Whether you are a first time mom or a seasoned mom, every baby makes you a new mom again when it comes to breastfeeding. Navigating breastfeeding takes practice with each new baby and does not always come naturally for either of you. They are learning for the first time, as you are learning your new routine with your new babe. Some moms says that breastfeeding comes naturally but for many others it takes dedication and effort. If breastfeeding is something you are able and willing to do, there are tons of resources and support available to make the journey easier. However your breastfeeding journey looks, it is my wish that you enjoy to the fullest extent possible. After three babes, here are my favorite breastfeeding tips for new moms to ensure success.
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Throw Away Mom Pressure And Guilt
First things first, breastfeeding is a choice. it is one of the many choices you will make as a new mom. It can be difficult to feel confident as a new mother if breastfeeding is not your preferred method for feeding your baby, or baby is not gaining adequate weight. Do not let family members, doctors, or social media allow you to feel pressured or guilty to continue
with a breastfeeding journey if it does not work for you and your baby. Making sure your baby is well fed is all that matters. That being said, if breastfeeding is something you are committed to doing, it is definitely possible! I hear moms say all the time they don’t think they can breastfeed for various reasons. If it is something you want to do, commit to it and be as prepared as possible. Utilize support and resources to ensure your journey is successful and enjoyable.
Latching Correctly Makes All The Difference
I learned this one the hard way! Helping your baby learn to latch in an optimal position is often the key to breastfeeding. If the latch is too shallow or not positioned well it can be extremely painful for the mom and the baby may not get milk efficiently during feeding. I learned how to latch with my first baby while still in the hospital. The lactation consultant support was vital as we found our latch together and their hands on support made all the difference before bad habits were formed. A couple of key indicators to a strong latch include your baby’s nose close to your breast, an open jaw through the ear, and positioning over the nipple.
With my first baby, I was unaware that she was “fake” feeding at first and was drinking very little. It wasn’t until the lactation consultant showed me how to break the baby off and get a better latch that I learned what feeding should look like. Do not be afraid to ask for help with latching at any point, and enlist the resources available at the hospital and doctor’s offices. There are also tons of videos available on youtube for extra help. Once your baby learns a strong latch, things will feel a million times easier. It becomes natural for them with additional practice and eases any discomfort for mom.
Breastfeeding Tools For Success
Even before baby arrives, you want to be prepared with breastfeeding gear. Invest in a support pillow such as the Boppy or My Brest Friend to ensure you have the right posture for feeding. Look into getting a manual pump for collecting extra milk or an automatic pump to store milk for future use. Breastfeeding can be incredible for bonding with baby, but it can also be helpful if your baby will accept pumped milk from someone else so that you can be away for a feeding if needed. If you are a working mom, pumping can be crucial to continuing your breastfeeding journey.
Stock up on nipple cream and breast pads for any leaking. I love Bamboobies for both of these items, and have always found them to be effective and super comfortable. Heating pads can be helpful for any engorgement you might struggle with. My go-to was always super hot showers anytime I had engorgement pain! If you think you might be struggling with a clogged duct or mastitis (both of which are very common) seej oiur
Related: Postpartum Care Essentials For Mom That You Need For Week 1
Accept Help
When it comes to breastfeeding, help comes in lots of forms. Seek out and accept anything that will help you! Utilize lactation consultants or resources to support with an optimal breastfeeding experience. Pump milk and allow family to feed baby if you want to so that you can nap or run an errand. Allow friends to make you meals or run errands for you. Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey if it is something you want, but you should never feel pressure. It can be very demanding for the mom and it is not always enjoyable or easy. However you decide to feed your baby, you are doing the best job for your baby! If you decide to use or supplement with formula, there are tons of great options to continue to provide nutrition to your little one.
Related: Top Rated Organic Baby Formula for 2020
Get Comfortable
With breastfeeding, clothing is all about comfort and easy access! With my newest baby, I did a much better job finding bras and clothing suitable for nursing that were comfortable and still made me feel good. My favorite nursing bras are from Kindred Bravely. It isn’t fun to deal with a normal bra with round the clock nursing! I always sleep in my nursing bras during the postpartum period for added support so comfort is a must. My favorite line of nursing bras for sleep and everyday wear is from Kindred Bravely. Use this link for 20 percent off your first purchase!
Being comfortable matters for both you and baby, You may want to try different breastfeeding positions to find what works best for both of you. It may take a little trial and error, but getting comfortable with help with your enjoyment as well as your milk production.
Be Prepared For Obstacles
Even for seasoned moms, a breastfeeding journey can involve many obstacles along the way. Between mastitis, engorgement pain and supply issues, there are various things that can pop up. As a new mom, nobody told me anything about breastfeeding. I was not prepared for the extreme pain when my milk came in after the colostrum. I was unable to recognize the signs of mastitis when it occurred. Initially I thought cracked and bleeding nipples were part of normal latching. I wish I would have known what is normal and what I should have been asking for help on. In hindsight, I should have asked for support right away to learn how to get the right latch. I would have liked to prepare better during pregnancy instead of being thrown into breastfeeding once baby arrived. Take some time to get ready for your breastfeeding journey and find your groove with your sweet little one! Breastfeeding is an incredible journey, mama. Cheers to your breastfeeding adventure with each of your babes!
All the Best,
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