Breastfeeding Is Natural, But Not Always Easy

At Fort Wayne Pediatrics, we believe every family's feeding journey deserves compassionate, evidence-based support. Whether you're breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, or still discovering what works best for you and your baby, our goal is to help you feed with confidence and achieve your personal feeding goals.

We're proud to be one of the only pediatric practices in the Fort Wayne area with a dedicated International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) on staff. We understand that breastfeeding provides important health benefits for both babies and mothers, and we're passionate about helping families get the support they need from the very beginning.

We also know that every breastfeeding journey is unique. Whether your baby receives breast milk for a few days, a few months, or beyond, every drop matters. Our team is here to provide expert guidance, encouragement, and personalized care—without judgment—so you can make informed decisions and feel supported every step of the way.

Why is breastfeeding important for your newborn?

Breastfeeding is a powerful way to provide your baby with nutrition, comfort, and immune protection. For many families, the breastfeeding journey begins within the first hours after birth as parents and babies learn this new skill together. However, breastfeeding can begin at any time, and with the right support, many families are able to overcome challenges and find a feeding approach that works for them and their baby.

Breast milk is a living source of nutrition, uniquely designed to meet your baby's changing needs. It contains the perfect balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and immune-supporting components to help your baby grow and thrive and changes over time. Breast milk contains specific antibodies (not found in formula), including Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which helps fight infections and protects your baby's developing immune system and digestive tract.

Research shows that breastfeeding provides many health benefits for babies, including helping reduce the risk of common infections such as ear infections and respiratory illnesses. It plays a role in reducing the risk of SIDS. It also supports long-term health by lowering the risk of certain chronic conditions, including asthma and childhood obesity.

Breastfeeding also benefits mothers by promoting bonding, supporting postpartum recovery, and reducing the risk of conditions such as breast and ovarian cancers and type 2 diabetes.

Every drop of breast milk has value. Whether you breastfeed for days, weeks, months, or beyond, each feeding provides meaningful benefits for you and your baby. At Fort Wayne Pediatrics, we are here to support you with education, encouragement, and expert guidance every step of the way.

Understanding Newborn Feeding Cues

Many new parents wait for their baby to cry before offering the breast, but crying is actually a late sign of hunger. By the time a newborn is crying, they are often frustrated and stressed, which can make the process of latching much more difficult. Learning to recognize early hunger cues is essential for a smoother experience with newborns and breastfeeding.

Early signs that your baby is ready to eat include:

• Rooting: The baby turns their head toward anything that touches their cheek or mouth.
• Sucking on hands: Bringing fingers or fists to the mouth and sucking vigorously.
• Lip smacking: Making sucking sounds or moving the tongue in and out.
• Increased alertness: The baby becomes more active and restless during a light sleep cycle.

Responding to these cues immediately helps ensure that the baby is calm when they approach the breast. If your baby does reach the point of crying, it is often helpful to use skin-to-skin contact to calm them down before attempting to latch. Skin-to-skin contact regulates the baby's heart rate and temperature, making them feel secure and ready to nurse. It can also help your baby stay awake and engaged during the feeding, allowing them to have a more complete feed and helping them stay satisfied longer between feedings.

*Lactation Tip: if baby is crying while trying to latch, try a quick reset. Allow baby to suck on a clean finger for a minute to help them calm and then try again to latch. You can also hand express a small drop of breast milk onto your nipple or finger for your baby to smell and taste, which may encourage them to latch.

Learning to breastfeed takes practice—for both parents and babies. Feeding cues do not always mean baby is wanting to eat, but if it's been a couple hours, it might be a good time to try. Babies suckle for comfort and pain relief as well. If you need help with latch, positioning, or are unsure if baby is still hungry or getting enough milk, our team at Fort Wayne Pediatrics is here to support you.

Call to schedule a lactation appointment or send a portal message: (260) 490-7337

Learn how to hand express breast milk: https://vimeo.com/291805110

How often should newborns breastfeed?

In the first day of life, a newborn’s stomach is roughly the size of a marble, meaning they can only hold a small amount of milk at one time. By the time you are home, baby's stomach has tripled in size. Breastmilk is easily digested, and babies typically need to eat on average 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. This works out to roughly every 1.5 to 3 hours, though your baby may go through periods of "cluster feeding."

Cluster feeding is when a baby wants to nurse very frequently—sometimes every hour—for a couple hours at a time. This usually happens in the evening and is a normal behavior that helps stimulate the mother's body to produce more milk in anticipation of a growth spurt or to help baby start sleeping longer at night. While it can be exhausting for parents, it is not a sign that you have a low milk supply; rather, it is the baby's way of "ordering" more milk for the coming days. Cluster feeding should not be happening constantly or causing nipple damage. Babies can also take up to 30 minutes to breastfeed at a time as newborns and tend to fall asleep in the middle of a feeding. They get much faster and more efficient the older they get.

It is important to let your baby set the pace. Allow them to finish the first breast until they pull away, slow down, or fall asleep before offering the second side. We recommend everyone at least try to offer both sides (unless you were instructed by lactation not to) each feeding. You can also compress your breast as baby slows down to help get more fatty milk to baby, and to see if baby is really done. This ensures they receive the "hindmilk," which is higher in fat and calories and helps the baby feel satisfied. Try to burp baby for a couple minutes between breasts and after nursing. For more specific guidance on tracking these early days, you can review our Newborns guide or the Newborn Handbook .

If you are having pain, nipple damage, or feeling overwhelmed, it is ok to pump and offer milk back to baby by bottle as needed until you can be seen by lactation. Please call the office or schedule an appointment with our in-office Lactation Consultant if you are struggling with breastfeeding or just need reassurance everything is ok.

5 Essential Latching Tips for Success

A proper latch is the most critical component of successful breastfeeding. It ensures the baby is transferring milk effectively and prevents nipple soreness for the mother. If you are struggling, consider these five steps:

1. Wait for a Wide Gape: Tickle the baby's nose or upper lip with your nipple to encourage them to open their mouth as wide as a yawn.
2. Aim the Nipple High: Position the baby so the nipple is aiming towards the baby's nose. This encourages them to tilt their head back slightly, allowing their chin to touch the breast first.
3. Ensure a Deep Latch: The baby should take in a large portion of the areola (the dark area around the nipple), not just the tip of the nipple. The latch should feel like a tugging and pulling sensation, not a sharp pinch. You should not have pain.
4. Positioning: Keep the baby’s body in a straight line, with their ear, shoulder, and hip aligned. They should be on their side wrapped around you, so they don't have to turn their neck to reach the breast. It is best to have a hand on either side of your breast, and not between the two of you, as you want their chest as close to you as possible. Make sure their chin is pushed into the breast, and their head can fall back, not their nose pushed in.
5. Check the Lips: Once latched, look at the baby's lips. Both the upper and lower lips should be flanged outward, much like a fish, rather than tucked in.

Common Breastfeeding Positions for Comfort

Finding a comfortable position is vital, especially since you will be spending several hours a day nursing. Different positions can help with different issues, such as a heavy let-down, baby's neck tension, or recovering from a C-section. Whatever position you end up doing, try to recline back and bring baby with you.

• Cradle Hold: The most traditional position where the baby’s head rests in the crook of your arm and baby is across your body.
• Cross-Cradle Hold: Similar to the cradle hold, but you support the baby’s head with the opposite hand. This gives you more control over the baby’s head during the latching process.
• Laid Back Hold: this is similar to cradle, but no feeding pillow is used, and baby's body is more down your body (instead of across bra-line) as you lay back. (Great for fast let down, choking babies at the breast)
• Football Hold: The baby is tucked under your arm and on their side, like a football, with their feet toward your back. This is often the best choice for mothers who have had a C-section or those with larger breasts.
• Side-Lying Position: Both you and the baby lie on your sides, facing each other, (mom's body is in a C shape around baby, push all blankets and pillows away from baby) this is excellent for nighttime feedings. Research shows it is also the safest position for those nightime nursings verses a recliner or couch. (Please do not sleep with your baby, it is never safe.)

Experimenting with these positions in the early days will help you find what works best for your body and your baby's temperament. Try to lay back or support your back, no matter the position. If you need more help, check out our Breastfeeding Resources page.

What are the common breastfeeding challenges?

While breastfeeding is natural, it is also a learned skill for both the mother and the newborn. It is common to encounter hurdles in the first few weeks. Nipple soreness is one of the most frequent complaints; while some initial tenderness is normal as you adjust, cracked or bleeding nipples usually indicate an issue with the latch that needs correction.

Engorgement—when the breasts become overfull, hard, and painful—typically occurs when the mature milk "comes in" around day three or four. Frequent nursing and cold compresses between feedings can help relieve this pressure. Another challenge is the fear of low milk supply. Many parents worry their baby isn't getting enough because they cannot see the volume of milk consumed. However, if your baby is having at least six heavy wet diapers and several yellow stools per day by the end of the first week, they are likely receiving adequate nutrition.

*Lactation Tip: If baby is not gaining enough weight or you are not sure how much milk baby is getting, we can do a weighted feed in the office with lactation to see how much milk baby is getting at the breast.

In some cases, mothers may experience mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that causes flu-like symptoms, fever, and a red, painful area on the breast. If you suspect you have mastitis, it is important to contact your healthcare provider (OB/Midwife/PCP) immediately for antibiotic treatment. You want to use cold compresses/cold clean crinkled cabbage leaves to reduce the swelling, and feed/pump like normal. (The milk is still safe for baby even with antibiotics, and you will want to continue nursing/pumping) (If any clinic or provider says to pump and dump, call the office and ask the Pediatrician or Lactation or visit Infant Risk)

How to manage low milk supply concerns?

Most mothers produce exactly what their baby needs through the principle of supply and demand. The more often the baby removes milk from the breast, the more milk the body makes. To ensure a robust supply, avoid supplementing with bottle after feeding (without pumping) in the first few weeks unless medically necessary and instructed by provider to do so, as these can interfere with the baby's desire to nurse and signal your body to slow down production. Also make sure baby is eating enough and not using a pacifier instead of feeding baby.

If you are genuinely concerned about supply, focus on "power pumping" or adding an extra nursing session during the baby's longest sleep stretch. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet is also helpful, though no specific food is a magic bullet for milk production. The best way to track progress is through regular Well Child Visits where we can monitor your baby's weight gain and overall development.

The Role of the Partner in Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a team effort. While the mother is the one physically nursing, the partner plays a crucial role in the success of the journey. Partners can support by ensuring the nursing mother stays hydrated, bringing her water and snacks during long sessions. They can also take over other duties, such as burping the baby, changing diapers, and handling skin-to-skin time between feedings.

Emotional support is equally important. Encouragement during the difficult "second night and growth spurts"—when newborns often want to nurse constantly—can make a significant difference in a mother's confidence. By being an active participant in the care of the newborn, the partner helps create a supportive environment that allows the mother to focus on the breastfeeding relationship. They can also give mom a break if needed, and offer pumped breastmilk with pace feeding from a bottle to mimic the breast and decrease gas/overfeeding.

For Pace Bottle Feeding Tips to help baby go more easily from bottle back to breast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMlv2CfM4jk

Another very important role of the partner is to be aware of postpartum mood disorders, and make sure to advocate for yourself and your partner. Both partners and the birthing parent can suffer from postpartum mood disorders. Make sure you tell our providers and mom's OB/midwife/PCP if you notice in you or your partner: trouble sleeping when able, crying more than normal, feeling overwhelmed, high anxiety, irritability or rage, scary intrusive thoughts, manic episodes- such as excessive exercising or having unusual energy, redecorating and not sleeping appropriately, or sometimes not making complete sense or talking really fast. For more information visit: https://postpartum.net/perinatal-mental-health/

We have a Mama Bear Mood Changes Support Group for Moms and Babies that meets TUESDAYS 11am-noon.

Our free breastfeeding support group is the Kangaroo Klub for moms and babies/toddlers for any feeding help meets Thursdays 1:30-2:30pm.

All groups are free and open to any moms (Do not have to be a FWP patient) and take place in our Community Room in our office (next to Lab).

When should you see a lactation consultant?

If you find that breastfeeding remains painful after the initial latch, or if your baby is not meeting their weight gain milestones, it is time to seek professional help. A lactation consultant can observe a full feeding session, weigh the baby before and after to see exactly how much milk is transferred, and provide personalized adjustments to your technique.

You should reach out for Breastfeeding Support if:

• Your baby is not gaining enough weight.
• You are having pain with nursing or pumping.
• The baby seems constantly unsatisfied and never falls asleep after a feed or not staying awake to feed.
• You are struggling with recurring clogged ducts or mastitis, or other issues causing you pain.
• You are worried about your milk supply or if baby is really fussy/gassy/choking at the breast.

At Fort Wayne Pediatrics, we believe in a multi-disciplinary approach to child health. Our Pediatricians and staff are dedicated to ensuring that your baby is thriving. We can coordinate with local specialists to ensure you have the resources you need to meet your breastfeeding goals, whatever they may be.

Pediatric Care and Nursing Success

Your relationship with your Kids Doctor Fort Wayne IN is a vital part of your breastfeeding success. During the first few weeks, we schedule frequent check-ups to ensure your baby is gaining weight appropriately and to address any concerns you may have about their health. These visits are the perfect time to ask questions about feeding schedules, growth spurts, and the introduction of vitamins like Vitamin D, which is recommended for exclusively breastfed infants.

We understand that every family’s journey is different. Whether you choose to breastfeed exclusively, use a combination of breast milk and formula, or pump, our goal is to support your choices and ensure your baby receives the best possible care. For families in Fort Wayne, IN and surrounding areas, we offer a welcoming environment where your concerns are heard and valued.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways for New Parents

Navigating the world of newborns and breastfeeding is a significant transition that requires time, patience, and support. By focusing on early hunger cues and mastering a deep latch, you can overcome many of the initial challenges of nursing. Remember that breastfeeding is a skill that develops over time, and it is perfectly normal to seek help from professionals or community resources.

• Monitor Cues: Watch for rooting and hand-sucking rather than waiting for crying.
• Feed Frequently: Aim for 8–12 feedings every 24 hours to build a strong supply.
• Check the Latch: Ensure a deep latch to prevent pain and ensure milk transfer.
• Seek Support: Use resources like Lactation Consultation if you experience persistent pain or concerns.
• Stay Connected: Regular visits with your Pediatrician ensure your baby stays on the right track. Going to a weekly mom's support group, is also very helpful. We have both a Moms Mood Group (Mama Bear- Tuesdays 11am-noon) and Feeding Support Group (Kangaroo Klub- Thursdays 1:30-2:30pm)

If you are currently expecting or have just brought your new baby home, we invite you to explore our Expecting A Baby? resources or Contact Us to schedule your first visit. Fort Wayne Pediatrics is honored to be a part of your family’s journey, providing the expert care and guidance you need for a healthy start.