How much do you know about breastfeeding basics? Ready, set, go!
- Molly Veltz
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
Take the quiz to test your knowledge
How often should I breastfeed my healthy, full-term newborn?
a) Every 3 hrs, with a pacifier in between feeds so baby can learn how to self-soothe
b) On demand or cue, at least every 3 hrs, with no pacifier offered except in special circumstances
c) Every 3 hrs during the day and every 4 hrs at night
d) Whenever he cries
A) is wrong because this will result in at most, 8 feedings a day, which is the bare minimum necessary for weight gain, and may result in less than 8 feedings if baby doesn't cooperate at one of his "allowed" feeding times. Scheduled feeds limits them, and prevents cluster feeding that baby needs to gain efficiency. The pacifier will put off a hungry baby until the clock says it's "time" for him to eat, and then you're trying to latch a hangry baby, which is frustrating and sometimes impossible!
B) Correct. This will result in parents watching their baby for early feeding cues, so when baby gets to breast he is calmer and organized, and ready to latch. Not offering a pacifier means that baby is allowed to cluster feed and go back to breast as many times as needed to fill his tank. No pacifier also means that his muscle memory for breastfeeding, remains intact.
C) This is most obviously false because it won't allow enough feedings for weight gain, or milk supply.
D) This isn't the worst plan, but some babies are too chill about eating and will inadvertently go longer than 3 hrs, especially during the day. This isn't great for your supply, because your breasts need frequent stimulation. Also, waiting until baby cries means that you missed the early feeding cues and your baby had to start screaming before he got placed at the buffet. A frantic baby is harder to latch!
Can I offer my newborn a pacifier when he is fussy and I know that he is full? He is a week old and gaining an ounce a day, and is only 3 ounces below his birth weight.
A) Yes, because he is gaining an appropriate amount of weight.
B) Yes, because an orthodontic pacifier will help his jaw develop properly, and it will prevent him from becoming a thumb sucker.
C) It's not ideal yet, because he isn't over his birth weight, and milk supply is still developing.
D) Yes, because pacifiers are recommended by the AAP to reduce baby's risk of SIDS.
A) is definitely wrong because he is still under birth weight, and while that is normal at a week of age, you want to postpone pacifier introduction until he is well over his birth weight.
B) is wrong because breastfeeding is the ultimate jaw workout and orthodontic exercise, not sucking on a pacifier - no matter what the shape of the pacifier, or the claim it makes.
C) is correct because baby still has work to do to surpass birth weight, continue gaining about an ounce a day, become efficient at breast, and lay down pathways for ample milk production - which he does by nursing constantly. (you're welcome, he says!)
D) This is kind of a trick answer, because it's true....just not at a week old. The AAP recommends that a pacifier be introduced to baby at a month of age, after breastfeeding is well established, to reduce his risk of SIDS. It should be offered to baby when he is sleeping and should not be used to extend feeding intervals, which can compromise weight gain.
How much water should I drink per day when I'm lactating?
A) It's not rocket science, keep a full water bottle with you at all times and drink whenever you're thirsty.
B) 128 ounces, or 16 cups in 24 hours
C) Estimate the amount of milk you're making, and be sure to drink that much, plus 64 ounces for your own needs.
D) 12 ounces (1.5 cups) at every feeding
A) Correct! Are you surprised? Listen to your body, always have a full water bottle nearby, and you will likely drink enough water without having to stress about measuring your intake.
B) This would probably keep you nicely hydrated, but it doesn't need to be so regimented.
C) You could actually end up on the low end if you follow this formula.
D) Again, don't give yourself extra chores, or God forbid, MATH to do while you're nursing.
How do I know if my baby is finished with one side when I'm in the colostrum phase?
A) My baby has been stationed at my breast for a full 15-20".
B) Baby was in a strong rhythm of sucking and swallowing, and hasn't let go of my breast, but is now sleeping more than sucking.
C) Baby came off the breast and burped, looking sleepy and satisfied.
D) My breast feels the same even though baby has been nursing steadily for 15". I feel sleepy and I noticed some uterine cramps.
E) any or all of B, C, and D
A) is wrong because, although 15-20" is generally a good feeding, it says "stationed" indicating that he has been present, but not necessarily staying latched or sucking rhythmically.
E) All of the other answers are good signs that baby is finished with one breast. If it's his first side, he may need a diaper change or even just a quick snooze before he is ready for the other side. While 15" per side may be somewhat typical during a colostrum nursing session, parents should watch baby and place more importance on his skill and behavior, than what the clock says.
When will my milk come in?
A) the day after I give birth
B) 2-3 days after I give birth is ideal, because baby will be needing more volume by then.
C) It's automatic and I don't have to worry about it; it will come in when my baby is ready for it and needs it.
D) 2-5 days is the normal range, and my baby does not need a supplement even if it takes a full 5 days.
A) Not usually this fast, but it's possible in some cases when it's not your first baby
B) True. Baby will need more than just 1-2 teaspoons of colostrum by Day 3. If your milk is not transitioning by then, you will require a lactation consult and a full assessment with a detailed plan to increase baby's intake and stimulate your breasts.
C) This is only partially true - the process IS hormonally driven, but unfortunately many circumstances delay it, so the increase in volume doesn't happen in time for baby. This needs to be recognized and managed!
D) It can take up to 5 days or even longer, but your baby will need a "bridge" supplement if it's delayed that much. Not to worry, because this situation occurs regularly and doesn't need to sabotage your success.
When should I start pumping if I have a 3 month maternity leave? (assuming baby is nursing well and getting what he needs directly from the breast)
A) After 2-3 weeks, when direct breastfeeding is fairly established and you feel like you have the mental energy to try something new. 3 weeks is a good time to introduce a bottle to your baby.
B) right away, because there is no time to lose if you want to build a stash.
C) You never have to use a pump if the Haakaa or another passive milk collector works well for you.
D) 2 weeks prior to going back to work.
A) Yes! No need to pump right away if your baby is nursing well. If you offer your milk in a bottle at 3 weeks, baby should still be flexible enough to take it, but it shouldn't disrupt his breastfeeding skills.
B) Don't put pumping on your agenda right away unless you have special circumstances. After giving birth, learning to directly breastfeed, and recovering from delivery, are the two main tasks at hand.
C) The Haakaa and other passive milk collectors ARE great for building a stash of expressed milk, but you will want to introduce your breasts to the pump before your first day back at work, if you want them to "get along."
D) might be a little late. If you've been using the Haakaa to remove milk and offer bottles, you could delay pumping, but you'll want to figure it out and get comfortable and proficient long before you actually plan to spend the day away from your baby.
How do I manage engorgement?
A) Heat before, ice after. A heating pad may be placed on engorged breasts prior to a feeding, and this helps the milk flow.
B) Double pump for 10" prior to each feeding to soften breasts; this will help baby get a deeper latch
C) Cabbage leaves and a hot shower - some old wives tales really work!
D) Ice after feeding if breasts are still uncomfortably full, ibuprofen to reduce swelling if OK for mom to take, reverse pressure softening to help baby latch onto a full, tight breast.
A) This is outdated advice; new research tells us that heat may increase the congestion within the breast.
B) The problem with this plan, which may provide temporary relief, is that it revs up production and may lead to an oversupply, which will exacerbate engorgement. Doing it one time, at the peak of engorgement may be OK, but don't start pumping before every nursing session.
C) Who knew you could find help in the produce section of the grocery store? This isn't the best answer here, but maybe you want to try these two things. A hot shower will definitely relax you, and your breasts may start flowing like fountains.
D) This is the best answer with the most evidence-based and up-to-date information.
If my nipples are sore, does that mean my baby has a bad latch?
A) Yes, because breastfeeding should never hurt even a tiny bit, and it should trigger images of your favorite childhood memory. B) It means baby is tongue-tied and needs his tongue clipped.
C) It means that baby is poorly positioned and badly aligned at breast, and probably has a narrow latch. D) It doesn't necessarily mean that he has a bad latch, it could just be normal nipple soreness that will improve with time.
A) This isn't true because some initial soreness is common even if baby's latch is perfect. But if it's toe-curling pain throughout the entire feeding, or if your nipples are damaged, we need to fix something.
B) If anyone tells you this without a thorough assessment, run away!
C) Partial credit if you answered C, because this will definitely make you dread every session!
D) This is true and the correct answer. Sometimes baby's latch cannot be improved in any way, and mom is still sore. If the soreness is especially noticeable at his initial latch, but becomes tolerable as the feeding progresses and he finds his rhythm, then it may improve over time, even if your baby keeps latching the same way.
Why does my baby nap well all day and then demand to nurse every hour at night?
A) He is trying to drive you insane.
B) Everyone warned you about this and they weren't lying, were they?
C) Newborns are naturally nocturnal, and frequent nighttime nursing is protective against SIDS. More good news: Breastmilk is high in melatonin to help baby develop his circadian rhythms, so your night owl will eventually get sorted out.
D) It's time to start sleep training or else you're doomed to this life forever.
A) It may feel like it sometimes, but he's actually just being a baby and trying to stay alive!
B) All those annoying people who told you when you were pregnant, "Get all the sleep now while you can!" You can tell them they were right and can they please bring you some food?
C) This is the correct answer. Your only solution to the demands of nighttime parenting is to take a daytime nap. Religiously. EVERY DAY.
D) Please don't fall for this one! Even the sleep specialists don't recommend their programs until baby is much older. Even they, who will make money off your exhaustion and desperation, will admit that the newborn needs to feed all night and this behavior can't be trained out of him.
How can I keep my sleepy baby awake so he eats well?
A) Harass him relentlessly by undressing him, touching him, rubbing him, blowing in his face, talking to him, massaging your breast, and maybe putting a cold washcloth in his armpit. Express some milk manually and drip it into his mouth.
B) Play some loud music. Preferably heavy metal.
C) Let your two yr old poke him or encourage the dog to lick him.
D) Keep him swaddled in a blanket, with a hat on, while rocking in a chair and listening to soft lullaby music.
A) This is the correct answer, and it might seem like feeding boot camp! But new parents must learn to distinguish nutritive, from non-nutritive nursing. The latter doesn't even count as a feeding, when baby is mostly sleeping while latched, and has short bursts of light sucking. If this is what you notice, you'll want to employ the above techniques to remind your baby that he is at the Breastaurant and needs to do the work of pulling milk out of the breast!
B) This will be stimulating, but maybe not in the best way...
C) Partial credit because this can't hurt, and might occupy them both!
D) You'll have plenty of time for this activity, but if your little one needs prompting to eat, avoid the swaddle and the rocker at meal times.