It is a personal decision for a woman to choose to breastfeed their baby. Fortunately, there are many high-quality infant formulas to choose from that can provide your baby with all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. You can talk to your midwife or health care provider, or baby’s doctor about choosing one.

Regardless if you choose to breastfeed or not, about 2-3 days after having your baby, your milk will “come in” and your breast will become full and hard. If you don’t plan to breastfeed, you can alleviate this discomfort by wearing a tight-fitting bra, placing ice packs on your breast (15 min/hour), and taking ibuprofen, as needed. It may take a few days for this period of engorgement to subside but eventually, your body will recognize that “the factory is closed” and your breasts can stop producing milk.

- Ann, Mum and Baby Nurse

Learn more:

• Breastfeeding hurts! Am I doing this wrong?
• How do I know my baby is getting enough breast milk? What can I do to increase my milk supply?
• How often should I feed my baby? Should I put my baby on a feeding schedule? Should I wake my baby up to feed?
• My baby is not getting enough breast milk