Milk is an important food for little ones, whether they are infants or young children who are still growing. Feeding your baby correctly and understanding how to do so are essential to helping them receive the full benefits and supporting their growth and development.
This article shares breastfeeding tips and techniques for new moms, from preparing to breastfeed to caring for yourself and feeding your baby at different times, so you feel ready to feed your little one appropriately.
A Guide to Breastfeeding Correctly
- Benefits of Breast Milk
- Preparing to Breastfeed
- Breastfeeding Positions for New Moms
- Common Breastfeeding Problems
Benefits of Breast Milk
Before mature breast milk comes in, new moms should learn about "colostrum." You can read more here. Breast milk offers many benefits for newborns, including protection against illness, promoting growth, supporting the brain and immune system, and supporting overall physical development. Breastfeeding helps lay the foundation for good long-term health.
Preparing to Breastfeed
Before you begin breastfeeding, take time to prepare yourself. Breastfeeding uses a lot of energy and can sometimes be tiring. Here are some tips to help you get ready.
- Eat suitable foods: Eat foods that provide enough energy and protein, such as fresh fruit, a variety of vegetables, grains, and nutritious meat.
- Drink plenty of water: Preventing dehydration is important while breastfeeding to help maintain an adequate milk supply. Drink enough water throughout the day.
- Prioritize sleep: Getting enough sleep helps give you the energy you need to breastfeed. Make sure you rest enough and get as much sleep as your body needs.
| Caring for Yourself While Breastfeeding | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Eat foods rich in essential nutrients that support your health | Eat enough foods rich in essential nutrients that support your health to help your body produce sufficient milk for your baby. |
| Drink enough water | Drink enough water to maintain your body's fluid balance and help prevent fatigue. |
| Make time for rest and enough sleep | Make time for rest and enough sleep so your body can relax and be ready for the next feed. |
Preparing yourself before breastfeeding is important for helping new moms feed comfortably and maintain their energy throughout the process.
Breastfeeding Positions for New Moms
Holding your baby for breastfeeding is an important experience for both you and your baby. Here are two popular holds for new moms.
Cradle Hold
This basic breastfeeding position involves holding your baby across your lap. Sit comfortably and hold your baby across the front of your body. Position their head slightly higher than their body, then use your hand and arm to support them on their side, facing your breast.
Football Hold
For the football hold, start with your baby in a partly reclined position, then turn them onto their side while supporting their neck and the back of their head. Your baby feeds from the breast on the same side as the supporting hand, while your other hand supports your breast.
How to Help Your Baby Latch On Correctly
Whichever position you use, the key to breastfeeding is helping your baby attach to the breast correctly. This helps them get enough milk and reduces nipple pain for you. (Source: NHS)
- Hold your baby close to you, with their head, shoulders, and body aligned and their nose level with your nipple.
- Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide, as if yawning, then bring them toward your breast, chin first. Bring your baby to your breast rather than leaning your breast toward them.
- Your baby should take in both the nipple and most of the areola, especially the lower part. Their lips should turn outward, their chin should touch your breast, and their nose should remain uncovered.
- Look for rhythmic sucking, audible swallowing, and cheeks that do not draw inward. You should not have ongoing nipple pain.
- If feeding hurts or the latch is too shallow, gently insert your little finger into the corner of your baby's mouth to release the latch, then try again.
If you have short or inverted nipples (read more: Can Moms with Inverted Nipples Breastfeed?), or if nipple pain continues, consult a nurse or breastfeeding clinic.
Common Breastfeeding Problems
While breastfeeding, you may encounter problems that keep feeds from going as you would like. This section brings together possible problems and ways to address them, giving you information and techniques to help breastfeeding go as smoothly and successfully as possible.
Breastfeeding Challenges: When Mom Is Unwell
Sometimes you may become ill or have health problems that affect breastfeeding, such as a fever, headache, or chills. If this happens, get enough rest, eat enough nutritious food, and drink enough water to prevent dehydration. You can generally continue breastfeeding, but before taking any medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are breastfeeding. If you do not improve or your symptoms become more severe, see a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Breastfeeding Challenges: Fatigue and Stress
Breastfeeding can leave you feeling tired and stressed. Several things can help, including getting enough rest, eating nutritious foods to provide energy for breastfeeding, and doing gentle exercise such as walking to help your body recover after feeding. If you feel excessively tired or stressed, consult a doctor or healthcare professional for an assessment and suitable advice.
Breastfeeding Challenges: Feeding Schedules
Keeping track of feeding times can be challenging, but you can use reminders or a timer to help you log feeds. During the newborn stage, feed according to your baby's needs rather than following a rigid schedule. Watch for hunger cues such as turning toward the breast, opening their mouth, or sucking their hands. Newborns typically feed around 8–12 times a day (see more guidance in Feeding Schedule for Newborns to 12 Months). If you have questions or concerns about feeding times, talk with your family or breastfeeding support team for guidance and support from knowledgeable professionals.
| Possible Problems | Ways to Address Them |
|---|---|
| Mom is unwell | Get enough rest and eat enough nutritious food. |
| Mom feels tired and stressed | Get enough rest, eat nutritious foods, and do gentle exercise. |
| Feeding schedules | Use reminders or a timer, feed according to your baby's hunger cues, and keep a feeding log. |
This article has brought together breastfeeding tips and techniques for new moms. Preparing yourself before feeding is an important step toward helping breastfeeding go smoothly.
How Should You Prepare Before Breastfeeding?To help feeds go smoothly, you can gently massage your breasts or apply a warm compress before breastfeeding to encourage milk flow. Sit comfortably, keep drinking water nearby, and position your baby so they can latch on correctly.
What Problems Can Occur While Breastfeeding, and How Can You Address Them?Possible challenges include difficulty with breastfeeding positions, illness, or problems caring for your baby. Consult a doctor or specialist for advice and help resolving these issues.