Breastfeeding is a natural and invaluable way to nourish your baby, providing essential nutrients, strengthening their immune system, and fostering a deep emotional connection between mother and child. However, for many new mothers, the journey isn’t always straightforward, and understanding proper techniques can make the experience smoother and more fulfilling. With the right guidance and support, breastfeeding can become a rewarding part of motherhood.
At Aspired Mother, we are dedicated to empowering new moms in Broward and Palm Beach Counties with the knowledge and encouragement they need. As a trusted doula service, we offer personalized breastfeeding support to help mothers feel confident and comfortable throughout their nursing journey. Here are some essential breastfeeding tips to set you up for success.
Top Breastfeeding Tips for New Mothers
Start Breastfeeding Early
Initiating breastfeeding soon after the birth is known as the golden hour. It helps in forming a strong latch and stimulates milk production. Proper skin-to-skin contact during this period improves bonding and encourages the baby’s natural sucking reflex. Being close to your baby develops a strong hormonal response, which leads to successful breastfeeding. In the US, the percentage of babies who start breastfeeding has increased from 73% in 2004 to 84% in 2021, as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ensure a Proper Latch
For successful breastfeeding, achieving a proper latch is essential. The baby should take in most of the areola, not just the nipple, to ensure effective milk transfer and prevent soreness for the mother. A good latch is characterized by a rhythmic sucking pattern and a pain-free experience for the mother. However, many new moms may find it challenging to position their baby correctly as they both learn the process of breastfeeding.
In the first few days after birth, the breasts remain relatively soft as they transition from producing highly nutritious colostrum to mature milk. As this transition occurs, the breasts become fuller and firmer, which can make latching more difficult if positioning and attachment are not properly established. Understanding these changes and ensuring a correct latch early on can help prevent common breastfeeding issues and create a more comfortable experience for both mother and baby.
Find a Comfortable Position
New mothers, be aware! Finding a comfortable position for breastfeeding takes patience and practice. It’s time to experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find out what works best for you and your child. Some of the popular positions are:
- Cradle Hold: – The baby lies across your body in the crook of your arm.
- Football Hold: – The baby is tucked under your arm like a football.
- Side-Lying Position: – Great for nighttime feedings and for cesarean mothers, where both mother and baby lie on their sides.
Be Patient
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mother and baby, requiring patience and practice. It’s natural for new moms to feel frustrated at times, especially if latching or feeding doesn’t go as smoothly as expected. However, patience and a calm approach are key. If breastfeeding becomes challenging, take a break, allowing both you and your baby to relax before trying again. Additionally, expressing a small amount of milk can help stimulate flow and prepare your breast for the next feeding, making the process easier for your baby. With time and persistence, breastfeeding can become a more comfortable and rewarding experience.
Feed on Demand
Newborn babies have small stomachs and require frequent feedings every 2-3 hours. You should observe and watch out for hunger cues like rooting, sucking on hands or fussiness instead waiting for a particular schedule.
Building up your milk supply
It’s completely normal to have questions about your milk supply as a new mother. Don’t worry—around 2 to 4 days after birth, you’ll likely notice your breasts feeling fuller, which is a sign that your milk is coming in. Your milk production naturally adjusts to your baby’s needs; the more your baby feeds, the more milk your body produces. The supply may increase or decrease depending on how often your baby nurses.
In the early weeks, breastfeeding can be challenging, and some mothers may feel tempted to supplement with formula. However, breastfeeding at night is especially important, as it boosts prolactin levels—a hormone that supports milk production. Keep in mind that introducing formula or using a pacifier too soon can reduce your milk supply by decreasing the frequency of nursing sessions. Staying consistent with breastfeeding will help establish and maintain a healthy milk supply for your baby.
How long should infants be breastfed?
Research indicates that exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for approximately the first six months of a baby’s life. After this period, introducing appropriate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed can provide essential nutrition and benefits up to two years of age or beyond. It’s encouraged that mothers breastfeed on demand, responding to their baby’s needs both day and night. While every family’s feeding journey is unique, minimizing the use of bottles, teats, or pacifiers can help support a strong breastfeeding relationship. However, each mother should make the best choices for her baby based on her circumstances and comfort.
Help and Support for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a rewarding experience that provides numerous benefits for both mother and baby. With the proper support, technique, and perseverance, new mothers can leave challenges behind and fulfill the breastfeeding journey.
Aspired Mother offers Expert Lactation Consulting, breastfeeding tips, and comprehensive maternal support to help support breastfeeding. Forming a successful breastfeeding experience needs to begin in pregnancy by nourishing your body with all the nutrients required to create an abundant and quality milk supply after birth.
The quality of your milk supply will vary based on your diet, hydration, lifestyle, genetics, and labor and birth process. Avail our in-home sessions that allow you to have a calm environment with a clear focus on ensuring healthy feeding for your baby. With the education included, you can quickly grasp how and when to collect colostrum and breastfeed, support proper latching, set up nursing stations and have resources on hand if you find any issues.
