breastfeeding tips for new mom

Before discussing breastfeeding tips for new mom, Let’s first discuss about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is the process of feeding milk to baby produced by mammary glands of breast of females. Mammary glands, though also present in males but these are highly developed in females. Mammary glands get triggered when the female gives birth to the newborn. Breast milk contain important essentials needed for baby growth and development , it contains immune boosting immunoglobins.

Table of Contents

Benefits for Baby:

Optimal nutrition: Breast milk provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to the baby.
Boosts immune system: Antibodies in breast milk protect against infections and boost the immune system of the baby.
Brain development: Breast milk contains fatty acids for brain growth of baby.
Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact promotes emotional connection and a female feels happy to breastfeed her baby.
Reduced risk of many diseases in baby such as :
- Respiratory tract infections
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
- Allergies
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Benefits for Mother:

Promotes contraction of uterine: Helps return uterus to pre-pregnancy size and obtain its original shape.
Weight loss: Burns calories, helping postpartum weight loss and to gain pre body weight .
Reduced risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Postpartum depression
Emotional benefits: Releases oxytocin hormone, promoting feelings of love and bonding with her child.
Convenient and beneficial to the baby.

These are the benefits of breastfeeding but what are the breastfeeding tips for new mom? let us discuss some basic breastfeeding tips for new mom here..

1.Preparation

Attend breastfeeding classes or workshops to get breastfeeding tips for new mom so as to ask any doubt regarding breastfeeding without any hesitation. It is the perfect place to have real life example by the experts.
Consult with a lactation ( lactation is the process of making and secreting milk by the breast) consultant.
Read breastfeeding books or ask your elder ones for advice.
Prepare nursing-friendly clothing and nursing bras which makes your breastfeeding journey easy.
Look for breastfeeding pillow to so as to have physical support while breastfeeding the baby and it also reduces strain on the body.
Create a comfortable place for breastfeeding in your home.
Drink plenty of water while breastfeeding.
Try to stay relax as stress can effect milk supply and baby may not get enough milk. The most important breastfeeding tips for new mom is to stay relaxed.

2.Latching

Latching means how a baby attaches to the breast for feeding. It does not come naturally but it has to be connected by the mother and the baby. Proper latching comes from emotional attachment between the mother and the baby.

Proper latch: Ensure baby’s mouth covers areola ( circular dark colored area around the nipple), not just nipple.
Hold baby close, skin-to-skin to develop emotional attachment.
Support baby’s head and neck and prefer to use breastfeeding pillow.
Try different positions: cradle, football, side-lying and continue with that in which you feel comfortable as the basic breastfeeding tips for new mom.
The baby should have a wide-open mouth when approaching the breast. This helps ensure that the baby take in enough breast tissue and baby’s mouth covers the areola region.

3.Positioning

Laid-Back Position: The mother leans back, with the baby resting on her stomach. This encourages the baby to latch on naturally. This position is convenient to most mothers as it reduces strain from the back.

Cradle Hold: The baby lies across your lap, with their head in the crook of your arm and their body supported along your forearm. This position supports the head of the baby. Prefer to keep your shoulders relaxed.

Football Hold: The baby is tucked under your arm, with their feet pointing toward your back. This can be helpful for moms recovering from a C-section. This position allows mothers to have clear view on baby latch so that they can ensure proper latching position for their baby.

Side-Lying Position: Both you and your baby lie on same sides, facing each other. This is great for night time feedings when mother wants to take some rest or for moms who need to rest, reducing strain from both neck and head.

4.Establishing Milk Supply

Frequent feeding (8-12 times/24 hours), this will stimulate milk production.
Prefer to completely feed the baby from one side so as to empty the breast, empty breast will trigger to produce more milk.
Avoid supplements such as formula milk , use only when needed.
Pumping: Express milk after feedings to stimulate production.
Take proper sleep, lack of sleep can affect milk supply as lack of sleep make your body tired.
A proper latch can result in effective extract of milk by the baby.
Be hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.

Ensuring that the baby get enough milk supply is the most important breastfeeding tips for new mom.