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Infant feeding and lactation
Infant feeding looks different for every family. These resources give general guidance for breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, pumping and early feeding development. At Launch, our infant feeding program is led by Speech-Language Pathologists who are also Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs), providing specialized support when feeding is painful, inefficient, stressful, or affecting growth.
Newborn breastfeeding guide
Many mothers worry whether they can make enough milk for their baby. These signs can help you to know that your baby is getting enough:
- Your baby is breastfeeding often, 10 or more times per day (24 hours).
- You can see and hear your baby swallowing while breastfeeding.
- Your baby seems content after a feeding.
- Your baby is steadily gaining weight. It is normal for breastfed babies to lose some weight in the first week following birth. However, they should be back to their birth weight by day 10 to 14 of life.
- Your baby has enough pees and poops throughout the day.
Infant feeding and lactation
Open sample breastfeeding schedules for 3 months and olderSource SolidStarts
Infant feeding and lactation
Open Your Guide to BreastfeedingSource US Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health
Signs of a good latch
- Your baby's mouth is open wide over the areola (the darker colored area around your nipple), with lips turned out.
- Your baby's chin is resting against the breast, your baby's chest and stomach are against your body, and your baby's head is straight and not turned to the side.
- You can see and hear your baby swallowing while breastfeeding.
- Your baby is swallowing regularly.
Signs of a poor latch
- Your baby is only suckling on the nipple.
- Your baby's lips are curled inward.
- Breastfeeding hurts.
- Your nipples are cracked or bleeding.
- Your nipples look flat or misshapen after breastfeeding.
- Your baby keeps coming off the breast while breastfeeding.
Newborn bottle feeding guide
- In the first week after birth, babies should be eating no more than about 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 ml) per feed.
- During the first month, babies gradually eat more until they take 3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120 ml) per feed, amounting to 32 ounces per day.
- Formula-fed babies typically feed on a more regular schedule, such as every 3 or 4 hours. Breastfed babies usually take smaller, more frequent feedings than formula-fed infants.
- If your baby sleeps longer than 4 to 5 hours during the first few weeks after birth and starts missing feedings, wake them up and offer a bottle.
- On average, your baby should take in about 2 and a half ounces (75 mL) of infant formula a day for every pound of body weight.
- Initially it is best to feed your newborn a bottle on demand, or whenever they cry with hunger. As time passes, your baby will begin to develop a fairly regular timetable of their own.
Infant feeding and lactation
Open sample bottle feeding schedules for 3 months and olderSource SolidStarts
Infant feeding and lactation
Open the Nationwide Children's bottle feeding handoutSource Nationwide Children's Hospital
Infant feeding and lactation
Open the feeding guide to bottles and cupsSource USDA Food and Nutrition Service
When to ask for help
You know your child best. Raise any of these with your pediatrician or your child's therapy team.
- Has difficulty latching onto or staying latched to the bottle.
- Frequently coughs, chokes, or has noisy or wet breathing during feeds.
- Takes longer than 30 minutes to finish most bottles.
- Becomes tired, sweaty, or falls asleep before finishing feeds.
- Refuses the bottle or consistently drinks much less than expected.
- Has poor weight gain or concerns with growth.
- Frequently arches, cries, or appears uncomfortable during or after feeds.
- Has difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
- Frequently leaks milk from the mouth or has trouble managing the nipple flow.
- You have concerns about your baby's feeding, swallowing, or overall feeding experience.