Breastfeeding Session

What does a typical breastfeeding session look like?

This is a great question! Below is a simple picture of what an ideal breastfeeding session looks like. Remember, even though it is a natural process, breastfeeding is a new skill for both you and your baby. Give yourself—and your baby—grace as you learn together, and reach out for help when you need it.

Get Comfortable

Getting comfortable is key to a successful breastfeeding session. Using proper positioning techniques is the first step to achieving a good, deep latch.

• Lean back in a supportive chair with pillows to support your back and arms.
• Your baby’s body should be “tummy-to-tummy” with you. This keeps them from turning their head while feeding. Baby’s head, neck, shoulders, back, and hips should stay in a straight line. Flex baby’s hips in toward you to get nice and close. 
• Position baby’s nose directly across from your nipple. This causes baby to tilt their head back and come onto the breast chin-first.

Time to Latch

Once you’re comfortable, it’s time to latch your baby. A good, deep latch is essential for your comfort and helps baby transfer enough milk to meet their growing needs.

• Bring baby to the breast instead of bringing your breast to baby. 
• Gently touch your nipple to your baby's upper lip to encourage them to open wide, like a yawn. 
• Baby should take in the nipple and a large portion of the areola. You may see some of the areola above baby’s lips, but you shouldn’t see any below.

Other Signs of a Good Latch:

• Lips are flanged outward (like a fish), not tucked in.
• No clicking or slurping sounds are heard.
• There is a rocker-like motion at the jaw that makes the ear move.
• Pain should NOT last the whole feeding. Some discomfort at the beginning is normal, but should ease within a few seconds.
• The nipple is not misshapen (like a tube of lipstick), white, or red and irritated looking after the feeding.

If you are having difficulty latching, reach out to your peer counselor for help.

Timing & Frequency

Offer the breast at early hunger cues. Crying is a late sign of hunger. When babies get overly hungry, you may need to calm them before they can latch well. If baby is very sleepy, wake them every 2–3 hours to feed—even at night.

A full feeding may last 10-40 minutes, depending on baby’s age and feeding style. Some babies nurse quickly, while others like to take their time. Newborns may feed more often and for longer periods. Aim for 8-12 breastfeeding sessions in 24 hours, and expect cluster feeding during growth spurts!

During the Feeding

Watch and listen to how your baby is suckling. 

• Baby will start with active, rapid sucking (quick, shallow sucks) to stimulate milk letdown—when milk begins to flow more freely. 
• After letdown, they will switch to slower, deeper, rhythmic sucking. You should hear swallowing, sometimes with short pauses between swallows. 

Offer Both Breasts Each Feeding:

• Offer the first breast until swallowing slows, then burp baby.
• Offer the second breast until baby unlatches or is no longer actively nursing. 
• At the next feeding, start on the breast you ended on during the previous session, then burp and offer the other breast.

Signs Baby Got Enough

• Count diapers: Plenty of wet and dirty diapers shows baby is getting enough breast milk.
• Feed on-demand: Babies are good at self-regulating their intake. A strict feeding schedule isn’t necessary.
• Listen and watch: Listen for swallowing and watch baby’s behavior after a feeding. Baby should be content with relaxed arms and hands, and your breasts should feel softer and lighter.
• Weight gain: Babies should be back up to their 24-hour weight about two weeks old and gain 4-7 ounces per week after that.

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Final Thoughts

Following these steps can help you get off to a great start. Don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly right away—breastfeeding gets easier with time and practice. And remember, your peer counselor is here to help!