Getting Started with Breastfeeding

By Melissa Kotlen Nagin, About.com Guide to Breastfeeding

So you've made the wonderful decision to breastfeed your baby...Now what? Here you will find everything you need to know about preparing to breastfeed before your baby arrives; how breastfeeding works; what to expect once your baby arrives; and the different stages of breastfeeding.

1. Preparing to Breastfeed
2. How Does Breastfeeding Work?
3. Once Your Baby Arrives
4. Stages of Breastfeeding

Preparing to Breastfeed

What should you know about breastfeeding before your baby arrives? Here is some information on how you can mentally prepare for the experience.

• Gearing Up to Breastfeed: What Can You Do to Prepare While You're Pregnant?
• Breast Anatomy and Development
• Breast Changes in Pregnancy
• Pros and Cons of Breastfeeding

• Breast Self-Assessment and Evaluation
• Melissa's Top 5 Nursing Bra Picks
• Clothing Review: Medela Bamboo Nursing Camisole

How Does Breastfeeding Work?

The dynamics of breastfeeding can be intimidating at first. But with a detailed explanation of the functions of the lactating breast, you'll feel comfortable and ready to feed.

• Breastfeeding Basics
• The Content and Composition of Breast Milk
• Breastfeeding Problems and Solutions
• The Difference Between "Nutritive" and "Non-Nutritive" Sucking

• Breastfeeding Multiples
• Top 10 Myths About Breastfeeding
• Can My Breasts Be Too Big Or Too Small To Breastfeed?

Once Your Baby Arrives

Your baby is here, and your life has become a bit hectic! Here are some guidelines on taking care of yourself, in addition to properly positioning and latching your baby -- making breastfeeding a positive, comfortable process for you.

• Alerting the Baby for Feeding
• Latching On
• Cross-Cradle Position
• Football Hold
• Side-Lying Position
• Cradle Hold

• When To Alternate Breasts
• When To Consider a Lactation Consultant
• What is "feeding on demand"?
• Things To Do While You're Breastfeeding
• What If My Baby Ingests Someone Else's Breast Milk?
• Burping Your Baby

Stages of Breastfeeding

Just when you think you're in a nice groove with your baby's patterns, things change. Here is what to expect from the different stages your baby encounters.

• What to Expect from Breastfeeding in the First 24 Hours
• First Three Days of Breastfeeding
• The First 2 Weeks
• Breastfeeding by Stage
• Breastfeeding During a Baby's Growth Spurt

• Introducing Solids and Breastfeeding
• Infant Digestion
• What Should My Breastfed Baby's Diapers Look Like?
• Is It Okay If My Baby Breastfeeds for Comfort?
• How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Hungry or Overtired?