Questions Some Women Ask About Breastfeeding

Will I make enough milk?

The secret to making enough milk is simple. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body will make. If your breasts are emptied, they make more milk. When they stay full they stop making milk. The size of your breasts does not tell how much milk you will make.

Do I have to eat a perfect diet?

If you drink enough to not feel thirsty and eat enough to feel full, your milk will have everything your baby needs. You do not have to eat a special diet.

Is it hard to breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is not hard to learn. There is no one right way to do it. Of course, it will take some getting used to at first, but with practice, breastfeeding is easy.

Will breastfeeding change my breasts?

When you breastfeed, your breasts are about the same size as they are when you are pregnant. Some women think that breastfeeding makes breasts sag. This is not true. Pregnancy makes some women's breasts sag whether they breastfeed or not.

Will breastfeeding tie me down?

It will be easy to take your breastfed baby with you. Your milk will be ready no matter how long you are away from home. There are no formulas to mix or bottles to wash. If you need to leave your baby with someone, you can nurse before you leave and come back in two or three hours to nurse again. Or, you can leave a bottle of your milk or formula.

Are breastfed babies spoiled?

Babies need to know that they are not alone so they can feel safe and loved. All babies learn trust if they are picked up when they cry. You will get a really close feeling when you breastfeed. Babies are not spoiled by breastfeeding.

Can I breastfeed if I'm nervous?

Nursing will help you feel relaxed. Even if you do get worried, sad or angry, these feelings will not change your breast milk.

Does breastfeeding hurt?

Breastfeeding should not hurt. When your baby is nursing and getting milk, you just feel a tug. If you do get sore or have pain something needs to change. You may need to teach the baby a better way to get on the breast. Ask for help if you are sore.