeding is
nutritional, nursing is about more than feeding
your baby. It's also a comforting and nurturing
experience. Follow these simple suggestions and
you and your baby will both benefit from the
wonderful bond you share through breastfeeding.
Baby at the breast
Make a nesting station so you can nurse your baby
without interruption.
• Comfortable chair w/ footstool or sitting upright
in bed
• Lots of pillows
• Pitcher of water
• Cut up fruit, veggies, snack etc
• Cordless phone
• TV remote
• When baby is at the breast his/her belly should
touch your body, in whatever position you
choose to feed (cradle, clutch, lying down).
• Use lots of pillows to keep baby level with your
breasts being sure to always hold the baby.
• Hold baby with one hand/ arm and your breast
with the other.
• Tickle the baby’s nose with your nipple. Make
him/her open their mouth VERY wide.
• Guide your baby onto the breast (not the nipple).
Babies need to suck the breast not just the
nipple.
• Once the baby is comfortably latched on, sit
back, take a drink of water, relax and ENJOY!
Most breastfed babies will want to eat about
every 2-3hrs
Starting to pump
• Wash your hands.
• Wherever you are, try to make a comfortable /
private space.
• Look at a picture of your baby and smell his/her
shirt or blanket.
• Fill a pitcher with water or juice.
When to contact your lactation consultant:
• If baby is less than 4 weeks old
• If baby is premature (less than 36 week
gestation)
• If mother is engorged
• If mother has sore nipples
• If mother has low milk supply
• If baby has difficulty latching onto breast
TROUBLESHOOTING
If there is Low or No Suction...
1. Make sure valve is pressed firm against
bottom of pump body and valve is
pushed in all the way. Run your finger
around the edge of the rim to seal
edges.
2. Inspect valve for tears or damage.
3. Make sure pump handle is providing the
full range of motion.
4. Make sure silicone cup is tightly secured
to pump rim and the pump cap is on
completely. ( Please note: Arrow on the
pump rim should not be aligned with
the arrow on the pump cap.)
5. If your pump is still not working or is
damaged, please call The First Years
toll-free at: 1-800-704-8697.
