8 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms (2024)
What we’ll cover in this post:
“What should I put on my baby registry?” “Do I need a changing table?” “Where is my baby going to sleep?”
As if there aren’t already a million things to think about when you’re pregnant; what about breastfeeding?
Once you start getting closer to having your baby, your Google search history may look a little bit different than in early pregnancy. Our minds tend to wonder from nursery concerns to “How am I going to care for this baby?” Toward the end of your pregnancy, you’re probably searching things like:
“Breastfeeding newborn tips”
“Breastfeeding advice”
“How to breastfeed”
“Breastfeeding tips for new moms”
Although breastfeeding/chestfeeding is described as the “natural” way to feed our babies, sometimes it doesn’t always come naturally to us.
It is common to run into a few challenges as a new parent who is also new to breastfeeding.
Motherboard is here to help!
Let’s discuss some common breastfeeding challenges, some ways to overcome these challenges, and some breastfeeding tips.
Common breastfeeding challenges
Sore nipples/Cracked nipples
When you first start breastfeeding/chestfeeding, your nipples may become sore. It should never be painful if your baby is latching properly, but it can still be a bit uncomfortable at first.
It’s important to know that slightly sore nipples can happen, but your nipples should not be cracked or bleeding. If you are experiencing cracking or bleeding, you need to see a lactation consultant for assistance.
For sore nipples, there are a few things you can do to cope:
A good quality nipple cream - It’s best to find one that you do not have to wipe off before baby nurses again. You can apply this after each feeding to help soothe your nipples.
Soothing gel pads - These are pads that can be left in the fridge and used multiple times in between feedings. They provide a cooling sensation to help soothe sore nipples.
*You may need to wash your nipples prior to feeding your baby again.
Going topless/braless - In those first few days before your mature milk comes in, your breasts likely won’t be leaking a whole bunch. Take advantage of not having to wear breast pads and stay topless/braless as much as possible. This will help to “air out” your nipples.
Rub some leftover breast milk into your nipples after feedings - Breast milk is literally magical unicorn juice. It’s really great for helping to heal cuts, rashes, skin irritations, and sore nipples! Just rub some of the extra milk left over on your breasts into your nipples after each feeding and let them air dry.
Improper latch
An improper latch can be caused by a myriad of different issues. Some signs of an improper latch include:
Pain during breastfeeding
Cracked or bleeding nipples
Baby frequently latching/unlatching during nursing sessions
Nipple blanching or discoloration
If you are experiencing any of these signs of an improper latch, you should make an appointment to see a lactation consultant ASAP. Typically, latch issues can be easily fixed with something simple like a position change.
Clogged milk ducts
Clogged milk ducts can be a real pain. If clogs are not cleared promptly, they can lead to pain and mastitis. This is just what it sounds like; a fatty “chunk” of milk gets stuck in a milk duct and causes a blockage.
Signs of a clogged milk duct include:
Shooting pain in breast while baby is nursing
The feeling of a “knot” or a “lump” in your breast
Sometimes there will be engorgement or swelling around the lump
A milk blister or “bleb” visible on your nipple
What can you do to help a clogged milk duct?
Nurse your baby - Your baby is going to suck most effectively and efficiently to help remove the clog
Use heat and massage - You can take a warm shower and massage your breasts and/or use a warm pack on your breasts. Massage the lump down and out toward your nipple to help relieve the clog
Try epsom salt and warm water - A newer way that breastfeeding parents are relieving clogged ducts is by using a Haaka. This is a wearable breast pump/milk catcher. You fill it with warm water and epsom salt and attach it to your breast. You leave it on for about 10 minutes and you can repeat this process multiple times a day until the clog is cleared.
Dangle feed - Sometimes, if you nurse your baby a certain way, it helps to clear the clog. Dangle feeding is when you stand over your baby with your breasts dangling over them. Ideally, you want the clogged area on your baby’s chin.
Have your partner help - If all other methods have failed, you may need to ask your partner for assistance. Although your baby is the best at transferring milk from your breasts, your partner will be able to suck much harder than your baby, which may relieve the clog quickly.
Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation/infection of the breast tissue. Mastitis typically occurs either due to an unresolved clogged duct or due to the entry of bacteria, usually through a cracked/bleeding nipple.
Signs of mastitis include:
Breast pain
Breast redness
Engorgement
Chills
Fever
Aches
Fatigue
How to treat mastitis:
You can try to treat mastitis with all of the methods above to treat clogged ducts, but sometimes it’s already gone too far. Typically, mastitis is treated with antibiotics. You can also use mild pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, with your healthcare providers approval.
It is important to not let the signs of mastitis go untreated for long because an untreated infection can lead to sepsis, which is a dangerous, life-threatening bloodstream infection.
Tongue, lip, and cheek tie
Tongue, lip, and cheek ties occur when a fibrous tissue, called a frenum, connects two areas together. Frenums occur normally in our mouths, but they can create issues if they are too short.
You can see a frenum underneath your tongue (this holds your tongue to the bottom of your mouth). We also have frenums that connect our lips and cheeks to our gums.
When these frenums are too short, it can lead to limited mobility of the soft parts of the mouth. Not only can this limited mobility have a negative impact on breastfeeding/chestfeeding, but it can also affect multiple other things as the child grows.
Some other issues that can occur due to untreated ties include:
Dental issues
Tonsil/adenoid issues
Long term feeding problems
Speech problems
Your baby’s pediatrician or lactation professional will likely check for ties during the first appointment, but sometimes they can be missed.
Some signs of ties while breastfeeding include:
A clicking noise while breastfeeding
Inability to properly latch
Excessive drooling
Poor weight gain
“Gumming” or chewing the nipple while nursing
Ineffective transfer of milk (you can check this by weighing baby before and after a feeding)
If you are concerned that your baby may have a tie, you should get them evaluated by one or multiple of the following healthcare professionals:
A lactation consultant (IBCLC)
A pediatrician
A pediatric dentist
A pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor
A pediatric speech and language pathologist (SLP)
These professionals will be able to properly diagnose a tie. If the tie is diagnosed and severe enough, they may recommend having the tie “released”. This is basically when the frenum is cut to allow proper mobility. A lot of breastfeeding parents report a drastic, good, change in their breastfeeding journey once a tie is corrected.
Stages of breastmilk
Colostrum versus Mature milk
Starting around the 16th week of pregnancy, your body will start to produce colostrum. Colostrum is the first form of milk that your body produces. Colostrum is typically more yellow in color, compared to mature milk, and it contains high levels of calories, nutrients, and antibodies.
Some pregnant people will leak colostrum during pregnancy, others never do; leaking has no correlation to how your milk supply will be.
Colostrum may be your baby’s only form of nutrition for the few days before your mature milk comes in. It is important to know that it can take anywhere from 2-5 days for your mature milk to come in and that this is totally normal!
Because colostrum is high in calories, fat, and protein, it is all your baby needs in those first few days.
Keep in mind that babies have extremely small stomachs, so they only need a very small amount to keep them full.
Typically, babies are weighed a lot during those first few days/weeks following birth to ensure they are gaining weight. As a breastfeeding/chestfeeding parent, this can be a bit stressful, especially if it’s taking a little bit longer for your mature milk to come in. Luckily, if your baby was born at full term, at a healthy weight, they have brown fat stores to use while they wait for your mature milk to come in.
Unfortunately, not all healthcare providers are up-to-date on breastfeeding education; which can negatively impact breastfeeding journeys. Make sure to ask professionals what their background is in lactation. Some nurses took a 1-2 hour course, some completed a rigorous, evidence-based training and not all advice you may get is created equal.
It is important, as a breastfeeding parent, to know what is normal in terms of weight loss in the newborn. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “A 5% weight loss is considered normal for a formula-fed newborn. A 7-10% loss is considered normal for breastfed babies.” Your baby should regain the lost weight within 10-14 days after birth.
It’s also important to note that newborns can lose fluid in those first few days, too. This is especially true if you received IV fluids in labor or during your cesarean.
This is good to know because unfortunately some healthcare providers are quick to suggest that formula supplementation is necessary in those first few days/weeks even when it is not.
Introducing a bottle/formula too early in your breastfeeding/chestfeeding journey can have a negative impact on your milk supply.
So, how do you know if your baby is getting enough milk despite weight loss?
Ensure baby is having enough wet/dirty diapers
Babies should have one wet diaper a day per how many days old they are, up until day 6. I.e. your one day old baby should have one wet diaper; your 2 day old baby should have 2 wet diapers, and so on. Once your baby is 6 days old and older, they should have at least 6 wet diapers a day.
Newborns should also have at least one poopy diaper per day.
Does your baby seem satisfied after feeding?
A full, satisfied baby will be sleepy and comfortable. A full baby will be very content and relaxed and probably have floppy arms if you lift them.
Are they transferring milk effectively?
Typically, especially in the first few months of breastfeeding, you can feel when your breasts are full. They sometimes feel very full and hard. If your baby is transferring milk properly, you will feel some relief from this “engorged” feeling. Your breasts should soften after they eat.
It’s important to note that everyone’s supply is different and you may or may not become engorged between feedings. You may also never feel like your breasts are “empty”, especially if you have an oversupply.
Over time, you will get to know your baby and your body and you will learn what is normal for you.
Do not be afraid to ask questions, advocate for yourself and your baby, and to provide your healthcare provider(s) with up-to-date research if necessary!
Preparing for breastfeeding before birth
Breastfeeding class
Everything baby/pregnancy-related can be super overwhelming while you’re pregnant. As a new, first-time parent, there is SO much to learn.
It can be stressful and difficult to get advice from other parents and try to research on your own, especially before your baby is here.
Taking a breastfeeding/chestfeeding class can be really helpful! These classes are typically run by nurses and/or lactation consultants.
In a breastfeeding class, you will:
Learn most/all of the information we are discussing here
Get to practice different positions with a baby doll/pillows/assistance
Get to see how a proper and improper latch looks
Get to ask any questions you may have
Breastfeeding tips for new moms/parents for the hospital
Avoid unnecessary birth interventions
Regardless of how or where you give birth, getting your baby on your chest and initiating breastfeeding/chestfeeding as soon as possible is the goal.
Sometimes, there may be some complications that do not allow immediate skin-to-skin or immediate breastfeeding, but, most of the time, it can be done.
IV fluids - Sometimes, as soon as you get to the hospital, it is expected that you stop eating and drinking and that you are hooked up to IV fluids. Not only is this almost always unnecessary, but IV fluids can cause breast swelling. If your breasts are swollen this may make your nipple taut, making it difficult for your baby to latch until the swelling goes down.
Cesarean section without labor - Experiencing labor causes a flood of different hormones to flow through your body.
While these hormones have a ton of different purposes, one of the purposes includes signaling your breasts to start making mature milk. When labor is totally skipped, those hormones don’t flood like they normally would. Without this flood of hormones, it may take longer for your body to get the “make milk” signal.Medical induction - Medical inductions typically involve pitocin, a synthetic chemical of your body’s own oxytocin. This synthetic oxytocin does not act in the same way as your natural oxytocin would. Oxytocin is one of the main lactation hormones and, if it’s not produced naturally during labor, can delay your mature milk from coming in.
Separation from your baby - Unless your baby needs immediate medical attention, your baby should not be taken from you for at least an hour (or whenever you allow them to take your baby to be weighed, examined, etc.)
Immediate separation from your baby delays skin-to-skin, delays that “birth high” or rush of hormones, delays the initiation of breastfeeding, and, therefore, can negatively impact your breastfeeding journey.Assisted birth - Sometimes, your healthcare provider may suggest that they use forceps or a vacuum to assist with the vaginal delivery of your baby. While this is sometimes necessary and helpful (like other medical interventions) sometimes it is overused. The use of devices to assist with birth can lead to temporary trauma to your baby. This pain/trauma may make it difficult for your baby to latch after birth.
Suctioning of the baby’s nose/mouth immediately after birth - Suctioning a baby’s nose/mouth has been “standard practice”, especially in hospitals, for years, but we now know that this is usually unnecessary. If your baby is born vigorous and crying, they do not need to be suctioned.
Babies are born with survival instincts to clear any extra fluid on their own. Not only do they know how to clear this fluid on their own, but being squeezed through the birth canal causes a large majority of the fluid to be removed from baby’s lungs as they’re entering the world. Being unnecessarily suctioned can cause an “oral aversion,” meaning your baby might not want to latch on to your breast.
See a lactation consultant
All hospitals typically have a lactation consultant within the hospital. When you give birth in a hospital, you are usually there for at least 2 nights. This gives you plenty of time to see the lactation consultant before you leave.
There are usually multiple lactation consultants who do different shifts. If you have the opportunity to see more than one consultant, that is never a bad idea! Different people may have different perspectives, tips, and advice.
If possible, attempt the “breast crawl” with your baby
The breast crawl is when your baby is placed on your stomach-area and, using their senses and survival instincts, they will eventually make their way up to your breast to begin breastfeeding.
Allowing your baby to find your breast and latch on their own has been shown to have a positive impact on breastfeeding journeys and also decreases the chance of increased neonatal weight loss.
Skin-to-skin ASAP and as often as possible
Immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby has shown to be extremely beneficial to you and your baby. If you and baby are healthy, you can even do skin-to-skin during a cesearean birth!
Some reasons why skin-to-skin contact is so important is:
Helps initiate and establish a good breastfeeding relationship
Helps initiate bonding
You and your baby help to regulate each others hormones to assist with:
Mature milk coming in
Birth of the placenta
The uterus shrinking back to pre-pregnancy size
Breastfeeding tips for new moms/parents for home
1.Seek help if you need it
If you give birth at home, you may have to seek outside assistance from a lactation consultant if your midwife isn’t extensively trained in lactation (however, many are). If you gave birth with the assistance of midwives, they are usually able to assist with immediate breastfeeding and either provide ongoing support or point you in the direction of ongoing support.
Regardless of where you give birth, you may still need some help in the days/weeks following birth. Do not be afraid to ask for help and keep in mind that establishing a good breastfeeding relationship from the start of your journey will make the days/weeks/months/years to come much easier!
2. Feed your baby on demand
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is different from bottle feeding in that you should always breastfeed your baby on demand, especially in those early days. When you feed a baby a bottle, you are feeding them a set amount. With bottle feeding, it’s not uncommon to overfeed a baby from the beginning.
When you breastfeed, your baby will eat exactly what they need, which may mean they are hungry sooner than they would be if they drank a big bottle.
Breastfeeding on demand means that if your baby is clean and dry and they’re still fussing, they are probably hungry. When in doubt, especially in those early days, BREASTFEED!
You can not overfeed a breastfed baby.
3. Waking baby versus letting baby sleep
We’ve all heard the saying: “Never wake a sleeping baby”. This one is really up to how comfortable you are and how baby is doing.
If your baby is having plenty of wet and dirty diapers and their weight is not of concern, it is totally fine to let your baby sleep longer stretches.
If you are concerned about your baby’s wet and dirty diapers and/or their weight, you can set an alarm for every 3 hours until the baby “catches up”.
Remember that newborns are exhausted. You both just went through a lot during the labor and birth process. They are also growing at a rapid rate and growing/eating takes a lot of energy out of them.
Massage breasts in shower
Remember the clogged duct conversation up there ^?
One way to help prevent clogged ducts from ever forming is to get in the habit of massaging your breasts in the shower. If you’ve ever breastfed before, you know those early days can be a bit uncomfortable. Once your mature milk comes in, your breasts sometimes become engorged and lumpy between feedings. It’s important to feed your baby if your breasts feel this way.
When you’re in the shower, hangout for a bit in the warm water and let the water hit your breasts for a few minutes. Then, take a few minutes of your shower to massage both breasts and make sure you do not feel any lumps.
If there are any ducts in the process of becoming clogged, you’ll help to clear those.
The warmth of the shower and the massage can also help you express some milk if your breasts are prone to engorgement.
First month of breastfeeding tips for new moms/parents
1.Cluster feeding
Cluster feeding is not an issue, but it can definitely be challenging.
It’s important to know what cluster feeding is as a new, breastfeeding/chestfeeding, parent.
Cluster feeding is when your baby wants to nurse for short spurts multiple times over multiple hours at a time. This is a totally normal behavior and typically occurs in those first few days/weeks of breastfeeding.
Cluster feeding is a survival instinct that babies use to help bring in your mature milk and to help establish your milk supply. Cluster feeding can be totally exhausting and sometimes frustrating, but if you are expecting it and prepared for it, it can be a little easier. Some babies will follow a pattern after a few days. I.e. your baby may cluster feed every evening from ~7:00pm to ~10:00pm.
Some things you can do to prepare for your baby’s cluster session include:
Get a comfortable area set up when you know it’s almost cluster feeding time
Get some snacks and a drink prepared
Go to the bathroom, charge your phone, and grab whatever else you need so you don’t have to get up a bunch
Put on a good show and try to relax!
2. Growth spurts
Babies grow rapidly, especially in those first few months, so you can expect quite a few “growth spurts”. When babies go through growth spurts, you can expect them to want to cluster feed, even if they haven’t in a while.
Some signs of growth spurts include:
A baby who seems constantly hungry
A fussy baby
A baby who is either sleeping a lot or having trouble sleeping
The same tips for dealing with cluster feeding apply to growth spurts, too! Try to give your baby some extra snuggles and ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
3. Ensure baby is transferring milk effectively
Making sure that the baby is transferring milk effectively will ensure that they are getting enough calories and that your breasts are getting a chance to “empty” and refill.
We use quotation marks around “empty” because your breasts will never truly be empty. You are constantly making milk. You should feel some relief during feedings, especially if you are someone who experiences engorgement. If you are someone who experiences engorgement or if you can feel when your breasts are full, they should soften after feeding.
Remember that everyone experiences different milk supplies. You may still be able to express milk after feedings, or your breasts may feel totally “empty”; both are a variation of normal.
Signs that your baby is transferring milk effectively include:
Baby is having enough wet and dirty diapers - We previously discussed the importance of this up there ^. Remember, the greatest signifier of input is output
A content baby
Relief from breast fullness/engorgement
Baby is swallowing during feedings - You will be able to hear them gulping/swallowing, especially during a let-down
4. Seek help from a lactation consultant if you need to
If you are ever in doubt, seek help!
Lactation consultants (IBCLCs or lactation educators) are an amazing resource and they are trained to help breastfeeding/chestfeeding parents.
If you need help finding a lactation consultant in your area, look here!
What to know about pumping
Don’t start pumping until at least 3-4 weeks after birth
In those early weeks of breastfeeding, it is really best for your baby to be at your breast. Your baby is going to regulate your supply better than anything else. If you begin pumping too early, especially on top of breastfeeding your baby on demand, you are risking an oversupply.
An oversupply may sound like a good thing until it happens. Having an oversupply can be very frustrating, painful, and time consuming. Your baby might spit up more because they’re “gulping” at all the excess milk (especially if you have a forceful let-down). You may also experience a lot of painful engorgement or even mastitis.
It is best to allow your baby those first few weeks to regulate your supply before you bring the pump out.
Your baby is more efficient than a pump
Always keep in mind that your baby is going to regulate your supply better than a pump and they are going to transfer milk more effectively than a pump.
If you do not have to pump to create a “freezer stash”, it’s best to just let your baby breastfeed on demand.
If you give baby a bottle, you should pump
If you, or someone else, are giving the baby a bottle, you still need to express some milk. This is important to keep your supply regulated. Everytime baby has a bottle, your body is not getting the “make more milk” signal.
If you give the baby a bottle often, you know about how much milk they drink per feeding. For instance, if your baby drinks 3 ounce bottles, try to pump at least 3 ounces when the baby gets a bottle.
Helpful items that aid in breastfeeding
Ice/warm packs
Some companies specifically make ice/warm packs made for breasts. These packs can either go in the freezer or the microwave.
Ice packs feel very soothing in those early days when your milk is coming in.
Warm packs are also soothing and they can also help to stimulate milk flow. Some breastfeeding/chestfeeding parents use warm packs right before they breastfeed or before/during a pumping session.
Nipple cream
A good nipple cream is a must. Nipple cream can help prevent/soothe some of that soreness you might experience in the early breastfeeding days.
Haaka/Milk catchers
A haaka and/or milk catchers are really great. If you are someone who leaks breast milk between feedings, milk catchers can be left in your bra to catch all of that milk. This is great if you do not want to pump, but you want to start creating a small freezer stash.
A haaka is a cross between a manual pump and a milk catcher. It does provide a small amount of suction, so it can also increase the risk of creating an over supply if it's used a lot in those early days. A haaka is great to put on the opposite breast than your baby is feeding on. When you experience a let down, both breasts will experience it. If your baby is nursing on the left side, you can put the haaka on your right breast to catch that let down.
Just like the milk catchers, using a haaka can help to create a small freezer stash if you do not want to use a pump.
Reusable breast pads
During the first few months of breastfeeding, you may experience a decent amount of leaking. Most breastfeeding parents use some form of breast pads to put in their bra. This prevents your shirt from becoming soaked when your breasts leak.
Depending on how much you leak, you may go through a lot of these breast pads. It is also important to change them frequently if you are someone who leaks milk. If these wet breast pads are sitting on your breasts for a long time, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.
There are a ton of companies who offer reusable breast pads. Reusable breast pads tend to be more comfortable and cost-effective. You can just throw them in the wash with your other baby items.
Breast pumps
Choosing a breast pump can be very overwhelming!
They make manual pumps, electric pumps, and even hands-free pumps.
Before you choose a pump, you should evaluate what your situation is going to look like. If you are going to stay home with your baby, you may not even need an electric pump. If you are going back to work and you have a job where you sit at a desk for the majority of the day, an electric pump that plugs into the wall may work for you!
If you are someone who is going back to work on your feet all day or you’re a stay-at-home parent of multiple children, a hands free pump may be the best option for you.
It’s always a good idea to start by seeing what your insurance covers. Aeroflowbreastpumps.com is a great resource. They offer a ton of information on each pump and they even work with your insurance company to figure out exactly what your insurance covers. You can order your pump through them and they will ship it to your house!
The Takeaway
Becoming a new, breastfeeding, parent can be totally overwhelming!
There is so much to learn and most new parents have a lot of worries surrounding breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
Here at Motherboard, we believe that knowledge is power! We are here to offer all of the advice, tips, and experience. The more you know, the better prepared you will be.
Follow these breastfeeding tips for new moms/parents and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Happy breastfeeding/chestfeeding!
🤍 The Motherboard Team
