“A newborn has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three.”
Dr. Grantly Dick-Read
If you are a new mother, you will surely relate to the beauty of breastfeeding your newborn. Your breast milk is an ideal supply of nutrients for your little one; it’s a perfect mix of life-supporting proteins, vitamins, and fats. If you nurse your infant right and for a significant span of six months, they are likely to build a better immune system and enjoy a healthy & active life.
Now if you are a new mom, you need to know that your breastfeeding journey can be both a satisfying and overwhelming experience. It is filled with surprises that could be lovely for some and painful for others.
Though women with all their best intentions choose to breastfeed their babies, the disappointing thing is, problems do occur. Starting from lactation issues and nipple pain to soreness and low milk supply, the list could be endless for first-time mommies.
Breastfeeding Tips and Information for New Mothers
To help you succeed at breastfeeding, we have curated a list of breastfeeding tips for new moms. We believe this will ease your nursing journey, let’s take a look.
Be Patients When You Start Producing Milk
Your body starts producing colostrums when you are pregnant.
Colostrum is a nutrient-rich, syrupy, pre-milk that is important for your baby in the first few days after birth. It takes time for your body to typically start producing milk; for some, it is two to three days and for some, it is five to six days.
Well, that is completely okay, you don’t need to panic. If you are still concerned, you may call a lactation consultant.
Help Your Baby Find the Right Latch and Position
Breastfeeding is not only difficult for you, but for your baby too. Your baby may struggle in the initial days to find the best position.
You are required to pay attention to the position your baby finds comfortable. However, if you are still unsure of the position here are some tips to find a feeding position that works for both you and your baby.
- Position your baby such that the mouth is in level with your nipple.
- Make sure your baby doesn’t turn their head much as it depicts discomfort.
- Slightly tilt their heads backward.
- Ensure your baby latches onto the entire areola, not just the nipple.
- Tilt the chin right up against your breast so that it doesn’t block their nose.
Apart from this, learn it gradually and don’t force any of the positions. It may take some time to understand what your baby prefers; so, just let it happen naturally. Focus on your baby’s comfort rest will happen automatically through the course of breastfeeding.
Be Prepared for Frequent Nursing
Newborns tend to nurse a lot, and with a stomach of the size of an egg, they constantly need your milk to refuel themselves. So, you have to be prepared for frequent nursing.
If your baby needs more milk, your body will produce more milk. This way, your baby helps your body realize the pattern and demand as to how much milk it needs to make.
Just relax and be prepared for frequent nursing to your baby!
Don’t Worry About Milk Supply
Mothers are usually concerned about how much milk their baby is getting, but they shouldn’t worry too much. However, it can be a concern if your baby is always hungry. Moreover, if your body takes time to understand your baby’s hunger pattern, then gradually it starts producing enough milk.
Also, if your baby is not making five or six wet diapers a day, you don’t need to worry about milk supply.
Avoid Nipple Confusion
Though experts recommend using a bottle or a pacifier, you should wait to introduce the same. Otherwise, your baby will have a hard time getting back to the breast. However, finding the right bottle could be difficult at first; so, you may have to try several before you get the right one for your baby.
Don’t Scrub Your Nipples
Many women tend to scrub their nipples with a loofah or a scrub to tighten it and prepare it for breastfeeding. However, this is completely unnecessary. Understand pregnancy is already a hard time full of challenges why you are adding chapped nipples to your list of issues further.
Cure Tender Nipples
Nipples can hurt after continuous nursing of three hours as they are already sensitive. You may feel pain and soreness due to any reason, it could be a bad latch or you are not accustomed to the practice. You need to get used to nursing your baby. It is as simple as that; so, just grab a seat and relax.
You can rub purified lanolin onto your nipples after each nursing session to cure sore nipples. It will prevent chafing and excessive dryness. You can also resort to teabag for a warm compress as the tannins in tea are best for healing blisters and cracks.
Work Out a Way with Inverted Nipples
Having inverted nipples may cause difficulty in feeding the baby. This is the reason you will see many people claiming that women with flat and inverted nipples won’t be able to breastfeed.
However, working out a solution for inverted nipples could be difficult, but surely not impossible. You can take the help of nipple shields. These are fitted covers that help stimulate the baby’s sucking reflex. This way, your breast tissues adjust over time and release an inverted nipple.
If you are also using nipple shields, make sure you consult a lactation specialist. It will help you determine the right time to wean an infant from using a shield.
Ask for Help
Everyone cannot be a super mom within two to three days of their baby’s birth, you need not take any pressure. The best way to curb this tendency is to accept the process and ask for help when you need it.
Let your partner, family, friends, and neighbors help you in taking care of your newborn. They can support you in finding some free time to de-stress yourself. With a fresh mind and active body, you can better feed your baby and enjoy the lovely phase of motherhood.
Breastfeed Anytime, Anywhere!
First time mothers often spend time sitting home and structure their schedule considering first time mom breastfeeding essentials. It is obvious for them as they aren’t used to it and may feel a little nervous about nursing in public. But, as soon as you get over this phase, you will feel free to nurse your baby anytime, and anywhere.
Upon this many moms tend to breastfeed their baby till six months, and some go for a year or two. Well, it depends on your baby what it wants as some babies do it fulfill hunger while some suckle for comfort and enjoy the special bonding time. So, take care of your baby’s preference as much as you do for your own.
Drink Loads of Water
It takes a lot of water to make milk and this is the reason that you will find many lactating women drinking loads of water. It is quite common for moms to feel thirstier than usual during pregnancy as their body is trying to adjust accordingly. So, a reusable water bottle should always be there on every first-time mother’s table.
Also, let your partner and other family members know about it; so, the next time you wake them up in the middle of the night to get some water to you, they won’t be surprised.
Don’t Forget About Your Comfort
Diapers, burp cloths, bibs, and whatnot, you may have shopped for your baby, but don’t forget about your own comfort.
Do carry some comfortable sleepwear and nursing bras. These are of great help when you cluster feed your little munchkin as you can’t afford to fiddle between doing and undoing your clothes.
Don’t Run Away From Breastfeeding Difficulties
Up till now, you may have understood that breastfeeding for new moms is not easy if not for all, then at least for some. You may experience a lot of challenges during breastfeeding, be it cracked or raw nipples from the constant action, or dryness and pain. Don’t ignore your wellbeing, as it is important for you and your baby. Consider reaching out to a healthcare professional.
Make every effort to minimize the stress and focus on the good. Understand that sometimes the things that matter the most and are worthwhile can be difficult. It’s the journey that matters in the end, after which you will be glad that you passed through the hardest time!
Final Word
Breastfeeding for new moms is a time when you enjoy the most beautiful moments of life with your little cutie. Nursing is the time when you and your baby together figure out how to hold, what to eat, what to drink, and how to sit, and in the end, you will realize that what all you did was worth it.
We hope it was a useful read. For more breastfeeding information for new mothers, consider checking our website and educate yourself about nursing and child-raising. We wish you a beautiful journey to motherhood!
