10 Essential Breastfeeding Tips for a Great Start!

Challenging, painful, exhausting… Breastfeeding can be tough to tackle and, without enough practice and information, it may cause some concerns. However, the decision to breastfeed is up to new mothers. If you’ve chosen this natural feeding method, here are 10 tips to help you start off gently. Here’s how.

1 – How to Educate Yourself Before Birth?

Misconceptions, fears, questions… If you’re leaning towards breastfeeding but have reservations, or just want to be informed, now’s the time to do your research. Particularly consider the fourth-month prenatal appointment, which is part of the birthing preparation sessions: this is a great opportunity to discuss your breastfeeding plans with a midwife who can answer all your questions, even the most personal ones. This consultation is usually offered in maternity wards. If not, don’t hesitate to ask for this personalized meeting.

2 – Baby Is Here: Time for the Welcome Feed

If possible, start breastfeeding as soon as you can! This will speed up the milk production process. Ideally, within the first two hours after birth, if all goes well. At this time, babies have a stronger sucking reflex. This period is when they are most receptive to learning, including how to feed from the breast. Skin-to-skin contact right after birth greatly encourages the baby to start feeding. If immediate breastfeeding isn’t possible due to circumstances like a cesarean, don’t worry: your milk will still come in.

3 – Understanding Your Milk and Its Changes

• In the beginning, you produce what’s called colostrum: this thick, yellow fluid is packed with antibodies and vitamins for your newborn. Colostrum is typically present from the first day up to the fourth or fifth day.
• It then transitions to transitional milk, a thicker, yellowish fluid that’s a mix of colostrum and mature milk, coinciding with your milk coming in.
• Next, comes mature milk, usually bluish in color, which varies in composition depending on the time of day (richer at night), the baby’s age, and even during the feed (initially more watery and lactose-rich as the baby is thirsty, and fattier as the feed continues).

4 – Managing Milk Coming In: Try These Tips

Milk coming in can be painful: your breasts may feel swollen, warm, heavy, and tense… and sensitive too! Indeed, the influx of milk can lead to engorgement. Place your baby to the breast when you feel your milk coming in. You can also give yourself gentle massages to relieve discomfort: under a warm shower, massage your breasts in circular motions starting from the base to the center, gently. This will help express excess milk. During breastfeeding, if you experience engorgement (overproduction of milk), the same tips apply, and you can also massage your breasts during feeding to improve milk flow. A breast pump might be helpful as well.

5 – Minor Troubles: Take Action!

For a few days, the baby’s sucking might be uncomfortable for a new mom. If this is the case, check your baby’s position: belly to belly, turned towards you, their mouth covering the entire nipple, areola included. Their lips should be flanged out and their tongue positioned under the nipple. Ensure you’re not leaning over your baby; instead, sit comfortably. If sucking hurts, apply a drop of milk to the nipple right after feeding: it’s very effective! You can also apply a cream like castor equi, which is safe for baby’s feedings and will help you heal. Once again, correct positioning of the baby at the breast can help minimize these issues. For minor milk leaks, consider using small nursing pads in your bra. Make sure to wear supportive nursing lingerie. When choosing a nursing bra, consider going one cup size larger than you wore at the end of your pregnancy. Also, opt for clothing designed for easy breastfeeding access for added comfort.

6 – How Often Should Baby Feed?

Regarding frequency, you can breastfeed on demand. Babies vary greatly in their feeding needs, but soon you’ll understand yours. Some might feed 7 times in 24 hours, others more! Your milk production will quickly adjust to their needs. Frequent breastfeeding stimulates your milk production through their sucking. That’s why it’s important to offer the breast often initially and let them feed as long as they need. This ensures you’re meeting their demands perfectly. In terms of duration, some babies might be done in 5 minutes, while others may not be satisfied until after a leisurely hour-long feed. To check if they’re feeding well, you’ll notice vigorous sucking at first, movement in their ears, and can hear them swallowing. Then, the pace slows down as their hunger decreases.

7 – How to Tell if Your Baby Has Fed Well

A well-fed baby typically wets about 5 to 6 diapers a day and has golden yellow stools with little seeds. They usually gain an average of about 1 pound per month or 4 to 8 ounces per week, as noted by Melanie Schmidt-Ulmann, author of 100 Breastfeeding Reflexes and Doula. A weekly weigh-in is usually enough to ensure they’re gaining weight properly. Regarding your diet, it should be varied, and you need to drink plenty of fluids, but be careful: avoid caffeinated beverages as they are stimulating, and fizzy drinks which can cause colic in your child. Eat a balanced diet in reasonable amounts: the flavor of your milk will change based on what you eat, a great way to introduce your baby to different tastes!

8 – What If Milk Doesn’t Come In?

Sometimes, milk production is delayed! It’s even more necessary to drink plenty of fluids. Breastfeeding can make you thirsty! You might also try lactation teas, which some mothers find effective. However, don’t use them continuously as the effect could wear off. Use them as needed. For successful breastfeeding, good sleep is also crucial! It’s tempting to get busy around the house when the baby sleeps: mistake! At least initially, it’s better to sleep when they do. Being well-rested is essential for your milk production. As much as possible, avoid supplemental feeding with bottles, which can interfere with your lactation. If necessary, talk to a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant.

9 – Trust Yourself!

Supportive surroundings, a partner who backs you, these can really help. On your end, trusting in your ability to breastfeed is crucial; stress and breastfeeding don’t mix well. The more relaxed you are, the smoother the process will be. Also, trust your baby.

10 – Seek Support!

When you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to medical staff or lactation consultants who can answer any questions you might have. Feel free also to seek advice from your local health services. Consultations are available, and you can have your baby weighed to ensure they are gaining weight properly, or ask any questions you might have during breastfeeding.