The more milk your baby takes from your breasts, the more milk your breasts will make. It is not the length of time at the breast that is important. It is how much breastmilk your baby is drinking.

Tips for building a good breastmilk supply:

• Breastfeed your baby as soon as possible after birth, within the first hour.
• If breastfeeding does not take place in the first hour after birth, start hand expressing.
• Breastfeed skin-to-skin as much as possible.
• Breastfeed often - at least 8 or more times in 24 hours.
• Feed your baby as soon as they show early signs that they are hungry.
• Make sure your baby is latched deeply and swallowing milk. Breastfeeding should not be painful.
• Offer both breasts at each feed, even if baby seems satisfied after feeding on one breast.
• Use breast compression to increase and maintain milk flow, especially with a sleepy baby.
• Breastfeed exclusively. No other liquids or food, not even water in the first 6 months unless medically necessary. If you or your health professional decide your baby requires formula, find out how to use it safely.
• If thinking of using pacifiers or bottles, consider waiting until breastfeeding is going well.
• If separated from your baby, start expressing and storing breastmilk often, at least 8 times in 24 hours.

Review:

Holding Your Baby Skin-to-Skin (PDF 8.7 MB)

Baby Feeding Cues (PDF 2.9 MB)