Feeding support
Every family’s feeding journey is unique, and we’re here to support the path that’s right for you.
Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, using donor milk, formula feeding or combining feeding methods, our feeding support resources offer expert guidance to help your baby thrive.
If you are facing lactation challenges or your baby is struggling to nurse, call 763-581-2021 to reach our lactation consultants for advice, instruction and support.
On this page
Breastfeeding basics
Feed often
Newborns should breastfeed 8-12 times in 24 hours, including night feedings.
In the first few days, they need small amounts of colostrum at each feeding.
Because babies digest milk quickly, it is normal for them to want to feed often.
What is colostrum?
Sometimes referred to as “Liquid Gold” colostrum:
- Is the first milk produced after birth
- Is high in protein and easy to digest
- Protects the baby’s stomach and intestines
- Contains antibodies that help prevent infection
- Helps baby pass their first stool (meconium)
Hunger (feeding) cues
Feed your baby when you notice:
- Rooting (turning the face from side to side with an open mouth)
- Opening the mouth or smacking lips
- Sucking motions
- Tongue sticking out
- Crying is a late sign of hunger
Breastfeeding positioning and feeding tips
Breastfeeding should become comfortable within the first 30 to 60 seconds of feeding. Persistent pain is not normal and may be a sign that the latch needs adjustment.
Baby-led latch
- Hold your baby skin-to-skin, tummy-to-tummy.
- Recline in a comfortable position so your baby’s body is resting against you and supported by your chest and abdomen.
- Allow your baby time to use their natural feeding instincts to move toward the breast and seek the nipple.
- Support your baby’s body as needed, but let your baby lead the approach to the breast and self-attach when possible.
Mother-led latch
- Hold your baby close, tummy-to-tummy.
- Support your breast and align your baby’s nose with your nipple.
- Wait for a wide-open mouth, then bring your baby quickly to the breast.
For any latch and feeding
- A deep latch helps your baby remove milk effectively and can help prevent nipple pain.
- Your baby’s chin should be touching the breast, with lips flanged outward.
- Watch for active feeding. Offer the second breast when your baby slows down, releases the breast, or falls asleep.
How much should my baby eat?
Typical amount per feeding
Newborn babies only need small amounts of milk in the first few days of life.
Over time, the amount of milk they take at each feeding increases to meet their needs.
Amounts vary depending on how often your baby feeds.
| Age | Typical amount per feeding |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 5-10 mL |
| Day 3 | 20-30 mL |
| Day 7 | 45-60ml |
| Day 10+ | 60-90 mL |
How to know baby is getting enough milk
- Adequate wet and dirty diapers
- Appears content after feedings
- Weight loss does not exceed –10% from birth weight
- Weight gain begins after milk comes in (about 2/3–1 ounce daily after day 5)
- Regains birth weight by 2 weeks of age
Early feeding expectations
First 24 hours
- Many babies are sleepy.
- Use skin-to-skin contact frequently.
- Watch closely for feeding cues.
- Hand express and feed back drops of colostrum for sleepy feedings.
24–48 hours
- Babies become more vigorous with feedings.
- Continue to feed on demand, at least every 3 hours.
- Expect cluster feeding (periods of frequent feeding). This is normal and helps build milk supply.
48–72 hours
- Milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk.
- Breasts feel fuller and heavier.
- Swallowing becomes easier to hear and more frequent.
- Continue tracking diapers and feedings.
Breast milk during the first year
- Birth: Colostrum produced
- Days 2–3: Milk volume increases
- Days 3–5: Mature milk “comes in”
- 2 weeks–1 month: Supply continues building
- 1–6 months: For most babies, breast milk is the only food and drink needed during the first 6 months. Healthcare providers will recommend supplemental feedings if medically necessary.
- 6–12 months: Breast milk continues to provide excellent nutrition and immune protection even after solids begin
Pumping and milk storage
Hand expression
Useful during the first days because colostrum is thick and may not pump easily.
Steps:
- Compress and release rhythmically.
- Wash hands.
- Massage breasts.
- Place fingers in a C-shape around the areola.
- Press backwards towards the chest and then gently compress the breast. This should not be painful.
Pumping and milk supply
If your baby is breastfeeding well and does not need supplemental feedings, routine pumping is not necessary.
However, if you choose to pump and bottle feed, or if your baby is receiving supplemental feedings, it is important to remove milk from your breasts regularly.
- If your baby receives a bottle instead of breastfeeding, pump around the time of that feeding to help maintain your milk supply.
- If supplemental feedings are needed, pumping anytime a supplemental feeding is given can help protect milk production while your baby needs additional milk.
- Your pumping plan may change as direct breastfeeding is established and supplemental feedings are reduced.
Contact a lactation consultant if you have questions about pumping frequency, milk supply, or creating a pumping plan that supports your feeding goals.
Pump flange fit
Pumping should be comfortable. If you experience pain, nipple damage, or difficulty removing milk, flange size may be a factor.
Contact a lactation consultant to discuss flange sizing and pumping comfort. An individualized assessment can help improve milk removal and reduce discomfort.
Breast milk storage guidelines
| Storage location | Fresh milk |
|---|---|
| Room temperature (≤77°F) | Up to 4 hours |
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Best within 6 months; acceptable up to 12 months in a deep freezer |
Thawed milk:
- Refrigerator: up to 24 hours
- Room temperature: 2 hours
- Never refreeze thawed milk
Donor milk
When mother’s milk is unavailable or additional supplementation for baby is needed, donor human milk may be used.
- Available during your hospital stay at Maple Grove Hospital
- Available for purchase at discharge through a Maple Grove Hospital lactation consultant
Donor milk is screened and pasteurized for safety. For more information on donor milk, visit Minnesota Milk Bank for Babies.
Common feeding challenges
Sore nipples
Brief soreness when your baby first latches can occur. Breastfeeding should become comfortable within the first 30 to 60 seconds of feeding. Pain that continues beyond that time is not normal.
To help:
- Check your baby’s positioning and latch.
- Bring your baby to the breast with a wide-open mouth for a deeper latch.
- Try a laid-back breastfeeding position.
If pain continues beyond the first minute of feeding, or if your nipples are cracked, bleeding, or damaged, contact a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for support.
Engorgement
Engorgement is swelling and fullness of the breasts that most commonly occurs when mature milk production increases, usually around days 4-8 after birth.
To help:
- Continue breastfeeding as usual and follow your baby’s feeding cues.
- Use reverse pressure softening if swelling makes it difficult for your baby to latch.
- Before breastfeeding or pumping, use a gentle light touch massage, moving from the nipple and areola toward the armpit to help reduce swelling. Use light, gentle strokes. Avoid deep or vigorous breast massage.
- Hand express or pump a small amount of milk for comfort if needed.
- Apply cool compresses after feedings.
Engorgement is usually temporary and improves as your body adjusts to your baby’s feeding needs.
Breast inflammation / plugged duct
A tender area of the breast may feel firm, swollen, or lumpy. This is often caused by inflammation that slows milk flow.
To help:
- Continue breastfeeding as usual and follow your baby’s feeding cues.
- Before breastfeeding or pumping, use gentle light touch massage, moving from the nipple and areola toward the armpit. Use light, gentle strokes. Avoid deep or vigorous breast massage.
- Apply cold packs between feedings to reduce pain and swelling.
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop fever, flu-like symptoms, increasing redness, worsening pain, or if symptoms are not improving within a few days
Substance use and breastfeeding
- Limit alcohol while breastfeeding. If you choose to drink, wait at least 2 hours after each alcoholic drink before breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed if you feel the effects of alcohol or are intoxicated.
- Do not use recreational drugs while breastfeeding.
- Marijuana is not recommended during breastfeeding. THC passes into breast milk and may affect infant brain development.
- Smoking and nicotine use can decrease milk supply and increase your baby’s risk of SIDS.
- Talk with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant before starting any new prescription medication, over-the-counter medication or supplements to make sure it is compatible with breastfeeding.
- If you need help with alcohol or substance use, talk with your healthcare provider.
Formula and bottle feeding
Feeding your baby with formula
Whether you are exclusively formula feeding or combining breast milk and formula, feeding time is an opportunity to bond with your baby. Hold your baby close, make eye contact, and respond to their hunger and fullness cues.
Key takeaways:
- Feed responsively based on your baby’s cues.
- Hold your baby during every feeding.
- Prepare formula exactly as directed.
- Practice safe cleaning and storage.
- Discard unused formula after feedings.
- Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about the type or amount of formula your baby needs.
Cue-based bottle feeding
- Feed your baby when they show hunger cues such as rooting, sucking on hands, or opening their mouth.
- Hold your baby semi-upright, with their head higher than their chest.
- Hold the bottle horizontally so milk flows slowly and your baby can control the pace.
- Gently touch the nipple to your baby’s lips and wait for a wide-open mouth before offering the bottle.
- Pause if your baby coughs, gags, cries, or appears overwhelmed.
- Burp your baby regularly during and after feedings.
- Signs your baby is finished include turning away, slowing sucking, or losing interest in the bottle.
How much formula does my baby need?
Every baby is different, but general guidelines include:
- Newborns typically feed about 8–12 times per day (including throughout the night).
- During the first week, babies usually take 1–2 ounces per feeding.
- By one month of age, babies often take 3–4 ounces per feeding.
- As babies grow, feedings become less frequent while volumes increase.
- Your healthcare provider may recommend different amounts based on your baby’s needs.
Preparing formula safely
When using powdered formula:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Clean the counter and use clean bottles, nipples, and scoops.
- Check expiration dates and recall notices.
- Follow package directions exactly.
- Measure water first, then add formula.
- Shake well; do not add extra water, cereal, or other ingredients.
- Allow mixed formula to cool to body temperature prior to feeding to baby.
For babies younger than 2 months, premature infants, or those with weakened immune systems:
- Boil water first and let it cool for about 5 minutes before mixing formula.
- Mix formula while the water is still hot enough to help kill germs.
Formula storage
| Formula type | Storage guidelines |
|---|---|
| Opened ready-to-feed or liquid concentrate | Refrigerate and use within 48 hours |
| Freshly prepared formula | Refrigerate and use within 24 hours |
| Bottle already offered to baby | Use within 1 hour of starting the feeding; discard leftovers |
Safe bottle cleaning
- Wash hands before handling feeding supplies.
- Wash bottles and nipples in a clean basin with hot, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry on a clean surface.
- Sanitize bottles, nipples, and feeding equipment daily for the first 2 months.
- Replace worn or damaged feeding supplies.
Important safety tips
- Breast milk or iron-fortified formula should be the primary source of nutrition for the first year.
- Never heat formula in a microwave because hot spots can burn your baby’s mouth.
- Warm bottles by placing them in warm water or using a bottle warmer.
Lactation support
Lactation Services
Our lactation consultants offer outpatient lactation consults for individualized evaluation and support. To learn more or schedule, call the lactation office at 763-581-2021.
Mommy & Me Group
Our Mommy & Me group meets every Wednesday in Maple Grove for a support group with other moms and babies to support one another on our feeding journeys.