Breastfeeding your Baby

Providing breast milk for your baby through breastfeeding or nursing is one of the most natural ways to nourish them. Breast milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients and antibodies to support your baby’s growth, strengthen their immune system and promote lifelong health. 

Whether you’re nursing for the first time, returning to work or facing challenges, the lactation specialists at Banner Health are here to help you every step of the way. 

What is breastfeeding? 

Breastfeeding is the process of feeding your baby milk produced by your breasts. You can give your baby breast milk directly from the breast itself or feed your baby breast milk you collected by hand expressing or pumping.

Banner Health recommends starting breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, when possible. Early nursing supports bonding, helps your uterus contract and jump-starts milk production. The stages of breast milk 

Your breast milk changes over time to meet your baby’s nutritional needs. Each stage has a different makeup and purpose: 

1. Colostrum (first few days) 

• Develops during pregnancy and is the first milk your baby gets
• Thick, yellowish milk rich in protein and vitamins 
• Provides antibodies that help protect newborns from infection and a variety of illnesses
• Easiest milk for a newborn to digest 

2. Transitional milk (days 4–14) 

• Increased volume
• Thinner and higher in calories, fat and protein
• Provides water-soluble vitamins and lactose for energy 

3. Mature milk (after about two weeks) 

• Keeps your baby hydrated and naturally maintains their correct fluid balance
• Made up of about 90% water for hydration and 10% nutrients, fats, carbohydrates and proteins 
• Provides nutrients for your baby’s growth and energy
• Benefits your baby’s immune system for as long as you breastfeed
• Two parts: 
  • Foremilk: Found at the start of a feeding, helps quench thirst 
  • Hindmilk: Higher in fat, helps your baby gain weight and stay full 

Together, foremilk and hindmilk give your baby the balance of hydration, nutrition and growth support they need. 

Benefits of breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby physically and emotionally. 

For babies: 

• Strengthens the immune system with antibodies 
• Protects against infections such as ear, respiratory and urinary tract infections 
• Lowers risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) 
• Promotes a healthy gut and easier digestion 
• Decreases risk for obesity later in childhood
• Protects against allergies, asthma and eczema 
• Builds bonding and comfort with mom 

For mothers: 

• Lowers risk of osteoporosis later in life
• Releases a hormone that helps your uterus shrink and reduces postpartum bleeding
• May lower risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers 
• Lowers risk of type 2 diabetes and may help to decrease insulin use if you already have diabetes 
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• Supports bonding and emotional well-being 

Common challenges with breastfeeding 

Even though breastfeeding is natural, it often takes practice and patience. You’re not alone - most new parents face hurdles early on. 

Latching issues

A proper latch should include both the nipple and the areola. An incorrect latch can cause pain and reduce milk transfer. Our lactation consultants can show you comfortable positions and techniques to improve latching. 

Milk supply concerns 

Frequent feeding is the best way to build supply. Your body makes milk based on demand. Watch your baby’s wet or dirty diapers and weight gain rather than focusing on pumping volume alone. 

Plugged ducts 

A blocked milk duct (also called ductal narrowing) can cause a tender lump or swelling due to inflammation. 

Try to: 

• Nurse or pump frequently from the affected side (avoid over pumping) Wear supportive but non-tight clothing 
• Apply ice or cold packs to breasts to reduce inflammation and pain relief (remember not to apply ice directly to the skin
• Take acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation (talk to your doctor if you have questions)
• Avoid deep or vigorous massage of the breast
• Avoid heat (e.g. hot showers or hot packs) as it can make inflammation or swelling worse

It is important to continue breastfeeding or pumping on your normal schedule, but do not try to over-empty the breast. 

If symptoms don’t improve or you develop a fever, contact your doctor. 

Mastitis (breast infection) 

Signs of mastitis include swelling, pain, redness, warmth, fever or flu-like symptoms. If you experience symptoms, call your provider as antibiotics may be needed. In the meantime, continue nursing or pumping, rest and use ice packs, ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain relief and to help reduce swelling. 

Thrush (yeast infection) 

You may notice shiny, sore or flaky nipples and sharp pain during or after feedings. Your baby may have white patches inside their mouth. Both mom and baby need to be treated to prevent reinfection. 

Nipple anatomy differences 

Flat, inverted or large nipples can make latching harder but don’t prevent breastfeeding. Nipple shields or manual stimulation can help, and a lactation specialist can guide you through options. 

Breastfeeding and NICU babies 

If your baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), providing breast milk is especially valuable for growth and immune protection. 

Even if your baby can’t nurse yet, you can pump to maintain supply and use skin-to-skin contact for bonding. Many NICUs use feeding tubes initially, then gradually move to bottle or breast as your baby gains strength. 

A lactation consultant or NICU nurse can teach you how to: 

• Start breastfeeding
• Use a hospital-grade pump to protect your milk supply 
• Store and label expressed milk 
• Introduce nursing with nipple shields or paced bottle feeding when ready 

Possible side effects for mothers 

Breastfeeding is safe for your baby but can bring physical changes and emotional adjustments for you, including:

• Temporary nipple soreness or engorgement 
• Back or shoulder pain from positioning 
• Fatigue or emotional overwhelm 
• Uneven workload between partners 

Seeking nursing, lactation and family support is important. Using good posture and taking breaks can make breastfeeding more comfortable. 

When to seek help 

Reach out to your doctor or a Banner Health lactation consultant if you experience: 

• Persistent pain or cracked nipples 
• Signs of infection (fever, chills, redness or lumps) 
• Concerns about milk supply or baby’s weight gain 
• Difficulty latching or prolonged feeding sessions 
• Questions about returning to work or pumping schedules 

Lactation support at Banner Health 

Breastfeeding shouldn’t feel isolating. Banner Health offers comprehensive breastfeeding support, including: 

• One-on-one lactation consultations 
• Breastfeeding and newborn care classes 
• Support groups for new parents 
• Guidance on pumping, milk storage and returning to work

Our compassionate nurses, lactation consultants and women’s health specialists are here to help you feel confident and supported through your breastfeeding journey, no matter how complex. 

Find breastfeeding and lactation support at Banner Health.