8 Breastfeeding Tips Guaranteed to Make Nursing Mom’s Life Easier

Breastfeeding comes naturally for many moms, but for some it’s challenging. Although breastfeeding is a very natural process, it’s not as easy as it might seem, especially for new moms. That’s why breastfeeding tips are so helpful. Get in the know, so you’re not overwhelmed when trying to feed your baby.

Breastfeeding Tips

There could be many reasons, like wrong baby latching, milk portions,etc. that could make the process overwhelming for nursing mothers. We’ve partnered with Whattoexpect.com to get expert breastfeeding tips to make nursing easier for new mothers.

Breastfeed the Baby Shortly After Birth

According to Whattoexpect.com, “Babies are born ready to breastfeed and show extra eagerness to suck during the first two hours after birth; the sucking reflex is at its most powerful about 30 to 60 minutes after birth.”

Try feeding the baby in the first hour after birth to start on a successful note. But chances are that it might not happen at the first go, so don’t stress and keep attempting at intervals.

Breastfeeding Is Not Painful

Breastfeeding can only hurt if the baby is not latched on to your breasts in the rightway. To make sure the baby has been latched on correctly, position your breasts near your baby’s nose to let her open her mouth and latch on properly and tightly.

Once the baby is latched on you won’t be able to see the lips. This will ensure your baby is taking a good feed while you are comfortable at the same time. If the feeding gets painful, chances are that the nipple is not entirely in the baby’s mouth.

Taking Care of your Diet and Lifestyle

The first few months after the birth of your baby could be challenging as you’re adapting to the new addition in your life. Looking after the baby and nurturing him could take a lot of your time. And this could in-turn take a toll on your dietary requirements and rest.So let other family members take care of the house while you look after your baby and yourself.

Eat well, drink lots of water and rest well, because focusing on self-care will let your body get adjusted to the changes in a healthy way. Consider drinking Mother’s Milk Tea to increase your milk supply, keep you hydrated, and destress.

Nurse Your Baby in a Comfortable Position

Frequent feeds and varying feeding time can lead to holding your baby for a significant amount of time. And if you nurse your baby in an uncomfortable position, you will end up straining your back, shoulder, and neck,especially those mothers who have undergone a C-section.

So get comfortable first before you feed your baby. Either lie on your side or sit in a reclined position with your baby facing you. You can also use pillows (or, our favorite, a boppy pillow!) or just a cushioned surface to help you ease while your baby is feeding without a disturbance.

Many Feeds Are Normal for a Newborn

Babies are always hungry as the size of their stomach is only as big as an egg. Also, breast milk is the perfect food for babies and gets quickly digested. Hence babies are constantly hungry and require multiple feeds in the beginning.

The demand and supply will allow your body to learn how to produce the right amount of milk according to the baby’s feeding requirements.

Don’t Worry About the Supply and Consistency

Breastmilk changes in consistency according to three different stages namely the Colostrum, Transitional milk, and mature milk. The three different stages aid the requirements of your growing baby which may differ from day 1 to-day 10.

Mothers often think that they are producing less supply for their baby as they keep feeding in small time intervals.However, the reason for this is quick digestion of their food. So as long as your changing your baby’s diapers 4-5 times a day, be rest assured that your milk supply is enough for the baby.

Relieving Plugged Milk Ducts

A plugged milk duct means when the milk gets backed up and nursing becomes very painful. In order to relieve yourself from this pain, give your baby the affected side first to clear the clog. If the baby is unable to pull well then express the breastmilk by hand or with a breast pump.

To ease the pain try taking hot showers or use hot compresses. If the clog is still painful, seek medical assistance right away.In most cases, the clog happens if the baby is not taking proper feedings because of a wrong latch and the milk is not being sucked well. So mamas, now you know the significance of a good latch.

Read more about clogged milk ducts vs mastitis here. 

Keep Your Lactation Expert on Speed Dial

Before you start breastfeeding find a professional lactation consultant first. Let them observe the way you’re feeding your baby to know if you’re doing it the right way. The lactation experts will also guide you on how to take care of your nursing breasts. Keep them on speed dial to get an opinion right away. Ensuring both you and your baby’s health is right on track.

Get more information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and being a new mother at whattoexpect.com.