The Ultimate Guide to Breastfeeding

Here's your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about breastfeeding—from buying that first nursing bra to deciding when to wean.

Breastfeeding: it's one of the most natural and intimate of all human interactions. But, just because it's natural doesn't mean it's easy—especially in those first few overwhelming weeks with your newborn. Breastfeeding takes knowledge and practice. You've got a million questions about how to get it right. And, luckily, you've come to the right place.

Here's your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about breastfeeding—from buying that first nursing bra to deciding when to wean. You'll find advice and information on how to get the proper latch, what to eat while breastfeeding, how to keep breastfeeding when you go back to work, and how to breastfeed and still have a life. You'll find stories of women who've overcome nursing challenges and you'll learn how to form your own breastfeeding support system. Wondering whether breastfeeding is a reliable form of birth control, or whether you can breastfeed after a breast-augmentation or breast-reduction surgery? You'll find answers to these questions—and more—in the articles below.



How to Breastfeed
Our step-by-step photos show you how to get it right.

Start Smart
The first six weeks are crucial when it comes to nursing your baby. Be prepared with our five simple steps to success.

Liquid Assets
Feeding your baby breast milk does more good than you might think. Here are 18 (mostly) surprising benefits.

Booby Traps
The top 5 pitfalls of breastfeeding and how to avoid them

Nursing in Public
Stylish ways to nurse your baby in public—or even pump at work—without baring it all.

Buyer's Guide 2011: Nursing
Breastfeeding basics that help you go with the flow.

Milk Duds
Sore nipples, low milk supply and other common problems, plus simple ways to overcome them

Nursing Know-How
Breastfeeding can be difficult for some women in the first few weeks, but it gets easier and more natural with time.

Choose The Right Nursing Bra For You
Comfy, supportive, and, yes, sexy.

Eat, Drink, But Be Wary
What's safe (and what's not) while breastfeeding

The Milky Way
Everything you need to know to be a nursing pro

Low Milk Supply
The thinking used to be that all women are capable of producing ample milk to feed their babies. Now we know that’s not always the case—and the problem may even be on the rise.

Tips For Preventing Mastitis
Mastitis causes the breast tissue to become inflamed and infected. What to do if you get it.

Nursing School
Here’s our primer for the pregnant woman—plus info on why mother’s milk is the best way to feed your baby.

Other Mothers’ Milk
Some moms just aren’t able to breastfeed. Fortunately, these women can still give their babies the breast milk they need.

Where to Get the Support You Need
View our state-by-state list of support stores

Breastfeeding A Go-Go
How to nurse your baby and still have a life

Express Yourself
The nuts and bolts of pumping breast milk for your baby


The Benefits of Breastfeeding

200 Reasons to Breastfeed
The abundance of good things in mother's milk offers your baby lifelong benefits.

Liquid Assets
Feeding your baby breast milk does more good than you might think. Here are 18 (mostly) surprising benefits.

Breast Is Best
Nursing your baby is great for both of you.


Breastfeeding Stories

Meet My New Breasts
For this mom, some previously private property became quite public.

Adventures In Breastfeeding
From short nipples to pumping in public, some surprising nursing challenges and how five women overcame them.