10 Tips for a Successful Start to Breastfeeding
By Alyson Layne-Davidson, MS, RD, LD, CLS
Babies and breastfeeding—they go together like peanut butter and jelly. But, many new parents don’t know where to start. Use these 10 helpful tips to get your breastfeeding journey off to a good start.
- Find your support person. This can be baby’s father, a friend or a close family member. Share your breastfeeding plan and goals with this support person. They will be your cheerleader and your champion when baby is born.
- Attend a breastfeeding class. It’s easier to learn about breastfeeding before baby is born. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take your support person with you so they can learn too.
- Hold your baby skin-to-skin. Let your doctor or midwife know that you want to do skin-to-skin right after baby is born. Baby will find the breast and latch on all on her own. Don’t worry if she takes breaks –sometimes it can take up to 90 minutes for that first feed to happen. Your support person can let family and friends know that this is a special time just for you and baby.
- Keep your baby in your room. Watch for “cuddle cues,” like baby sucking his hand or smacking his lips and opening his mouth. These cues may be your baby telling you he’s hungry, or that he wants to be held and cuddled. Unwrap your baby and put him on your chest, skin-to-skin with baby’s tummy touching you.
- Lay back and relax. Hold baby skin-to-skin as often as you want –especially when baby is showing “cuddle cues.” Recline your bed slightly and be amazed as baby starts looking for your breast to latch on and eat.
- Avoid baby bottles and pacifiers. Unless it’s needed for a medical reason, it’s best to say “no” to baby bottles and pacifiers those first few weeks of baby’s life. Baby is still learning how to breastfeed and she needs to practice.
- Count the poops. Many parents worry how they’ll know their breastfed baby is getting enough to eat. One easy way is to count baby’s poops. Poops will change from dark-colored to yellow by Day 5, and baby should have at least three poops per day by Day 4. If baby doesn’t seem to be having as many poops as expected, let your doctor, nurse or breastfeeding specialist know.
- Ask for help. Breastfeeding may be natural, but it also takes practice. If you experience painful nipples or any other discomfort, speak with a breastfeeding specialist.
- Breastfeed, breastfeed, breastfeed. Most newborns will eat frequently, about 8-12 times in 24 hours. The more baby eats, the more milk you will make.
- Rock on, mama! Above all, remember that you are doing great work. Breastfeeding keeps you and baby healthy and is a wonderful way for moms and babies to bond.