Despite breastfeeding’s reputation as the “natural” way to feed babies, it doesn’t always come naturally to new moms and babies. It takes some patience, time, and trial and error to discover what works best for you. After all, it’s a new skill for both of you! In some cases, that could mean solely breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, supplementing with bottle feeding, or formula feeding, or even some combination of those. At Motherfigure, we believe fed is best (no matter how), but if you need breastfeeding help, we’ve got resources for that, too.
Research has shown that mother’s milk can benefit babies in their growth, development, and overall health. It may also lower the chances of certain illnesses. Northwestern Medicine advises that babies should be fed with breast milk for their first six months of life, and ideally up to the infant’s first birthday.
Breastfeeding support in the hospital
After a baby is born, postpartum nurses will help monitor the mother and baby’s health and share tips about transitioning into life with a newborn. Your nurses are trained to offer some guidance on getting your first (or fifth) latch.
Most hospitals have lactation counselors on staff who will pay a visit to help and guide new mothers as they learn how to nurse the newborn. They’ll check your latch, offer tips on breastfeeding positions, and strategically encourage the newborn to latch onto the breast. (Be warned: They might get handsy.)
They have in-depth training to help mothers learn the best breastfeeding methods, and they help with difficult nursing situations, such as breastfeeding premature infants, breastfeeding twins or triplets, breastfeeding babies with medical conditions, or ineffective breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding help and tips for improving your breast milk supply
The reality for most of us is that your breast milk won’t come in for several days, the very days when you’re trying to get the hang of this thing by nursing your baby on colostrum. That’s expected, which is why doctors expect that newborns will lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight in their first days of life. Try not to panic in these early days. Your breast milk supply isn’t there yet, and it isn’t supposed to be.
But plenty of women have low milk supply in general, and there are tips for increasing supply.
- Nurse the baby often. This is your best bet, as breast milk is a supply-and-demand function, so if your body perceives greater demand, it’ll get biological cues to produce more
- Breastfeed for 10 to 15 minutes per breast to be sure you stimulate milk production
- Breastfeed using both breasts each time
- Switching between breasts during feedings helps to keep tired babies who need to eat awake
- Rest as much as possible, and try to get into a relaxed state before breastfeeding. Rushing or worrying can make it more difficult.
- Be sure your baby is properly latched on, to supply pressure underneath the areola on the milk reservoirs
- At every feeding, drink a large glass of water
- Incorporate more veggies and protein into your diet
- Pump for a few minutes an hour after breastfeeding until the supply stops—that way, even when baby isn’t feeding, you’re telling your body to ramp up that supply!
If you’re still struggling with supply, there are products on the market called galactagogues, substances that purport to increase milk supply.
Try reaching out to a lactation consultant who can offer additional guidance. Your local milk bank may also have milk available for you to supplement. And remember—there’s no right way to feed YOUR baby, so long as your baby is being nourished. Some women choose to exclusively pump. Some women turn to the solution of formula. And some keep at breastfeeding with help.
Dealing with sore nipples from breastfeeding
Friction is common, especially in the early days. It tends to happen when your baby isn’t latched on properly, latching to the nipple and not the areola, leading to sensitive and sore nipples.
Irritation of the nipples can also be caused by moisture from leaking milk or wet breast pads.
To prevent sore nipples, attempt to use the correct body positioning and latch techniques, breastfeed often, and soften the areola through areolar expression. Use soaps and lotions that are gentle and not drying, and switch up your breastfeeding positions regularly.
When your baby is done feeding, remove him or her from your breast carefully, and expel a small amount of milk from your nipples to spread over them. Let it air dry to help calm the skin. Also be sure to change your bra liners anytime they get wet to avoid irritation.
If you experience intense pain, there are certain relief techniques you can practice:
- Start feeding on the less sore breast first because usually they’ll be more hungry and forceful at first
- You can also try breastfeeding more often but for shorter periods of time. Icing the areola and nipple prior to breastfeeding can help with tenderness, as well
- Keep your nipples dry, remove your bra at home, wear loose clothes, and apply a moisturizer like Aquaphor to the nipples
If you’re experiencing more serious pain, such as from a clogged duct, take measures to ensure that it doesn’t develop into mastitis.