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When should I start breastfeeding?

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Host: When should I start breastfeeding?

Dr. Ann Kellams: Start breastfeeding right away. There is some evidence that baby's reflexes, instincts, innate knowledge to breastfeed are strongest right when they are born so we recommend whether it's a vaginal delivery or a C-section get the baby on the breast within that first hour of life and then the more frequently it's offered over the course of that next 24-48 hour period, the better they tend to do. They pick up on it faster. The body gets the signal. The baby is here it's the time to bring that milk in and so the earlier, the better and the more frequent, the better.

Expert: Dr. Ann Kellams

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Dr. Ann Lenox Kellams, assistant professor of clinical pediatrics in the Division of General Pediatrics and medical director of the newborn nursery at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, is an expert in newborn care and breastfeeding. Kellams teaches pediatric clinical skills to students and residents and authored the Newborn Nursery Resident and Student Curriculum and Orientation Manual for UVA More »