Breast milk is recommended for all infants from birth to 12 months. Feeding time should be pleasurable for both infant and mother. Here are some tips to insure success.

• Start nursing within an hour after delivery if possible.
• Wait a week or two before introducing a pacifier or bottle to reduce the risk of confusing the baby.
• Get immediate medical attention if there is any sign of breast infection.
• Newborns need to nurse often, at least every two hours, and not on any strict schedule so nursing on demand is best until the baby settles into a more predictable routine.
• The nursing mother needs about 500 extra calories a day so a balanced diet is very important.
• Consult a nurse, midwife, or lactation consultant for help with proper positioning of the baby, nipple soreness, breast engorgement or any other problem you may encounter.