Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

August is National Breastfeeding Month! To celebrate, we want to talk all about breastfeeding in its trials and its joys. As parents ourselves, we know that breastfeeding isn’t always a walk in the park. Should you choose to breastfeed your baby, we are here to support you with breastfeeding tips.

Before giving birth

Before giving birth to your newest little addition, it’s important to prepare for breastfeeding by doing the following:

• Learn and practice breastfeeding positions.

 
◦ If you’re a first-time mom, you probably aren’t familiar with many breastfeeding positions. That’s ok! You have nine whole months of pregnancy to learn. Here are a few popular breastfeeding positions to practice:  

▪ Reclined position  

• In the reclined position, your baby lies across your stomach sideways. It’s typically comfier for the mother to recline rather than lay flat on her back in this breastfeeding position. This position is usually instinctive for both mothers and babies.  

▪ Cradle hold  

• This is likely the position you think of when you envision breastfeeding. Sit upright while your baby lies sideways across your lap. Wrap your arms around your baby so that his or her head and neck are laying along your forearm and his or her body is against your stomach. If you choose this popular position, you’ll want to use a breastfeeding pillow across your lap to prop your baby up and another pillow behind your back for lumbar support.  

▪ Football hold  

• Sit with your baby resting along your forearm. Tuck his or her body behind you on either your right or left side. We love this breastfeeding position because it gives you control and a view of your baby’s face. Be sure to utilize a breastfeeding pillow underneath your little one and behind your back here as well. This position is also known as the underarm or clutch.  

• Take a breastfeeding class.  

◦ Check with your hospital or OBGYN to see if there are any breastfeeding classes offered. If not, there are plenty of online courses you can enroll in to learn about breastfeeding.  
◦ In a breastfeeding class, you should learn about different breastfeeding positions as well as how to pump. These skills will help you be prepared when the baby arrives.  

• Compile breastfeeding items.  

◦ During breastfeeding, you’ll need a variety of items, such as a breastfeeding pillow, supportive nursing bra, nursing pads, breastfeeding shirts, a breast pump, storage bags and containers, nipple cream, and nipple shields.  
◦ It’s also important to note that, if you have health insurance, the cost of breast pumps and other breastfeeding equipment may be covered. Contact your insurance plan to inquire about breastfeeding benefits.  
◦ For a full list of items needed when breastfeeding, read this blog with a breastfeeding supplies checklist.  

After your baby is born

• Know when to begin breastfeeding.  

◦ Breastfeeding should ideally start within the first hour of your baby's birth. Doing so is important because your baby will begin to receive the immunological effects of colostrum (this is the first breastmilk that provides protection against infection and diseases). Breastfeeding soon after giving birth also stimulates your baby’s digestion and bowels.  

• Know what to do if your baby will not latch.

 
◦ If your baby does not latch within the first hour, express colostrum directly into your infant’s mouth to stimulate your baby to see the breast. You can also gently stroke your baby’s legs and stomach to guide him or her to your breast. Finally, be sure that you and your baby are getting plenty of skin-to-skin contact.  

• See a lactation consultant.  

◦ There’s no doubt about it – breastfeeding can be challenging! Schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant when you’re expecting to mentally and physically prepare for breastfeeding. Your consultant should provide tips and guidance on all things breastfeeding.  
◦ After your baby is born, you can see your lactation consultant if you struggle with poor milk supply, emotional or physical barriers to breastfeeding, your baby is struggling to hit certain weight milestones, and more.  

Stages of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has three different stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Each of these stages produces a different type of breastmilk with different health benefits.

1. Colostrum  

a. This is the first stage of breastmilk that occurs during pregnancy and lasts several days after your baby’s birth. Colostrum is yellow or cream-colored and is much thicker than other breastmilk types. Colostrum is full of protein, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins (antibodies to provide immunity for the baby).  
b. Two to four days after birth, transitional milk replaces colostrum.  

2. Transitional Milk  

a. Transitional milk lasts for about two weeks. This type of breastmilk contains high levels of fat, lactose, and water-soluble vitamins. It also contains more calories than colostrum.  

3. Mature Milk  

a. Mature milk contains 90% water for hydration and 10% carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for energy and growth. There are two types of mature milk that are necessary:  

i. Fore-milk is produced first and contains water, vitamins, and protein.  
ii. Hind-milk is produced second and contains higher levels of fat for necessary weight gain.  

Other breastfeeding tips for new mothers

• Know the signs of a hungry baby.  

◦ You can anticipate your baby’s hunger by watching them turn or raise their head, open and close their mouth or stick out their tongue. If you see your baby doing these things, begin breastfeeding right away.  

• Get comfortable and stay relaxed.  

◦ Breastfeeding takes a significant amount of time and energy. Make sure you’re keeping yourself comfortable while breastfeeding by utilizing pillows to support your back and your baby’s body. Take deep breaths while breastfeeding to stay relaxed. When you’re comfortable and relaxed, your baby will also be.  

• Take care of your skin.  

◦ Breast skin can easily become dry, chapped, or cracked over time. It’s important to pat your breasts down with a dry, soft cloth after feeding and avoid over washing. After breastfeeding, apply a moisturizing balm or serum to ease discomfort.  

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help if your milk isn’t coming in.

 
◦ Your milk supply may be delayed at coming in for a variety of reasons. If your baby had a premature birth, your milk may be delayed. If you have a medical condition like PCOS or diabetes, are obese, had a cesarean delivery, or a traumatic birth or a postpartum hemorrhage, your milk may be delayed.  
◦ While it can be frustrating, it isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. Massage your breast area, drink lots of water, use a hospital-grade pump or talk to a lactation consultant for assistance.  

• Stay hydrated and eat well.  

◦ As always, be sure to stay hydrated. Drink at least one glass of water whenever you breastfeed to ensure that your body can make enough milk and that you’re staying hydrated.  
◦ Don’t forget that, when breastfeeding, you’re still eating for two! Be sure to get enough calories. If you’re struggling to produce enough milk, try these tasty lactation-boosting recipes.  

Last but most definitely not least, take care of yourself, mama! Don’t be afraid to ask for help if breastfeeding is tough to figure out. Giving birth to your beautiful baby and starting to breastfeed are not easy feats. Be sure to treat yourself; you’re doing great!