Breastfeeding works, but it can feel confusing and hard at first. If you want straightforward, useful advice you can use tonight, this page gathers clear tips on feeding, pumping, milk storage, and how medications or alcohol affect breast milk. No judgement—just the facts and quick steps you can act on.
Start with a good latch: aim the baby’s nose to your nipple, wait for a wide open mouth, and bring baby in so their chin touches the breast first. A shallow latch causes pain and poor milk transfer. Feed on demand for the first weeks—newborns often feed 8–12 times per 24 hours. Watch signs of effective feeding: regular swallowing, moist diapers, and steady weight gain.
Pumping basics: pick a pump that fits your goals. Manual pumps work for occasional use. For regular pumping, a double electric pump saves time. Pump after a feeding or between feeds to increase supply. Store milk in clean containers: refrigerate up to 4 days, freeze up to 6 months (best within 3). Thaw in the fridge overnight or warm under running water; never microwave.
Short tricks that help: offer the breast before a full bottle if you’re combining feeding methods; try skin-to-skin contact to calm baby and boost supply; and cluster feeding in the evening is normal—babies often need more milk then.
Worried about taking meds while breastfeeding? Most common drugs are safe, but some pass into milk. Check reliable resources like LactMed or ask your prescriber and pharmacist. Acetaminophen and many antibiotics are usually fine; stronger drugs or some psychiatric meds need a specialist’s input. If a medicine has known risks, your doctor can suggest an alternative or a plan to pump and discard for a short time.
Alcohol and nicotine affect milk and baby. If you drink, time feeds so alcohol clears your system—one drink and waiting 2–3 hours before the next feed is a simple rule, but less is better. Smoking raises risks for baby; quitting is best, and nicotine replacement should be discussed with a clinician.
Know when to call for help: severe breast pain with redness and fever could be mastitis and may need antibiotics; cracked, bleeding nipples that don’t improve after a few days warrant a lactation consultant visit; if baby isn’t gaining or you feel your supply is dropping despite efforts, get a professional check—sometimes a small change in technique makes a big difference.
Breastfeeding isn’t one-size-fits-all. Use practical tools—support groups, lactation consultants, and reliable online resources—to get tailored help. Small fixes now often prevent big problems later, and asking for help is a strong, smart step for you and your baby.
