Breastfeeding your Baby

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

While breastfeeding offers many benefits, it doesn’t always come easily. 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. This can happen directly at the breast or through expressed breast milk collected with a pump and given by bottle. 

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. 

If direct breastfeeding isn’t possible, our team can help you hand express or pump milk so your baby still receives its benefits. 

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) 

• Thick, yellowish milk rich in protein, vitamins and antibodies 
• Helps protect newborns from infection 
• Easiest milk for a newborn to digest 

2. Transitional milk (days 4–14) 

• Thinner and higher in calories and fat 
• Provides water-soluble vitamins and lactose for energy 

3. Mature milk (after about two weeks) 

• About 90% water for hydration and 10% nutrients, fats, and proteins 
• 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 
• Reduces risk of infections such as ear, respiratory, and urinary tract infections 
• Lowers risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) 
• Promotes a healthy gut and easier digestion 
• May reduce risk of allergies, asthma, and eczema 
• Builds bonding and comfort with mom 

For mothers: 

• Helps the uterus return to pre-pregnancy size 
• Reduces postpartum bleeding and supports recovery 
• May lower risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers 
• Helps lower long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis 
• 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 diapers and weight gain rather than focusing on pumping volume alone. 

Plugged ducts 

A blocked milk duct can cause a tender lump or swelling. Try: 

• Nursing or pumping frequently from the affected side 
• Applying warm compresses before feeding 
• Gently massaging the area while nursing 
• Wearing supportive but non-tight clothing 

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

Mastitis (breast infection) 

Signs include swelling, pain, redness, warmth, fever or flu-like symptoms. Continue nursing or pumping, rest and call your provider - antibiotics may be needed. 

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: 

• Use a hospital-grade pump to maintain 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 support, 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. 

Find breastfeeding and lactation support at Banner Health.