Breastfeeding Tips and Advice

Breastfeeding Tips for Success

Congratulations on your new baby! Whether this is your first child or fifth, the breastfeeding journey is an exciting (and sometimes challenging) time. Your baby is finally here, and you’re ready to start your breastfeeding journey. But where do you begin? Breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience for both mother and baby, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. Here are a few tips recommended by The Informed Mommy to help you get started.

Tips for a Successful Breastfeeding Journey

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but it doesn’t always come easy. Here are tips to help you on your breastfeeding journey.

Tip #1: Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

Like anything in life, breastfeeding takes some effort and preparation. If you’re fortunate enough to have a family member or friend who can support you emotionally during this time, take advantage of it! Otherwise, read books or articles (like this one), join online forums, or find a local breastfeeding support group. The more prepared you are mentally and emotionally, the less likely you are to give up when challenges inevitably arise.

Tip #2: Get Comfortable

Breastfeeding should be a comfortable experience for both you and your baby. Find a position that works for both of you and stick with it. It might take some trial and error at first, but it will be worth it once you find what works. Common positions include cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, side-lying, and football hold. Experiment until you find what’s best for both of you.

Tip #3: Be Patient

It can take a little time for both mom and baby to get the hang of breastfeeding. Be patient in those early days and nights – things will eventually click. And even when they do, there will still be good and bad days. The most important thing is to not give up!

Tip #4: Know When to Seek Help

If you’re having trouble breastfeeding or need extra support, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Lactation consultants can help with everything from latching to supply issues. Sometimes all it takes is a little help from someone who knows what they’re doing to get things back on track.

Tip #5: Have Realistic Expectations

It’s important to go into the breastfeeding journey with realistic expectations. No one is perfect, and there will be times when things don’t go as planned. Maybe you’ll have trouble getting the baby to latch, or perhaps your milk supply will decrease unexpectedly – whatever the case, try not to get too stressed out about it. Accept that there will be imperfections and hiccups along the way, but know that ultimately it’s all worth it for your and your baby’s benefit.

Tip #6: Learn Your Baby’s Cues

Every baby is different, so it’s important to learn their cues. For example, some babies may root or turn their heads when ready to eat, while others may cry or make sucking motions with their mouths. Once you know their cues, you can offer the breast before they get too fussy.

Tip #7: Latch Correctly

Having a good latch is essential for successful breastfeeding. A good latch means that your baby’s mouth is wide open, and their tongue is down, covering the lower gum. Their nose should be touching the breast while they suck on the nipple and areola (the dark part around the nipple). You can watch videos or ask a lactation consultant to show you how to latch your baby correctly.

Tip #8: Don’t Be Afraid of Pain

One of the most common concerns among new mothers is whether or not breastfeeding will be painful. In the early days of breastfeeding, it is normal for your nipples to feel tender as they adjust to your baby’s suckling. However, there are several things you can do to ease the discomfort. Start by ensuring that your baby has a good latch, if they aren’t latched on correctly it will be more painful. You can also try different positions until you find one comfortable for you and your baby.

Additionally, various topical nipple creams are available to help soothe sore nipples. Be sure to read the ingredients list carefully before using any product on yourself or your child. Ensure the ingredients are safe for both of you.

Tip #9: Treat Yourself With Compassion

Breastfeeding can be an emotional journey filled with highs and lows. During this time, it’s important to be kind and compassionate to yourself. Even though breastfeeding is natural and instinctual, it doesn’t always come easily. It takes time to learn and adjust, so be easy on yourself if things are going differently than planned. After all, you’re doing your best for your baby, which matters most.

What To Do If You Have Low Milk Supply

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for you and your baby, but it’s not always easy. One of the challenges that nursing mothers often face is a low milk supply. If you’re struggling to produce enough milk for your baby, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Here are tips that may help increase your milk supply.

Pump frequently: If you’re away from your baby during the day or want to build up a stash of breast milk, pumping is a great way to do it. Frequently pumping signals your body that more milk needs to be produced. Try using a quality electric breast pump to get the most out of pumping.

Drink plenty of fluids: It’s important to stay hydrated when breastfeeding, so ensure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water, herbal tea, and lactation smoothies are all great options. In addition to keeping you hydrated, drinking fluids will also help increase your milk supply.

Eat lactation-friendly foods: Certain foods help increase the milk supply in nursing mothers. These include oatmeal, fenugreek, Brewer’s yeast, and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale. Adding these foods to your diet may help give your milk production a boost.

Get some rest: When you’re sleep-deprived, it can take a toll on your body in many different ways – including reducing your milk supply. So try to get some extra rest by taking naps when your baby is napping or sleeping through the night. You might also consider hiring a postpartum doula to help with newborn care and give you some much-needed rest.

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol can decrease your milk supply, so it’s best to avoid them while breastfeeding. If you decide to consume these substances, wait at least two hours before nursing again.

Talk to a lactation consultant: If you’re still having problems with low milk supply, reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider for help. They can assess your situation and provide tips to increase your milk supply.

A low milk supply doesn’t have to mean the end of breastfeeding. If you’re struggling, try these tips and contact a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for additional help. With some patience and persistence, you can successfully breastfeed your baby.

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it always comes easy-even for moms who don’t have issues with low milk supply. If you find yourself struggling to produce enough milk for your baby, know that you’re not alone, and there are things you can do to increase production. We hope these breastfeeding tips will help make your journey a success! Remember to listen to your body and be patient as you and your baby learn to breastfeed. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact a lactation consultant or other breastfeeding expert. Congratulations, and best of luck!