World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually from August 1 to 7. This year’s theme is: Empower parents, enable breastfeeding.

According to the CDC, breastfeeding provides unmatched health benefits for babies and mothers. It is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition, with breast milk uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of a growing baby. Breastfeeding is one of the best investments in saving lives and improving the health, social and economic development of individuals and nations. However, despite international recommendations, only 40 percent of all babies under six months are exclusively breastfed and 45 percent continue breastfeeding up to 24 months.

In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, UConn Health lactation consultant Marisa Merlo is sharing tips to help ensure successful breastfeeding:

1. Breastfeed your infant immediately after birth.  Breastfeeding ideally should begin as soon after birth as possible. This is a period where a newborn is often quietly alert and will spontaneously seek out the breast if left undisturbed.
2. Hold and feed your baby skin to skin. Placing your baby skin-to-skin on your chest promotes breastfeeding. It allows your baby to hear your heartbeat and smell your breast milk, and it promotes bonding.  Dads can do this, too!
3. Share a room with your baby.  Experts recommend that infants sleep in the same room as their parents for the first year of life – or at least the first six months. This will decrease the risk of SIDS. This also makes feeding more convenient and easier. Sleeping with your baby close to you will help establish a strong breastfeeding relationship.
4. A newborn’s tummy is TINY.  At birth, a newborn’s stomach holds about a teaspoon (5-7 ml). This is about the size of a marble. At birth, a mother has just the right amount of early breast milk (colostrum) that a newborn needs.
5. Baby needs to “take it to make it.”  Mom’s milk supply is determined by how well and how often her baby breastfeeds. It is a supply and demand system. An empty breast yields faster milk production, leading to an increase in milk supply. A full breast results in slower milk production and a decrease in milk supply. Breastfeeding often and effectively will result in a lasting breastfeeding relationship.
6. Exclusively breastfeed for 6 months.  A breastfeeding infant under the age of six months does not need water.  Breast milk is over 80 percent water and provides your infant with the fluids he/she needs. Water can fill up a newborn’s stomach, which can lead to them nursing less. After six months, breastfeeding should continue with the addition of solid foods.
7. Look for the 3 P’s.​ Pee, poop, pounds.  If your baby is having wet diapers and breast milk stools (mustard yellow, seedy and loose), and is gaining weight, breastfeeding is going well. Steady weight gain is the most reliable sign that an infant is getting enough to eat. Although babies lose weight after birth, most return back to their birth weight by one to two weeks of age.
8. Keep nipples moisturized.  Nipples can become dry, sore, and even cracked during breastfeeding.  A purified lanolin nipple cream can help them stay moist. A cheaper, more convenient option is to use breast milk. After a nursing session, express a few drops of breast milk and gently rub the milk onto your nipples. Allow the milk to dry.  If your breasts leak between feedings, use bra pads — and change them often. When you bathe, minimize the amount of soap, shampoo and other cleansers that might contact your nipples.
9. Stay hydrated.  A busy, sleep-deprived mother may forget to drink. Keeping a water bottle near you while nursing can help remind you to listen to your body’s thirst signals. Moderate amounts of caffeine are generally considered OK as well.  One to two cups of coffee a day should not affect your baby.
10. Ask for help. Breastfeeding can seem complicated, frustrating and overwhelming at times, especially during the first few weeks. Seek help from a lactation consultant. La Leche League also offers local support groups all over the state of Connecticut.

For a consultation or appointment with a UConn Health lactation consultant, call 860-679-4106 or email mmerlo@uchc.edu.

Almost a year ago, UConn Health opened a milk depot to support breast milk donations, the first hospital in Connecticut to do so. To date it has collected over 11,500 ounces of breast milk, providing approximately 35,000 meals for premature babies.