Effective Feeding
Signs of Effective Breast/Chestfeeding
- Baby is feeding at least 8 times in 24 hours
- Baby has at least 6 wet diapers every 24 hours
- Your breasts feel softer after feeding
- Your nipples are not painful
What is Breast/Chestfeeding?
Breast/chestfeeding is the process of feeding an infant human milk either directly from the breast/chest or by expressing (pumping out) the milk from the breast/chest and bottle-feeding it to the infant.
Why is it Important?
Human milk provides complete infant nutrition while supporting the long-term health of both parent and child.
Research has shown that breast/chestfeeding can reduce the risk of infectious diseases, childhood leukemia, obesity, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Nursing parents also experience lower rates of certain cancers, Type 2 Diabetes, and High Blood Pressure.
How Long is it Recommended to Breast/Chestfeed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least two years and beyond as mutually desired for the best health outcomes. [1]
Lactation & Professional Support
When to Seek Professional Support
- Baby is having fewer than 6 wet diapers a day
- Baby is having fewer than 3 - 4 yellow stools a day
- You’re producing milk but you don’t hear baby gulping or swallowing frequently during feeding
- Your nipples are painful throughout the feeding
- Baby seems to be feeding “all the time”
- You don’t feel as if your milk has come in by the fifth day after birth
[1]
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
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Breast/Chestfeeding Positions & Techniques
Watch short demonstrations of common breast/chestfeeding positions and learn techniques that can help improve comfort, support a deeper latch, and make feeding easier for both you and your baby.
Cross Cradle
Learn proper positioning and support techniques.
Football Hold
Also known as the "clutch hold position".
Laid-Back
Comfortable reclined feeding position demonstration.
Side Lying
Learn how to breast/chestfeed while lying on your side.
Getting a Good Latch
A comfortable, secure position allows your baby to use their instincts to latch deeply onto the breast. With a good latch your baby takes in a large mouthful of breast tissue. This gently stretches your nipple to the back of their mouth.
When this happens, the baby is able to effectively remove the milk. A deep latch ensures that your baby gets plenty of milk and your body gets the message to keep making more.
Signs of a Good Latch Include:
- Baby’s chin is planted on the breast
- Head tipped back and nose tipping away
- Both cheeks touching the breast
- Adjusting your baby as needed
Breast/Chestfeeding Resources
Explore trusted local, statewide, and national resources for lactation support, family services, breastfeeding rights, medication safety, and community education.
Upcoming Breast/Chestfeeding Events
Join free or low-cost classes, support groups, and community events designed to help parents, families, and caregivers feel confident with breast/chestfeeding.
Note: Starred events indicate Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) involvement or that one or more MCAH representatives will be present.
Have Questions About Breast/Chestfeeding?
We’re here to help connect families with information, support, and local resources. Send us a message and a team member will follow up with you.
- Contact Tyla Jones
- Email mcah@ph.lacounty.gov
Please do not include private medical information, Social Security numbers,
health insurance information, or other sensitive personal details in this
form.
This form is intended only for general questions, resource requests,
and program information.