If you’re a new mom, you’ve likely heard that breastfeeding is highly recommended and comes with many benefits for both you and your baby. But even with all the information out there, breastfeeding can seem daunting at first. How do you get your baby to latch properly? What if it hurts? Is my baby eating enough? These concerns are normal for new moms!
The purpose of this post is to provide a comprehensive guide to breastfeeding, from getting started with proper positioning to troubleshooting common issues. I’ll share tips to make breastfeeding as easy and comfortable as possible, as well as signs your baby is eating well. You’ll also learn about pumping and storing breast milk, diet, and lifestyle considerations, and solutions to challenges like sore nipples and mastitis.
While breastfeeding requires some effort and patience, especially in those early days, the rewards are immense. By taking it one feeding at a time and arming yourself with information, you can set yourself up for a positive, bonding breastfeeding journey. So take a deep breath and remember you’ve got this! Now let’s cover the breastfeeding basics every new mom should know.
Breastfeeding Positions
When starting, it’s helpful to try a few different breastfeeding positions to find what works best for you and your baby. Here are some of the most common positions:
Cradle hold: This classic hold involves holding your baby in the crook of your arm, tummy to tummy. Make sure your forearm supports your baby’s neck and back. Bring your baby to your breast instead of leaning over them. This position gives you good control and visibility for getting a proper latch.
Cross-cradle hold: Similar to cradle hold, but your roles are switched – your baby’s head rests in the hand opposite of the breast you’ll feed from. Some moms find this hold more comfortable, especially for smaller or premature babies.
Football hold: This hold comes in handy if you’ve had a c-section. Hold your baby at your side, tucked under your arm like a football. Use pillows for extra support. Make sure your baby’s head and body both face your breast.
Side-lying: This position allows you to rest and nurse at the same time. Simply lie on your side, facing your baby. Pull your baby close so their mouth aligns with your nipple. The football hold can also be done lying down.
Laid-back: Lean back in a chair or bed, positioning baby belly-down on top of you. Support their back while they self-latch. This “biological” position puts minimal strain on you.
No matter the position, the key is getting a deep latch where your nipple and much of the areola are pulled into your baby’s mouth. Keep their head straight and bring them straight to your breast – their nose should be opposite your nipple for a proper latch. Don’t let them latch just to the nipple. A shallow latch is usually the culprit for sore nipples. Pay attention to any pinching sensation. If breastfeeding hurts, try again. You’ll find the position and latch that works for you with practice.
How to Know Baby is Getting Enough Milk
As a new mom, you may worry whether your baby is getting enough milk, especially before your milk supply is fully established. Here are some reassuring signs your baby is eating well:
- Wet and dirty diapers: By day 4-5, you should see 5-6 wet diapers and several dirty diapers per day. Poop transitions from black to yellow seedy stools.
- Weight gain: After the initial newborn weight loss, your baby should gain about 1 oz per day by 2 weeks old. Your pediatrician will monitor weight gain.
- Contentment: Your well-fed baby will seem satisfied, relaxed, and peaceful after feeding. They should not seem constantly hungry.
- Growth spurts: Cluster feeding every 1-2 hours is normal as babies go through growth spurts around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months when their milk intake increases temporarily. Feed on demand.
- Developmental cues: Rapid motor skill development reassures milk is fueling your baby. Your pediatrician will track milestones too.
If you’re ever worried your baby seems excessively hungry, hear that satisfying swallowing rhythm during feeds, and see if a lactation consultant can do a weighted feed to assess intake. Supplementing with pumped breastmilk or formula is an option if needed; keep putting baby to breast to increase your milk production. The key is ensuring your baby’s nutritional needs are met. Your pediatrician can offer guidance on adequate supplementation if necessary.
Common Breastfeeding Challenges
While breastfeeding often gets easier after the first few weeks as you and the baby find your rhythm, most moms will encounter some challenges along the way. Here are some common breastfeeding issues and tips for overcoming them:
Sore nipples: Correcting your latch and position is the first step for treating nipple pain. Try beginning with the less sore side. Apply lanolin cream after feeding and use nipple shells or gel pads between feeds for healing. If damage persists, take a nursing vacation to pump and bottle feed while nipples heal. Check for infection.
Engorgement: Sudden fullness and hardness of the breasts signals engorgement. Apply warm compresses, massage breasts, let your baby nurse frequently to relieve pressure, and try cold compresses afterward to reduce swelling. Ibuprofen can help too.
Plugged ducts: A tender lump in your breast could indicate a blocked milk duct. Massage the area and nurse frequently on that side. Change positions so your baby’s chin applies pressure over the plug. Apply a warm compress before and a cold compress after nursing.
Mastitis: Fever, chills, flu-like aches along with a red, swollen area of the breast may signal an infection requiring medical treatment. Continue nursing while taking antibiotics. Get extra sleep and up your water intake too.
Thrush: Persistent nipple pain together with white patches in the baby’s mouth could mean thrush, a yeast infection. Seek antifungal treatment for both you and your baby. Replace plastic bottle parts and sanitize pumps.
Pumping and Storing Breast Milk
Pumping allows you to build a stockpile of breastmilk for times you can’t directly breastfeed or want to get a break. Here’s a step-by-step guide to pumping:
- Wash your hands and sterilize pump parts. Assemble clean pump parts.
- Massage breasts to stimulate let-down. Pumping after a feeding is efficient.
- Pump until empty, about 10-15 minutes. Target every 2-3 hours around the clock.
- Label milk storage bags with the amount and date. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze 1-6 oz portions lying flat in the back of the freezer for up to 6 months.
When bottle-feeding pumped milk, choose a slow-flow nipple to prevent overfeeding. Warm milk by placing the bottle in warm water for a few minutes. Swirl gently before feeding to redistribute fat. Don’t microwave milk directly.
Follow safe storage guidelines to preserve your milk. With a little practice, you’ll get the hang of pumping and have peace of mind knowing your baby has a supply ready when needed.
Diet and Lifestyle Considerations
Your diet and self-care also play a role in successful breastfeeding. Here are some tips:
- Eat a balanced diet with extra calories, protein, and fruits/veggies for you and your baby. Stay hydrated. Avoid fish high in mercury.
- Limit caffeine to 2-3 cups of coffee. Avoid alcohol or limit to occasional light drinking.
- Make time to shower, rest when the baby sleeps, and eat regular meals. Ask for help around the house.
- Vary nursing positions and surfaces to get comfortable. Use pillows to support your back, arms, and baby.
- Set up a nursing station with water, snacks, burp cloths, pillows, a remote, phone charger. Side-lying in bed works too.
- Join a breastfeeding support group to connect with other nursing moms. Lactation consultants are invaluable resources as well.
- Expect some discomfort the first 1-2 weeks until your nipples toughen up. Use creams, gel pads, and nipple shields to help.
Caring for yourself will give you the stamina required for the round-the-clock demands of breastfeeding a newborn. Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods, drinking enough water, and getting rest. Don’t hesitate to enlist help from loved ones too!
FAQs
How long should I breastfeed?
A: Current recommendations are to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, then continue with solids until at least 1 year and as long thereafter as mutually desired. The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses nursing for at least the first year of life. Know there are benefits to nursing beyond infancy too!
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
A: Look for signs of satiety like frequent wet/dirty diapers, weight gains, and overall contentment after feeds. The sound of swallowing and seeing milk around their lips also means the transfer is happening!
Is it possible to breastfeed in public discreetly?
A: Absolutely – with the right cover-up you can breastfeed on the go without making a scene. Try a lightweight nursing scarf or a nursing top with a flap. Babywearing while nursing provides privacy too.
What if I want to give my baby a bottle?
A: Giving the occasional bottle, whether of formula or pumped breastmilk, will not confuse your baby or undermine breastfeeding. Introduce a bottle within the first few weeks for flexibility later on when mom’s away.
What should I do if breastfeeding is painful?
A: If your nipples hurt beyond the initial discomfort, your latch likely needs adjusting. See a lactation consultant to get positioned correctly and avoid damage. Also apply creams, and hydrogel pads, and use a nipple shield as needed. Severe or lasting pain needs medical attention.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has armed you with the key concepts and tips to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. While breastfeeding takes dedication, know that any amount you can provide is still valuable. Don’t hesitate to consult lactation specialists, nurses, your doula, midwives, doctors, and fellow nursing moms for support. Trust the process and remember to enjoy these special moments bonding with your new baby!