An Easy Guide to

Breastfeeding

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Office on Women’s Health
 An Easy Guide to

Breastfeeding
This guide is for all women and their families.
It is a supportive tool for all women who choose to breastfeed.
Dear Reader,
Your baby was born to be breastfed.
This booklet will provide some basic information to help make
breastfeeding easy for you and your baby.
You will learn:
● The benefits of breastfeeding for baby, mom, dad and society;
● Answers to frequently asked questions about breastfeeding;
● What to do to help get breastfeeding off to a good start;
● Why breastfeeding is a public health issue and what is being done to
promote and protect it;
● Why you should talk to your doctor or health care provider and your
child’s pediatrician about breastfeeding;
● Where to find breastfeeding help; and
● What breastfeeding questions to ask at your next health care or
doctor visit.

This booklet, the 1-800-994-9662 toll-free number, and the

www.womenshealth.gov web site are designed to help you feel
confident in your decision to breastfeed.

Wanda K. Jones, Dr.P.H.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Women’s Health)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Director of the Office on Women’s Health

Judy Torgus
Director of Publications
La Leche League International

Breastfeeding 1
 Babies were born to be breastfed.
Benefits of breastfeeding
for babies and mothers
● Recent studies show that
babies who are exclusively
breastfed for 6 months are
less likely to develop ear
infections, diarrhea, and
respiratory illnesses. They
may also be less likely to
develop childhood obesity.
● Breastfeeding delays the
return of menstrual periods
and may aid in spacing
pregnancies.
● Breastfeeding reduces the
risk of breast and ovarian
cancers.
● Breastfeeding creates a
strong bond between mother and child.
● Breastfeeding mothers have increased self-esteem.
Benefits of breastfeeding for families
● Breastfeeding saves the family budget hundreds of dollars.
● Breastfeeding saves on health care costs.
● Breastfeeding contributes to a more productive workforce.
● Breastfeeding creates a healthier society.

2 Easy Guide to...

Tips for a smooth start to breastfeeding
● Read about breastfeeding
during your pregnancy so
you will know what to do
once your baby is in your
arms.
● Get good prenatal care to
help assure that you carry
your baby to term so he/she
won’t need special care.
● Before you give birth, tell
your health care provider
about any previous breast
surgery or injury. If your
nipples appear flat or
inverted, ask if it will affect
how your baby latches on.
● Talk to friends who have
breastfed, or attend a breast-
feeding support group (such
as La Leche League) so you
can meet other breastfeed-
ing mothers.
● Breastfeed your baby soon
after delivery because the
sucking instinct is very
strong at this time.
● Keep your baby in your
hospital room with you so
you can breastfeed often
and get to know one
another.

Breastfeeding 3
 ● If your baby stays in the nursery, tell the staff not to give your baby
any infant formula or a pacifier. Ask them to bring your baby to you
for feedings.
● Expect your milk to increase a few days after a normal, uncompli-
cated birth.
● Breastfeeding should not hurt. Ask for help if it is painful for you.
● Breastfeed according to your baby’s cues. Most newborn babies want
to breastfeed about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
● Breastfeeding is a learned process. Give your baby and yourself time
to learn how to breastfeed.
● Pat yourself on the back for giving the best to your baby!

Your breastfeeding questions answered…

Does breastfeeding hurt?
Breastfeeding should not hurt. There
may be some tenderness at first, but
it should gradually go away as the
days go by. To minimize soreness,
your baby’s mouth should be wide
open, with as much of the areola (the
darker area surrounding the nipple)
in his or her mouth as possible.
When your baby is breastfeeding
effectively, it should be calming and
comfortable for both of you. If
breastfeeding becomes painful for
you, seek help from someone who is
knowledgeable about breastfeeding.
See the Where to find help with
breastfeeding section on page 19 for
assistance.

4 Easy Guide to...

What foods do I need to eat?
Many cultures have suggestions
about foods to eat or to avoid while
breastfeeding. Eating such foods
may make you or other family mem-
bers more comfortable. However,
research shows that a mother’s milk
is affected only slightly by the foods
in her diet.
You may be thirstier and have a big-
ger appetite while you are breast-
feeding. Drink enough non-caf-
feinated beverages to keep from
being thirsty. Making milk will use
about 500 extra calories a day.
Women often try to improve their
diets while they are pregnant. Continuing with an improved diet after your
baby is born will help you stay healthy, which will help your mood and
energy level. However, even if you don’t always eat well, the quality of
your milk won’t change much. Your body adjusts to make sure your baby’s
milk supply is protected.
When should I start breastfeeding?
You should nurse your baby soon after birth, if possible, when your baby is
awake and the sucking instinct is strong. At first, your breasts contain a
kind of milk called “colostrum,” which is thick and usually yellow or gold-
en in color. Colostrum is gentle to your baby's stomach and it is full of
antibodies to protect your baby from disease. Your milk supply will
increase and the color will change to a bluish-white color during the next
few days after your baby's birth.
How often will my baby breastfeed?
Newborns need to nurse frequently, at least every two hours, and not on a
strict schedule. This stimulates your breasts to produce plenty of milk.
Since human milk is more easily digested than formula, breastfed babies
eat more frequently than bottle-fed babies do. Babies nurse less frequently
as they get older and start solid foods.

Breastfeeding 5
 Here’s what will happen with you, your
baby, and your milk in the first few weeks:

Milk appearance and amount You (the mom)

Birth Your milk will appear yellow or golden. The You will be tired and excited. This
amount will be small, but it gives your baby a is a good time for you to feed your
healthy dose of protection against diseases. baby.

First Your baby will drink about 1 teaspoon of your Continue resting and getting to
12-24 milk at each feeding. You may not see the know your baby. Your breasts may
hours milk, but it has what your baby needs and in be a little tender at first. If breast-
the right amounts. feeding hurts, ask for help from
someone who has experience help-
ing breastfeeding mothers.
Breastfeeding should not hurt.

Days Your mature milk comes in. It will look bluish Your breasts will feel full and may
2-5 white, but may still look a little yellow or leak. (You may use disposable or
golden for about 2 weeks. cloth pads in your bra to absorb the
milk.) If your breasts become
swollen and hard, remove a little
milk from your breasts before feed-
ing your baby. Between feedings,
use ice packs to reduce swelling
(sometimes called "engorgement"),
which will go away in 1-2 days.
Breastfeeding your baby helps
reduce the swelling.

First Your milk gradually starts to look bluish Your body gets used to breastfeed-
4-6 white at the beginning of a feeding and ing so your breasts will be softer
weeks creamy white toward the end of a feeding. and the leaking will slow down.
The color may vary a little from day to day. Don’t worry. The milk is still there.
Some foods you eat can change the color of
your milk, but this won’t harm your baby.

6 Easy Guide to...

The Baby

Your baby will probably be awake and alert in the first hour after birth and this is a good
time for him or her to breastfeed.

It is normal for some babies to sleep heavily. Labor and delivery are hard work for the baby.
Some babies may be too sleepy to latch on well at first. Feedings may be short and irregular.
As your baby wakes up, he or she will have a strong instinct to suck and feed very often.
Your baby will love the taste of your milk. Many babies like to eat or lick, nuzzle, pause,
savor, doze, then eat again. Ask the nurses not to give your baby any formula or water unless
needed for medical reasons.

Your baby will feed a lot, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. Your baby’s stomach is little, so
lots of feedings are normal. Breastfed babies don’t eat on a schedule. It is okay if your baby
eats every 1-2 hours. Feedings will probably take about 15-20 minutes on each side, but all
babies are different. Your baby might take only one side at a time or seem to like one side
better. After delivery, it is normal for a baby to lose a little weight. Your baby will regain his
or her birth weight by about 10 days to 2 weeks of age.

Your baby will be better at breastfeeding and have a larger stomach to hold more milk.
Feedings may take less time and be farther apart. Most breastfeeding babies like to nurse
often, because it is comforting and it keeps them close to you.

Breastfeeding 7
 How do I know my baby is getting
enough milk?
You can tell your baby is getting enough milk by
keeping track of the number of wet and dirty dia-
pers. In the first few days, when your milk is low
in volume and high in nutrients, your baby will
have only 1 or 2 wet diapers a day. After your
milk supply has increased, your baby should have
5 to 6 wet diapers and 3 to 4 dirty diapers every
day. Consult your pediatrician if you are con-
cerned about your baby’s weight gain.

This chart shows the minimum number of diapers for healthy, full-term
babies. It is fine if your baby has more.

Baby’s Age Wet Diapers Dirty Diapers Color and Texture

Day 1 (birth) 1 Thick, tarry and black

Day 2 2 Thick, tarry and black

Day 3 3 Greenish yellow

Day 4 (or when milk increases) 5-6 Greenish yellow

Day 5 5-6 Seedy, watery mustard color

Day 6 5-6 Seedy, watery mustard color

Day 7 5-6 Seedy, watery mustard color

8 Easy Guide to...

How do I hold my baby when I breastfeed?
1. Support your breast with your thumb on top and four fingers under-
neath. Keep your fingers behind the areola (the darker skin around the
nipple). You may need to support your breast during the whole feed-
ing, especially in the early days or if your breasts are large.
2. Brush or tickle the baby’s lips with your nipple to encourage the
baby’s mouth to open wide.
3. Hug the baby in close with his or her whole body facing yours. Your
baby will take a mouthful of all of the nipple and most of the areola.
The baby should never be latched onto the nipple only.
4. Look for both of your baby’s lips to be turned out
(not tucked in or under) and relaxed — if you
can’t tell if the lower lip is out, press gently on
the lower chin to pull the lower lip out. The
tongue should be cupped under your breast.
5. You may see your baby’s jaw move back and
forth and hear low-pitched swallowing noises.
Your baby’s nose and chin may touch against your breast.
Breastfeeding should not hurt. If it hurts, take the baby off of your
breast and try again. The baby may not be latched on right. Break your
baby’s suction to your breast by gently placing your finger in the cor-
ner of his/her mouth.

Breastfeeding Positions
Here are some positions in which you can hold your baby while breast-
feeding. You can choose the one(s) that you and your baby feel most com-
fortable in. No matter which one you choose, make sure your baby’s
mouth is near your nipple and he/she doesn’t have to turn his/her head to
breastfeed. For most positions, your baby should be on his/her side with
his/her whole body facing yours. This helps him/her to properly “latch on”
to the nipple. Try using pillows under your arms, elbows, neck or back, or
under the baby for support.

Breastfeeding 9
 1. Cradle Hold: This is a commonly used posi-
tion that is comfortable for most mothers.
Hold your baby with his head on your fore-
arm and his/her whole body facing yours.

2. Cross Cradle or Transitional Hold: This is

good for premature babies or babies who are
having trouble latching on. Hold your baby
along the opposite arm from the breast you
are using. Support baby’s head with the palm
of your hand at the base of his/her head.

3. Clutch or “Football” Hold: Good for mothers

with large breasts or inverted nipples. Hold
your baby at your side, lying on his/her back,
with his/her head at the level of your nipple.
Support baby’s head with the palm of your
hand at the base of his/her head.

4. Side-Lying Position: This allows mothers to

rest or sleep while baby nurses. Good for
mothers who have had cesarean births. Lie on
your side with baby facing you. Pull baby
close and guide his/her mouth to your nipple.

10 Easy Guide to...

Will I have to breastfeed in public? How do I manage that?
You don’t have to breastfeed in public. Mothers often feel uncomfortable
about it at first, but become more confident as they gain experience. Most
of the time, other people don’t even notice these mothers and babies
because the baby is quiet and doesn’t attract much attention. One way to
gain confidence is to talk to other breastfeeding mothers about how they
manage breastfeeding in public. Here are some ideas to try:
● If your trip will be short, breastfeed just
before leaving and right after you return
home.
● Find a women’s lounge, a sitting area, or
a public restroom (shopping malls and
larger department stores often have
women’s lounges or dedicated nursing
rooms).
● Sit in your car while you feed your
baby.
● Go to a women’s changing room in a
clothing store.
● Turn your chair so you are facing slight-
ly away from other people. Ask your
host if you can use another room if you
are uncomfortable.
● Use a baby sling, nursing cover, or blan-
ket to cover your breast and your baby.
● Some women prefer to offer their milk in bottles while they are in
public. It’s best to avoid bottles in the early weeks so your baby can
learn to breastfeed well.
Can I give my baby a pacifier if I breastfeed?
Most breastfeeding counselors recommend avoiding pacifiers for about the
first month because they may interfere with your baby’s ability to learn to
breastfeed. After you and your baby have learned to breastfeed well, you
may make your own decision about whether or not to offer a pacifier.

Breastfeeding 11
 Can I still breastfeed if I go back to work or school?
Yes, you can! Breastfeeding
keeps you connected to your
baby, even when you are away.
Employers and co-workers bene-
fit because breastfeeding mothers
need less time off for sick babies.
Let your employer and/or human
resources manager know that you
plan to continue to breastfeed
once you return to work. You
should request a clean and private area where you can pump your milk.
You can pump your milk during lunch or other breaks and refrigerate it or
place it in a cooler for your baby to be fed later.
Take as much time off as possible, since it will help you get breastfeeding
well established and also reduce the number of months you may need to
pump your milk while you are at work. If your baby will need to drink
your milk from a bottle while you are gone, it is a good idea to start offer-
ing a bottle when your baby is about 4 weeks old and is breastfeeding
well. It's best to avoid bottles before 4 weeks while you and your baby are
learning to breastfeed.
How much do breast pumps cost and what
kind is best?
Breastfeeding mothers have many options when it
comes to pumps. Effectiveness and prices vary.
Manual pumps cost under $50. Electric pumps that
include a carrying case and an insulated section
for storing milk containers sell for over $200.
Some pumps can be purchased at baby supply
stores or general department stores, but most
high-quality automatic pumps have to be pur-
chased or rented from a lactation consultant at a
local hospital, or from a breastfeeding organiza-
tion. See Where to find help with breastfeeding on page 19 for more
information.

12 Easy Guide to...

Many mothers decide to pur-
chase or rent pumps with the
ability to pump both breasts at
once — especially working
mothers. Double-pumping, as it
is called, is faster and more
effective, so a mother doesn’t
need as much time to pump.
Compared to the cost of not
breastfeeding, which can be
more than $300 a month, even a
top-of-the-line pump is afford-
able. Ask for recommendations
from other mothers you know
or from a breastfeeding coun-
selor.
Should I give my baby
water or cereal?
Your milk is all your baby will
need for the first 6 months,
even in hot weather. You don’t
need to give your baby water,
juice or a breast milk substi-
tute. Research shows that
babies are healthier if other
foods are delayed. A newborn
baby’s digestive system is very
sensitive. Waiting 6 months
helps protect your baby from
food allergies and from dis-
eases that cause diarrhea. Solid
foods may be given when your
baby is about 6 months old.

Breastfeeding 13
 I have heard that breastfed babies may not get enough
vitamin D. What does this mean for my breastfed baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP) published a statement in April
2003; saying that that some babies are at
risk for vitamin D deficiency and rickets,
the bone-softening disease caused by
insufficient exposure to sunlight and/or
inadequate vitamin D supplementation.
Sunlight can be a major source of vitamin
D, but factors such as the latitude where you
live, the amount of pigment in your baby’s
skin, your baby’s amount of sun exposure, and the use of sunscreen
products all affect how much vitamin D your baby’s body can produce
from sunlight.
The AAP recommends that all infants, including those who are exclusively
breastfed and those who are fed formula, have a minimum intake of 200
International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day beginning during the first 2
months of life.
The AAP recommends that an intake of 200 IU of vitamin D per day be
continued throughout childhood and adolescence. Vitamin D supplements
for infants are available over the counter.

When should I wean my baby?

It is recommended that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six
months. You may continue to breastfeed through the first year of life and
longer if you and your baby wish.

14 Easy Guide to...

How can I encourage my partner’s support for breastfeeding?
Prepare your partner in advance and explain that you need support.
Highlight the important benefits of breastfeeding and be sure to emphasize
how much money you’ll save, too. Not breastfeeding can cost over $300 a
month when you include the cost of increased medical bills — money that
could be used for food, housing costs, savings, or a vacation. Point out to
your partner that breastfeeding will give your child the best start in life,
with effects that last well into childhood and adulthood. If your partner
seems jealous of the closeness between you and your baby, suggest other
ways for him to be close to your baby, such as talking or singing to the
baby, giving a bath, or by simply sitting with you and your baby to enjoy
the special mood that breastfeeding creates.

Breastfeeding 15
 Can I breastfeed if I smoke or drink alcohol?
In their most recent statement on the subject, the American Academy of
Pediatrics announced that newer research seems to show that the beneficial
effects of breastfeeding outweigh the negative effects from the mother’s
smoking. For example, babies who are exposed to second-hand smoke
have a higher rate of upper respiratory infections, but breastfeeding helps
protect babies from these illnesses. It is always better to quit smoking. If
you can’t quit, try cutting down during the time you are breastfeeding. You
and your baby will both be healthier.
Light drinking by a breastfeeding mother has not been found to be harmful
to a breastfeeding baby. Larger amounts of alcohol may make your baby
sleepy or dizzy and may affect his or her growth over time.
Can I breastfeed if I need to take prescription medication?
Always check with your healthcare
provider before taking any medica-
tion. Most medications pass into
your milk in small amounts. If you
take medication for a chronic condi-
tion, such as hypertension, diabetes
or asthma, your medication may
already have been studied in breast-
feeding women, so you should be
able to find information to help you
make an informed decision with the
help of your health care provider. Newer medications and medications for
rare disorders may have less information available. The American
Academy of Pediatrics has information about many prescription and over-
the-counter medications posted on their web site at: www.aap.org
Why does the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
care about breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a public health issue — it directly contributes to improved
health of mothers and babies. Research shows that babies benefit from
breastfeeding because it is a cost-effective, low-tech way of reducing

16 Easy Guide to...

infant illness, hospitalization, and
mortality, particularly for low
birth-weight and pre-term babies.
Healthier babies grow up to be
healthier adults. Research shows
that babies who are exclusively
breastfed for 6 months are less
likely to develop ear infections,
diarrhea, and respiratory illness-
es. They may also be less likely
to develop childhood obesity.
A recent evaluation of research
on breastfeeding and breast can-
cer showed that the more months
a woman breastfeeds the less likely she is to develop breast cancer.
Researchers estimated that women in countries like the US could reduce
their risk of breast cancer by 4.3% for each 12 months spent breastfeeding.
Why don’t more women breastfeed their babies?
The results of recent focus
groups done by the U.S.
Department of Health and
Human Services’ Office on
Women’s Health suggest some
reasons. Women believe that
breastfeeding hurts, either from
hearing of others’ experiences or
because of their own experience
with a previous baby, and women
worry that their milk will not be
as beneficial if their diet is poor,
if they smoke, or if they drink
alcohol. Research has shown that
the overall benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the negative effects of mod-
erate smoking, drinking, and eating non-healthy foods.

Breastfeeding 17
 Other factors make a difference
in breastfeeding rates, too. For
instance, the focus group results
show that many women believe
that breastfeeding is difficult to
balance with working outside
the home. Also, many of us did
not grow up around women
who breastfed, so we did not
learn about breastfeeding from
our mothers and other relatives.
Some of us do not have access to prenatal care, which may lead to low
birth weight and premature birth — factors that may make breastfeeding
more difficult. And women sometimes go through an entire pregnancy
without receiving any information on breastfeeding. Learning about
breastfeeding should be a standard part of your prenatal care.
Why should I talk to my doctor or health care provider about
breastfeeding?
Talking to your health care provider will help you learn his or her views
on breastfeeding and find out what kind of support for breastfeeding
she/he offers. Most pediatricians in
the United States agree that human
milk is superior for infant feeding.
Your health care provider or your
child’s pediatrician should offer you
accurate, easy-to-understand breast-
feeding information. Some clinics
and doctors’ offices offer the services
of a board certified lactation consult-
ant to help with breastfeeding. See
the section on page 22 for questions
to ask at your next doctor or health
care provider visit.

18 Easy Guide to...

Where to find help with breastfeeding..
National Women’s Health Information Center —
Breastfeeding Helpline and Web Site
If you have questions or would like more information on breastfeeding,
call the National Women’s Health Information Center’s (NWHIC)
Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-800-994-9662; TDD 1-888-220-5446
(9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, EST). If you call during times
that the Helpline is not staffed, leave a message and you will be called
back on the next working day. The Breastfeeding Helpline is a project of
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is staffed with La
Leche League-trained Breastfeeding Information Specialists. For serious
problems, they will suggest you follow up with your health care provider
or refer you to a lactation consultant in your area.
A lactation consultant is a professional health worker trained to help new
families be successful with breastfeeding. If a breastfeeding counselor or
lactation consultant uses the initials “IBCLC,” they have been certified by
the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. To find an
IBCLC nearby, check the IBCLC organization web site at www.iblce.org
for a list of all the currently certified IBCLCs who are registered in the
United States.
Breastfeeding Information Specialists may also refer you to a local La
Leche League Leader. Neither Breastfeeding Information Specialists nor
La Leche League Leaders give medical advice.
The Helpline also offers a breastfeeding packet with pamphlets on basic
breastfeeding issues as well as special breastfeeding situations. You also
can order Easy Guides to Breastfeeding in Spanish and Chinese, and for
African American and American Indian and Alaska Native women and
their families.
You also can find more information on the NWHIC web site:
www.womenshealth.gov

Breastfeeding 19
 La Leche League International
La Leche League International (LLLI) also offers valuable
breastfeeding information. La Leche League Leaders are
volunteers who provide one-on-one help to breastfeeding
mothers on the phone or at monthly group meetings. To
find a La Leche League Leader in your area, find the list-
ing for your state or territory on the LLLI web site at www.laleche
league.org. The LLLI web site also contains a large collection of breast-
feeding information, including FAQs and many personal stories from
mothers. By phone, you can call 1-800-LA LECHE. The recorded message
for the La Leche League International business office at 847-519-7730
offers the option of locating a Leader near you using your zip code.
During business hours (central time zone), you may speak with an opera-
tor who will assist you. Your may also find information about your local
group in local phone listings or at the library, or watch for announcements
in your local newspaper.
The LLLI catalogue offers books and pamphlets on breastfeeding, child-
birth, nutrition and parenting. To receive a copy of the LLLI catalogue by
mail, call 1-800-LA LECHE. You may also check out the online version of
our catalogue at our web site.
African American Breastfeeding Alliance, Inc. (AABA)
AABA is the first organization whose sole purpose is to pro-
mote breastfeeding to African American mothers, fathers
and families. AABA’s goals are to: improve the overall
health status of African American babies; increase access to
breastfeeding information for African American parents; and
create a breastfeeding-friendly culture within the African American com-
munity. AABA’s programs include: the African American Breastfeeding
Campaign, Peer Counselor Training, Breastfeeding Hotline, Breastfeeding
Drop-In Clinic, Roundtable Discussions and Comprehensive Research
Initiatives. An emphasis is placed on producing publications and videos
that show African American women breastfeeding their babies. Call toll-
free 1-877-532-8535 for more information.

20 Easy Guide to...

Your baby was born to be breastfed.
Breastfeeding is a learned
skill, like learning to cook; it
requires patience and prac-
tice. While you and your
baby are still learning, you
may become frustrated and
experience some discomfort,
but it will get better. More
time may be needed in some
situations, such as after a pre-
mature or cesarean birth, or
when your baby has a health
problem. Just take it one
feeding at a time and do not
hesitate to ask for help if
things are not going well or if
you need support. Remember
that breastfeeding usually
gets gradually easier, not
harder. Invest the time in
yourself and your baby to
protect your health, save
money, and build a bond that
will last a lifetime.

Breastfeeding 21
 Questions to ask your health care
provider about breastfeeding..
How do I prepare myself for breastfeeding at home, at work, and at the
hospital?
Home

Work

Hospital

What will hospital staff do to help me with breastfeeding?

Can my baby stay with me while I am in the hospital?

22 Easy Guide to...

How many of your patients breastfeed their babies?

Can I speak with other patients who have breastfed?

What are your suggestions for breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples?

You may want to ask your health care provider these questions, too. These
questions are more about parenting style than about medical treatment, so
choose what works for you. Different parents make different decisions
about these things.

Where can I get breastfeeding support?

How do I breastfeed outside of my home?

When should I wean my baby?

Breastfeeding 23
 Suggested Reading
The following La Leche League publications are available for
free at the National Women’s Health Information Center by calling
1-800-994-9662:
● Approaches to Weaning
● Breastfeeding After a Cesarean
Birth
● Breastfeeding and Working
● Breastfeeding Father
● Breastfeeding Twins
● How to Handle a Nursing Strike
● Mother’s Guide to Pumping Milk
● Sore Breasts
● Thrush
● When a Nursing Mother Gets
Sick
● When Babies Cry
● Your Baby’s First Solid Food
● Breastfeeding the Baby with Reflux

Editors:
Judy Torgus, Director of Publications, La Leche League International
Nancy Jo Bykowski, IBCLC, La Leche League International
Gina Ciagne, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
Suzanne G. Haynes, Ph.D., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on
Women's Health
Joyce Cusack, M.H.S.

Designers:
Adrienne Barnes and Paul Torgus

September, 2006

24 Easy Guide to...

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office on Women’s Health
200 Independence Ave,. S.W. Room 712 E
Washington, DC 20201
www.womenshealth.gov
1-800-994-9662 • TDD 1-888-220-5446

1400 N. Meacham Rd.

Schaumburg, IL 60173-4808
www.lalecheleague.org
1-800-LA LECHE