Myths and facts: Answers to the toughest breastfeeding questions

World Breastfeeding Week is a global event designed to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and to support mothers in the breastfeeding process. This event takes place annually during the first week of August. It was first initiated in 1992 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The main goal of World Breastfeeding Week is to promote breastfeeding, highlight its benefits for both infants and mothers, and provide support, information, and guidance to those who need it.

To offer mothers the best support during the breastfeeding journey and to meet their needs with informed solutions, Philips Avent, a leading brand, has been working closely with healthcare professionals and parents for 40 years. According to Simone Marcucci, Media & PR Manager at Philips Personal Health Italy, Israel, and Greece, "Philips Avent products are developed by top healthcare professionals and are presented to the public to ease daily life and enhance quality of life. Philips Avent's breastfeeding products are designed to support mothers at every stage of their breastfeeding journey. Whether they want to improve milk supply or simply manage more tasks during the day, our electric and manual breast pumps and breast care accessories make breastfeeding easier and more manageable."

Essential Products to Know Before or During Breastfeeding

Breast Pump - Philips Avent's electric breast pump, featuring Natural Motion technology, ensures quick milk flow by mimicking a baby’s natural suckling. The pump allows more milk to be expressed in less time, thanks to a cushion that stimulates milk production just like a baby. The cushion seamlessly transitions from stimulation to expression mode, applying just the right amount of suction and stimulation for optimal milk flow. Made from single-size silicone, the cushion gently stretches to adapt to the unique anatomy of the breast. The design of the pump allows for upright seating instead of leaning forward, a position clinically proven to be comfortable for pumping. The pump offers different levels of stimulation and suction for a personalized experience, and its ultra-quiet motor ensures discreet operation anytime, anywhere.

Baby Bottle - Philips Avent's Natural Response bottle, with its natural response nipple, looks, feels, and functions like breastfeeding—it only releases milk when the baby actively drinks, so the baby controls the feeding pace and can pause to swallow and breathe. This allows babies to maintain their unique natural feeding rhythm during every feeding, similar to breastfeeding. By releasing milk only when the baby is actively drinking, the bottle also solves the problem of dripping, ensuring no milk goes to waste. Additionally, the bottle features a wide, soft, and flexible nipple designed to mimic the shape and feel of the breast, helping the baby latch and feed comfortably. The nipple also includes a valve designed to prevent the baby from swallowing air during feeding, reducing gas and discomfort.

Common Breastfeeding Questions

How do I know when to feed my baby?

It's best to feed your baby when they show signs of hunger. Feeding gives your baby a wonderful sense of comfort, contributes to weight gain, and ensures your milk supply meets their needs. You’ll need to stay alert for hunger cues, such as sucking on fists, turning their head side to side, and sticking out their tongue. Newborns typically need to nurse at least 8 to 12 times a day, which roughly equates to one feeding every three hours (from the start of one feeding to the start of the next).

How long should a feeding session last?

Some babies like to take their time, while others are in a hurry. Generally, a feeding session may last anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour from start to finish. The duration of a feeding also depends on the baby's size, age, and feeding frequency.

How long should I nurse on each side (breast)?

The nursing time on each side depends on the amount of milk stored in your breasts. It's best to empty one breast before moving to the other, and if you only nurse from one breast during a meal, make sure to nurse from the other at the beginning of the next meal. You can mark the last breast you nursed from as a reminder; for example, by wearing a hair tie around your wrist on the relevant side.

I feel some pain. What should I do?

Mild pain or tenderness at the start of a feeding—especially in the early stages of breastfeeding—is normal, but persistent pain requires immediate attention. If you suffer from ongoing pain, there’s no need to continue suffering unnecessarily. Breastfeeding pain can often be resolved by consulting your doctor or a lactation consultant about nipple latching and feeding techniques. You may also want to try using a nipple shield to protect your nipples between feedings.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

Breastfeeding has an element of mystery. There’s no surefire way to know exactly how much milk your baby is drinking, but there are several clear signs that can reassure you:

• Your baby starts gaining weight if they’re feeding properly.
• By days 10 to 14, your baby should return to their birth weight.
• They should continue to gain weight steadily as expected.

The most obvious sign is those chubby cheeks. A happy, alert, and thriving baby indicates that you are producing enough milk.

I'm taking medication. Can I still breastfeed?

Many medications are safe to take while breastfeeding, but it’s always best to consult your pharmacist.

What about alcohol?

It is strongly recommended to avoid alcohol during breastfeeding. You can get detailed guidance on this from your healthcare provider.

And what about caffeine?

One or two caffeinated drinks, whether coffee, tea, or soda, are usually not a problem for your baby. However, too much caffeine can make your baby fussy or disrupt their sleep. And good news for chocolate lovers: it's generally okay to eat chocolate in moderation.

Does my baby need additional drinks?

Breast milk is all your baby needs during the first six months of life.

Can I combine breastfeeding with other feeding methods?

Typically, it takes about three to six weeks of exclusive breastfeeding to establish a good milk supply and healthy eating habits for your baby. Therefore, bottle-feeding in the early weeks could lead to early weaning. Once you've established a breastfeeding routine, most babies can alternate between bottle-feeding and breastfeeding without difficulty. It’s recommended to use a bottle specifically designed for combined feeding, and your healthcare provider can offer further guidance on how to use a bottle during the early stages.

I’m returning to work soon. Can I continue breastfeeding?

Absolutely. Even while at work, you can still provide your baby with breast milk! You can continue to give your baby all the benefits of breast milk even when you're not available by expressing milk before you leave for work. You’ll need to express milk at least as many times as you would nurse to maintain your milk supply. Additionally, try to start expressing milk at least a few weeks before returning to work. When it’s time to choose a pump, you'll find that a double electric breast pump offers maximum efficiency, while a manual pump is the most portable option for moms on the go. After expressing milk, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it, storing it in appropriate containers.

When can I start giving my baby solid food?

It’s recommended to wait until your baby is six months old before introducing solid food, and this doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding. You can continue breastfeeding for as long as you wish. When you're ready, ask your doctor to guide you on which types of food to introduce and how.

A Final Note on Seeking Help

Even if your question or concern seems minor, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant. There are several signs that may indicate the need to seek assistance:

• Your baby isn't feeding regularly—at least 8 to 10 times a day.
• The number of wet or dirty diapers is less than expected.
• Nipple latching is painful, or you’re experiencing nipple pain.
• Your breasts aren’t full of milk by the third or fourth day after birth.
• Your baby isn't calm and seems unsatisfied after most feedings.
• Your baby isn't gaining weight or is losing weight.

In collaboration with Philips Avent