Feed on the first side until your baby stops suckling and appears relaxed. Many babies will end the feeding themselves by letting the nipple slip from their mouths. This is called “falling off” the breast. If this does not happen, burp your baby and offer your other breast. Continue to feed your baby until he seems full and satisfied.

Baby signals that he’s full when he:

• "Falls off" your breast, releasing the nipple
• Falls asleep
• Relaxes his body and opens his fists

If baby stops sucking and does not come off the breast on his own, slide your finger into the corner of his mouth to break the suction. Burp your baby, then offer the other breast. He may nurse again right away or take the other side in a few minutes or a few hours.

In the days after delivery, you may feel abdominal cramping each time you begin breastfeeding. This is your uterus contracting and shrinking back down to its pre-pregnancy size. This is just one of the ways breastfeeding helps you get your pre-pregnancy body back.

As your uterus shrinks, you might notice an increase in vaginal discharge. Women who feel the abdominal cramping may have more intense cramping with each child. And, just remember, this is normal.