The ability to breast feed is not related to the size of the breast, or the strength or weakness of the milk. Breast feeding requires a positive attitude on the part of the mother, tempered with patience and a little knowledge. Breast milk does not begin to flow freely for the first four or five days. The breast becomes swollen and tender before this flow is established. This occurs on the third day or so. This swelling and tenderness will disappear after about 36 hours. All babies regardless of type of feeding will lose weight for the first several days. Some breast-fed babies take a little longer to begin to gain, but be patient, they will. The stools of breast-fed babies are different from those of formula babies. The color may vary from yellow to greenish yellow and the consistency may vary from formed to liquid. The important thing is that each infant has his own pattern.

The stimulation for milk production is nursing from the breast. Therefore both breasts should be used at every feeding. For the first day or so he/she will be getting used to the idea of breast feeding, so don't expect a polished artist the first time. Allow the baby to nurse for five minutes at each breast. (Remember, 80% of the milk in that breast is removed in the first five minutes!) When you go home, you will still be nursing him/her for about five minutes on each breast. Slowly increase the time on the second breast each day so that after two week at home he/she will be nursing five minutes on the first breast and about fifteen minutes on the second. This means you increase the time on the second breast by one minute a day. Alternate the first breast with each feeding. Do not rapidly increase the feeding time, because the nipples may become cracked. After feeding, cleanse with water and dry the breast very well. If the breast begins to get tender, decrease the time the infant nurses until they are no longer tender, then increase again. Sometimes a little hand lotion may keep the breast soft, but its use is not encouraged.

It is very important for the infant to be fed about every three and a half hours during the day. The reason for this is simple. The newborn infant does not know night from day, and you must teach him/her. Therefore, waking him/her for feeding and play during the day will help him/her sleep more at night. At night allow him/her to wake you, don't wake him/her. At about six weeks he/she should be sleeping through the night. If he isn't, when he cries, change him and turn him over and close the door. Sometimes just completely ignoring the cry for fifteen minutes is enough so that the infant will go back to sleep. Sooner or later you will have to listen to the cry, so it might as well be sooner.

After a few weeks, when both baby and mother are happy with the arrangement, then giving a bottle when mother is playing bridge or on the ski slopes is perfectly okay and is encouraged so that mother can have a little freedom. Powdered formulas are better for supplements since they don't spoil so readily.

Anxiety, fear, worry, etc. cause depression of milk production. Mothers who are breast feeding should maintain themselves in good physical and mental status. Diet, including beverages, should be a normal one, and no restrictions are needed as long as moderation is followed. If a certain food appears to cause a problem in the baby, then avoid that particular food. The use of alcohol and smoking is not recommended.