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Breastfeeding MomHealthy Babies. Confident Moms.

Breastfeeding Guides by Topic

All our breastfeeding guides, organized by topic: from the first latch to weaning.

Our breastfeeding guides are organized into eight topics, roughly in the order most parents need them. Each topic page gives an overview and lists every guide on that subject.

Getting started

  • Breastfeeding basics: how breastfeeding works, the first days, latching and positions, how often to feed and how to tell your baby is getting enough. Start with how to breastfeed.
  • Milk supply: when your milk comes in, how supply and demand works, and what really helps you make more milk.

When things get hard

  • Common challenges: sore and cracked nipples, engorgement, clogged ducts and mastitis, with clear signs of when to call a professional.
  • Breastfeeding support: where to find a lactation consultant, free peer support and helplines.

Pumping and storing milk

  • Pumping: choosing a pump, pumping schedules, power pumping, pumping at work and how to stop.
  • Breast milk storage: how long milk lasts at room temperature, in the fridge and in the freezer, and how to thaw and warm it safely.

Your health

  • Medicines and safety: what’s safe while breastfeeding, from cold medicine and pain relief to alcohol and tattoos.
  • Nutrition and health: what to eat, what to limit, calories and taking care of yourself.

Moving on

  • Weaning: when and how to stop breastfeeding, drying up milk comfortably and breastfeeding beyond the first year.

Breastfeeding statistics

Looking for numbers? Our breastfeeding statistics page collects more than 100 verified figures on US and global breastfeeding rates, work and leave, donor milk and health impact, each with its source.

Free tools

Need a quick answer? Our breastfeeding calculators work out daily calories, how much milk your baby needs per feed and when stored milk must be used.

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