Simple Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms in the First Month
The first weeks of breastfeeding can be exhausting, emotional, and completely draining, so here are some simple breastfeeding tips for new moms in the first month. The early weeks can have you feeling so depleted that you might even want to give up. You are experiencing a huge hormone change as your body is trying to get back to its pre pregnant state. You are exhausted physically and emotionally and you might be asking yourself, is it even worth it to breastfeed. I am here to tell you, it definitely is! If you can make it through the first month of roller coasters (and I know you can!) then you will be very pleased that you did, and so will your baby! Follow these tips and rest assured you will make it through the first few weeks of breastfeeding and beyond.
Simple Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms in the First Month
- Do skin to skin every chance you get! I recommend breastfeeding in skin to skin contact with every feeding in the first few weeks. Studies show that skin to skin contact in the early weeks promotes proper latch, increased number of feedings, increased milk supply, and many, many other things! Put your baby in skin to skin if you have a sleepy baby and it is time for a feeding, and if they are not waking up on their own to feed. Or, skin to skin is wonderful if you just want to provide comfort and cuddles!
- Find a position that is comfortable for you and your baby. Every mom and baby are different, so try these different positions and see what feels best for you. In my experience, I recommend using the cross cradle hold in the first couple weeks to improve the quality of the latch. This allows control of the baby and your breast for a proper latch. Then as he or she has latched, gently switch arms to the cradle hold for a more comfortable position for you.
- Relax! I know this is easier said than done, but very important. The baby can feel your tension and it could make your baby feel stress causing issues with latch and feedings. I highly recommend finding ways to de-stress especially during more stressful times in your life. But, this is also a good concept to practice every day. Deep breathing and relaxation assists with your milk ejection reflex and will keep your baby happy while feeding.
- Ask for a Lactation Counselor or a Lactation Consultant. Many hospitals have counselors and consultants right on their labor and delivery floor. If your hospital doesn’t offer this service, there are many nurses that have several years experience with assisting with breastfeeding. It is a good idea to have a skilled person to assess the baby’s positioning and latch while you are at the hospital to resolve any issues there may be. I have found most of the time, it is a simple fix to a small problem that can change the whole breastfeeding experience.
- Expect to breastfeed a lot during the first weeks. This is your baby’s way to naturally bring in a good milk supply for you. The early weeks are the most important for establishing a good milk supply. You being prepared for this will help you transition during this time. Your baby should be breastfeeding at least 8-12 times in a 24 hour period which is an average of every 2-3 hours. Let your baby feed on demand or when he or she is ready! It may seem like all you are doing is breastfeeding, but your baby needs to eat often for proper growth and development. Also, your breasts need to be emptied frequently to make plenty of milk. As your baby grows, he or she will be able to transfer a lot more milk in a shorter amount of time and the amount of feedings per day will lessen. Cluster feedings are common and a very normal part of breastfeeding. So, allow your baby to do this, it will pay off in the end. You will be filled with pride, peace, and a full milk supply!
Getting through the first month is usually the most difficult, but will also be the most rewarding! Remember, when you want to give up, just try one more day, and then another day. Eventually, you will have made it to your goal! You will be amazed and thankful for the experience that you will have had with your baby!
