8 FAQs About Breastfeeding, Answered

Breast milk is the perfect source of growth-fueling nutrition for infants in the first six months of life, and breastfeeding comes with numerous health benefits for mom and baby alike. However, for most first-time nursing mothers, mastering this “natural skill” is significantly easier with expert guidance and support. 

At The Center for Advanced Pediatrics in Norwalk and Darien, Connecticut, we collaborate with Tiny Tummies Lactation Consultants to help nursing mothers and newborns achieve the best possible start and overcome breastfeeding challenges along the way. 

In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month this August, our experienced team is here to answer the eight most frequently asked questions about breastfeeding.

1. How often should I breastfeed my baby?

Breastfeed on demand, or whenever your baby shows signs of hunger. Rapidly growing newborns are hungry often — they typically feed eight to 12 times in 24 hours. Most newborns feed every 90 minutes to three hours, and shouldn’t go longer than four hours between feedings. 

Once your baby is one to two months old, they’ll likely nurse seven to nine times a day, and their feeding times should start falling into a more predictable pattern.  

2. How long is a typical nursing session?

Your newborn may nurse for 20 minutes or longer at a time, feeding from one or both breasts. As your growing baby gets more skilled at breastfeeding, 5-10 minute feedings on each side become more typical.

Factors that can affect the length of each nursing session include your milk let down, supply, and flow rate, as well as your baby’s latch, “gulp rate,” and wakefulness. 

3. When should I alternate breasts?

To promote equal milk supply in both breasts and painful engorgement (when your breasts overfill with milk), it’s important to nurse evenly on both sides. Do whatever’s comfortable for you and your baby, whether you switch sides halfway through a feeding or alternate the breast you offer each feeding. 

4. Is it normal for breastfeeding to hurt? 

While initial soreness is common as your nipples adjust to feeding, persistent or severe nipple or breast pain isn’t normal and should be addressed. Positioning problems and a shallow latch are two of the most frequent causes of nursing pain for new moms.  

Other issues — like clogged milk ducts, cracked nipples, and infection (i.e., mastitis) — can lead to breastfeeding pain, too. If you experience ongoing discomfort while nursing, our lactation consultants can help you find a solution.  

5. Is my baby getting enough breast milk?

When your milk supply is sufficient and your baby is getting enough sustenance, they show signs that they’re well fed. First, after losing some of their birth weight in the first two weeks of life, their weight gain and growth are steady.  

A well-fed baby is usually alert and content when they’re awake, not lethargic and fussy. After their initial digestive and bowel adjustment in the first week, they should begin having at least six heavy, wet diapers per day, along with several bowel movements.   

6. Can my baby nurse too much? 

Don’t worry: You can’t “overfeed” your baby with responsive, on-demand nursing. When you follow your baby’s lead and breastfeed on demand, you’re helping ensure that your baby gets what they need, when they need it. 

For example, many babies want to “cluster feed,” or nurse more often, throughout the evening. This is normal and may just be their way of “filling up” before a longer stretch of sleep at night. Babies also become extra hungry and want to nurse more frequently during growth spurts, or periods of rapid growth.   

7. Does nursing affect my dietary needs? 

To support your own nutritional needs in addition to a robust, nutrient-dense milk supply for your baby, you’ll need to consume an extra 340-400 calories per day while nursing, and keep yourself well-hydrated. 

Choose wholesome foods that offer iron, vitamin C, protein, and calcium, such as legumes, eggs, lean poultry, whole grains, berries, and leafy green vegetables. If your baby is exclusively breastfed, they’ll also need daily vitamin D drops, as they don’t get enough of this essential nutrient from breast milk. 

8. Can I breastfeed when I’m sick?

Yes, in most cases, you can — and should — continue to breastfeed your baby when you’re under the weather. While it may be the last thing you feel like doing while you have a cold, the flu, or a stomach bug, your baby won’t catch the illness through your milk; in fact, your milk contains antibodies against the illness that can protect your baby.    

Lactation support when you need it

Do you have questions about breastfeeding? Call 203-229-2000 ext. 2047 to reach our lactation support help line today, or schedule an appointment at The Center for Advanced Pediatrics in Norwalk or Darien, Connecticut, at your convenience.