10 Breastfeeding Tips for Beginners
As a first time mom, I learned so much about breastfeeding this past month. Immediately after giving birth via c-section, I got my baby latched, but I had no idea what I was doing! Today, I’m sharing 10 tips that have helped me the most in my journey so far.
It’s important to get baby latched as soon as possible after giving birth. Some people are able to do the breast crawl but since I had a c-section it was too painful for me. However, I did ensure that I wasn’t put to sleep for the c-section because I wanted immediate skin-to-skin for golden hour so that we could bond and breastfeed right away. I had no idea what I was doing and I was shaking a lot from all the medication and adrenaline post-surgery, but I had the nurses help prop me up so I could get baby on the boob during that crucial time. Luckily, he was interested and latched quickly which isn’t always the case.
The first 2-2.5 are the roughest! Your nipples will be sore and raw but push through it. With that being said, it shouldn’t be painful. Once baby is latched after a few seconds, it should feel like firm but gentle tugging and not sharp pinching. In the beginning, your nipples will likely hurt with a good latch anyway because your skin is sensitive and getting used to it, but they shouldn’t feel pinched.
Make sure you have some cooling gels and good nipple balm to use in between feeds. I used Medela Lanolin the first few days then switched to Earth Mama Nipple Butter. I also have Motherlove Nipple Cream on-hand as well which I plan on using once I’m done with Earth Mama. It’s important to get something that will be moisturizing and healing for your tender nipples that also doesn’t need to be wiped off before feeding baby because your nipples are already going to feel very sensitive and you’ll want to minimize how much you touch them.
Your nipples and baby’s mouth can get a yeast infection! Change your breast pads often to prevent thrush from growing. I have a lot of milk and leak quite a bit, so I go through a few sets per day. I prefer reusable ones and go through 2-3 per day. I also have disposable ones handy for wash days or for when I’m out and about.
Cross cradle is one of my go-to feeding positions. To ensure a good latch for this position, first check to see that baby’s body is flat against you. Then, point your nipple towards their nose and wait until they open wide. Support their neck then gently, but swiftly help them latch on before they narrow their mouth.
If your breastfeeding pillow is not tall enough, use additional pillows to prop up the sides to better support your arms and baby. I have the Boppy which isn’t really tall enough on its own for me, but my midwives later suggested “My Breast Friend” as a better option.
Wait to give your baby a bottle or pacifier until you’ve established a good breastfeeding relationship at around 3-4 weeks. This will give baby time to get used to your natural nipple first, ensure you’re able to establish a good milk supply, and get your technique down.
A mistake I made was using a Haakaa to catch my milk too early, which took away from my baby’s nutrients and slowed down his weight gain because I was freezing it. Wait to catch your milk with suction or breast pump until baby regains their birth weight. I had to supplement with the freezer stash I created because he wasn’t gaining weight fast enough and he would have benefited more from having the milk upfront.
A lactation consultant told me that your supply is highest between 6-8 AM. She suggested that as the best time to pump. Instead of using my pump, I use my Haakaa at this time since my baby usually falls back asleep before my boobs are “empty”. I recently was able to get 2 ounces of milk for his evening bottle which felt like a huge success! An alternative option is pumping for 10-15 minutes on each side 2-3 times a day after a feed.
Feeding sessions can take up to an hour at times. Be sure to get settled in and comfortable before getting started. Use the restroom, get some water, a snack, and have your phone, a book, or the remote handy to help pass the time.
I’m by no means an expert and still learning, but these are some key factors that have helped me a lot my first month. I hope this insight makes your journey into breastfeeding a bit smoother! Linking some of my favorite breastfeeding accessories below*
Reusable Breast Pads (My go-to leak protection. I love the shape, that they’re thin, and still work well!)
Nipple Butter (Apply generously in between feedings.)
Nursing Bra (My top choice out of all the nursing bras I own. Debating on purchasing a second set because I go through a new bra every 1-2 days. If you’re in between sizes, I recommend sizing up. I wear a medium.)
Haakaa (I prefer this style over other ones on the market that I’ve tried. I recommend having several handy!)
Disposable Pads (These are great for wash days or when I’m out and about.)
*affiliate links included