Breastfeeding Basics: 15 Tips for New Breastfeeding Moms

Congratulations, new mama! As you embark on this incredible journey of motherhood, breastfeeding becomes a significant and intimate aspect of bonding with your newborn. While it’s a beautiful and natural process, it can also come with its set of challenges. Before I gave birth I thought that breastfeeding would be this amazing, natural and connecting experience with my newborn. But here’s what they don’t tell you- it’s hard, it takes a long time, and it can be frustrating! In this blog post, let’s dive into practical tips tailored just for you, the new breastfeeding mom, to make this experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

1. Educate Yourself:
   • Knowledge is power. Familiarize yourself with the basics of breastfeeding, including proper latching, positioning, and recognizing hunger cues. Attend prenatal breastfeeding classes or seek guidance from lactation consultants to boost your confidence. There are often lactation specialists available to you for consultation in the hospital. Use this resource! These individuals are highly trained and qualified in their field. Take advice from the experts. They will often watch you nurse, and give you feedback. Don’t leave the hospital without a lactation consult!
2. Create a Comfortable Nursing Station:
   • Designate a cozy and well-equipped nursing station at home. Stock it with essentials such as water, snacks, a comfortable chair with good back support, and items for entertainment (books, TV remote, or a tablet). You will likely be there for a while. New babies learning to nurse often fall asleep while nursing, or take a long time to nurse, so don’t get caught without something to do! I also loved using a boppy pillow while nursing. Add this to your nursery essentials, or check out this list of complete guide to nursery essentials.
3. Invest in Quality Nursing Bras:
   • A good-fitting, supportive nursing bra is a game-changer. Opt for bras with easy access for feeding, sufficient support, and breathable fabric. A well-fitted bra can enhance comfort during nursing sessions. Seriously, don’t try to nurse with a regular bra or even a sports bra. Once you have used a nursing bra, you will never go back.
   • Here are some of my favorite nursing bras for a reasonable price.
4. Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact:
   • Skin-to-skin contact promotes bonding and helps regulate your baby’s temperature and heartbeat. Spend time with your newborn nestled against your bare chest; it’s a beautiful way to connect and encourage breastfeeding.
5. Establish a Feeding Schedule:
   • While it’s crucial to feed your baby on demand, establishing a loose feeding schedule can provide a sense of routine. Be attentive to your baby’s hunger cues and offer the breast regularly, especially during the early weeks. As a general rule, your newborn will need to nurse about every 2-3 hours. Unfortunately, this also means at night, but only for the first few weeks. Once they are growing well and gaining weight you can stretch out night feedings.
6. Master the Art of Latching:
   • Achieving a good latch is key to successful breastfeeding. Ensure your baby opens wide, covers a significant portion of the areola, and has both lips flanged outward. A proper latch helps prevent discomfort and supports effective milk transfer. You will know your baby latches well because it should not be painful. You should not be having bleeding or cracking nipples- this indicates a poor latch.
7. Stay Hydrated and Nourished:
   • Breastfeeding requires extra hydration and nutrients. Keep a water bottle within reach during nursing sessions, and focus on a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to nourish both you and your baby. I would also recommend extra electrolytes such as coconut water.
   • If you are having a difficult time with your milk supply you can also consider these nursing supplements.
8. Ask for Support:
   • Don’t hesitate to seek support from your partner, family, or friends. Whether it’s assistance with household chores, someone to listen to your concerns, or help during nighttime feedings, having a support system is invaluable.
   • You can also seek a lactation consult after leaving the hospital- consult your pediatrician for resources in your area.
9. Be Patient with Yourself:
   • Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate the learning curve. It’s okay to seek guidance and take your time to find a rhythm that works for both of you.
10. Pump and Store Milk:
    • If you plan to return to work or want to introduce a bottle, consider pumping and storing breast milk. Invest in a good-quality breast pump. These are often available to you free of charge through your insurance provider.
    • Milk storage- breastmilk can only be left out at room temperature for a maximum of 4 hours, for 4 days in the refrigerator, and 6 months in the freezer, or up to 1 year in a deep freezer.
    • Make sure you are using clean storage bags or bottles, and wash and sanitize all pumping parts before reusing.
    • Check out this review post on the best breast pumps.
11. Practice Self-Care:
    • Prioritize self-care to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Get sufficient rest, delegate tasks when possible, and indulge in activities that bring you joy. A happy and healthy mom contributes to a positive breastfeeding experience.
12. Explore Different Nursing Positions:
    • Experiment with various nursing positions to find what works best for you and your baby. Positions such as cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying can offer comfort and flexibility.
    • It can be perfectly normal if your infant prefers to eat on one side over the other. It is also normal for one breast to produce more than the other side.
13. Connect with Other Breastfeeding Moms:
    • Join breastfeeding support groups or online Facebook groups and communities to connect with other moms sharing similar experiences. The insights, advice, and shared stories can be both reassuring and empowering and can help you feel less isolated.
14. Recognize Growth Spurts:
    • Babies go through growth spurts, during which they may want to nurse more frequently. Be prepared for these phases, and understand that increased feeding is often a natural part of your baby’s development. These increased feedings may also occur during the night, so be prepared for an occasional sleep regression during episodes of growth.
15. Trust Your Instincts:
    • Finally, trust your instincts. You are the best judge of your baby’s needs. If something doesn’t feel right or if you have concerns, don’t hesitate to consult with a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider.

Conclusion:

As you embrace the journey of breastfeeding, remember that every experience is unique. Allow yourself the grace to adapt, learn, and grow alongside your precious little one. These tips are crafted with you in mind, offering practical guidance to enhance your breastfeeding experience. Cherish these moments, celebrate your triumphs, and know that you are providing your baby with the most precious gift – love and nourishment. You’re doing an amazing job, and your journey as a breastfeeding mom is a beautiful and rewarding one. As always, you’ve got this mama!