When babies are hungry, they will nuzzle against your breast, suck on their hands, flex their fingers and arms, and clench their fists. Crying usually is a late sign of hunger. When babies are full, they relax their arms, legs, and hands and close their eyes.

It is recommended that babies exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding means to feed your baby only breast milk and no other foods or liquids unless advised by the baby’s doctor. Breastfeeding should continue as new foods are introduced through the baby’s first year. You can keep breastfeeding after the first year as long as you and your baby want to continue.

Most healthy newborns are ready to breastfeed within the first hour after birth. Hold your baby directly against your bare skin (called “skin-to-skin” contact) right after birth. Placing your baby against your skin right after birth triggers reflexes that help your baby to attach or “latch on” to your breast.

Breastfeeding recommend until your baby is at least six months old, at which point you can begin introducing solid foods. This gives your baby’s digestive tract time to mature and ensures she’s getting the specific nutrients and immunities she needs from your breast milk.

Milk production actually begins in the second trimester of pregnancy. At that time, your body begins making colostrum, a special milk that’s full of essential nutrients and easy for newborns to digest.

Your baby is hard-wired to find her way to your breast. If you hold your baby skin-to-skin on your chest, between your breasts, and wait a little while, you are likely to find that she attaches to feed all by herself.

Very few illnesses are transmitted via breast milk.

A good time to start building up your supply is about two weeks before you head back to work. Pump right after your morning feed, for about 10 minutes.

Let your baby’s cues during nursing sessions tell you when she’s eaten enough at that time. Breastfeeding body language such as “Baby’s hands are open and relaxed” or “Baby’s body feels relaxed” and “Baby may fall asleep.” If you’re concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough nutrition, talk to your pediatrician.

A good rule of thumb is that if your baby is back up to birth weight and is gaining weight well then you no longer need to wake them up to feed them. For example, you will know if your baby is getting enough to eat by their weight gain and how many wet/dirty diapers they have. If your baby is not waking to nurse and is not gaining weight well, then be sure to reach out to your pediatrician and lactation consultant.