9 Helpful Breastfeeding Tips
- Category: Must-reads
- Posted On:
- Written By: Kim Richterberg, Lactation Consultant
1. Breastfeed whenever your baby shows feeding cues
- It sounds like a lot, but your baby needs your milk, and your breasts need the stimulation to bring in an abundant milk supply. Newborns need to be fed around the clock so that they get eight or more feedings each 24-hour period.
2. Wake your baby up well before feedings
- A drowsy baby will not feed for long. Undress the diaper, rub the tummy and back, and talk to and rock your baby until the eyes open. A good strategy is to put the baby naked (except for a diaper) on your chest skin-to-skin for 1/2 hour prior to feeds.
3. Keep your baby sucking through the feeding
- If your baby drifts off to sleep, "bug baby" to keep awake. Massage your baby's feet or back, use cool washcloths, and talk to keep your baby feeding. Look for vigorous sucking on each breast.
4. Try baby-led latching
- Get into a reclined position and place the baby on top of you in any position that is comfortable for you. Allow the baby to locate the breast and latch. Baby's head will bob to locate the breast. When the chin feels the breast first, the mouth will open wide and latch. Try again if you feel any nipple pain.
5. If your breasts get full, keep the milk flowing
- Engorgement is common in the first few days. Keeping the milk moving helps. A warm compress and gentle massage before and during a feeding or pumping session can help remove additional milk. After feeding the baby or pumping, try a bit of hand expression if you still feel very full. Ice packs are an excellent way to reduce swelling in the breast, and they will feel good!
6. Look for one wet diaper according to baby's age until day 6
- For example, three wet diapers on day three, four on day four, and so on. Continue with six wet diapers and 2-3 stools daily. More is fine, but if you are not getting these minimums, call a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider to evaluate your situation and get advice.
7. If your nipples get sore
- Try the sandwich hold. Gently squeeze the breast into a "sandwich." Create an oval of the areola with your thumb lined up with your baby's nose and your fingers under the breast.
8. When do I get to sleep
- Sleep when your baby sleeps. Newborns tend to feed often at night and sleep more during the day. Around-the-clock feeds are grueling; you can maximize your sleep by napping when your baby does. Accustom yourself to these quick "cat naps" to help you feel refreshed. You can also encourage the baby to spend more time awake during the day by feeding and playing.
9. Find your groove
- It will take several weeks for you and your baby to get into a pattern of feedings and nap times. Go with the flow and learn what your baby's natural rhythms are. Schedules do not tend to work until the baby is a bit older and bigger. You can encourage a more predictable pattern later.
- The information provided is intended solely for general educational and informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your or your infant's medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have received in this information.
What you can expect during your visit with one of our lactation consultants:
During a consult, the lactation consultant will ask a few questions to understand what issues or concerns the parent(s) have. The baby will be weighed naked then again. However, the baby will be fed (i.e., just a diaper or fully clothed). The lactation consultant will watch how the mom latches the baby, recommend changes, and provide assistance if needed. After the baby nurses, the lactation consultant will weigh the baby again to see how much milk the baby has transferred. Mom will offer the baby the other breast, and the lactation consultant will weigh the baby again. Once the baby is finished nursing, the mom will pump, and the lactation consultant will calculate how much milk the mom is producing and how much milk the baby needs and make recommendations accordingly. The lactation consultant will refer the parents to the appropriate resources if other services are needed (i.e., feeding therapy, chiropractor).