For many new parents, breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural way to nourish and bond with their baby. For others, it can feel like a daunting and sometimes challenging experience. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, setting yourself up for success is key to making the breastfeeding journey as smooth as possible. At Better Beginnings, we believe that a supportive environment plays a crucial role in helping new parents navigate breastfeeding. Our team of postpartum doulas is here to be part of that environment for you, to offer guidance, encouragement, and expert lactation counseling to help you and your baby thrive.
In this post, we’ll cover practical tips and insights for new parents to feel empowered as they embark on their breastfeeding journey. Let’s dive into some key aspects that can set you up for breastfeeding success.
Educate Yourself Before Birth
The best time to start learning about breastfeeding is NOT when your new little one is in your arms! Preparing during pregnancy helps you feel confident when it’s time to begin nursing. Consider taking a prenatal breastfeeding class, reading books, or watching videos about breastfeeding. Do you know what colostrum is? Can you imitate a few of the different feeding holds? Do you have the supplies you need? The more informed you are, the better equipped you will be to handle any challenges that may arise.
We recommend that parents familiarize themselves with the basics of breastfeeding, including latching, positions, and how often you can expect to nurse. Knowing what to expect will make the transition into breastfeeding smoother. It also helps to know your resources before baby arrives, like postpartum doulas, local lactation groups, and lactation counselors or consultants. Creating a list and having it nearby helps you know where to turn if you find yourself with questions in those first days and weeks.
Preparing Your Breastfeeding Supplies
There are any number of items you may want to purchase if you know you will be breastfeeding your new baby. Here are just a few of the most important (and links to some of our faves!) to get you started:
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Lanolin or nipple cream (we love this company’s products)
- Nursing bras
- Nursing cover
- Nursing pads (disposable or washable)
- If you plan to work out, we love this nursing-friendly athletic brand
Setting Up a Comfortable Breastfeeding Space
One of the most important things to consider when setting yourself up for breastfeeding success is creating a comfortable and relaxed space for you and your baby. You’ll be spending a lot of time feeding, so make sure you have a cozy spot to sit. Ideally, you’ll have both a comfortable chair with good back support, pillows, and a footrest, and a firm couch or bed on which to lie down. These can help you maintain a relaxed but supportive posture for feeding, depending on the positions that feel best for you and baby.
It’s also important to have everything you need within arm’s reach. Stock your breastfeeding stations with items like:
- An extra large water bottle to stay hydrated (try filling it with this lactation iced tea for something a bit more exciting!)
- Easy-to-eat snacks for when you’re hungry during those long feeding sessions
- A blanket or burp cloth for spills
- A breastfeeding pillow for additional support
- Pump parts, if you’re using one
- Your phone, set up with some apps, music, and/or podcasts
Creating a calm and inviting space can enhance the breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby, and it can be especially helpful when you’re adjusting to the demands of a newborn.
Establishing a Good Latch
A good latch is one of the most important factors for successful breastfeeding. A poor latch can lead to nipple pain, ineffective milk transfer, and frustration for both you and your baby. Aim for a deep latch, where your baby takes in not just the nipple, but a good portion of the areola as well. You should be able to hear your baby swallowing and feel a comfortable pulling sensation, but not a lot of pain (though some pain can be normal at the start as your body adjusts).
If you’re unsure about your latch, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Our postpartum doulas at Better Beginnings are trained to assess your latch and offer hands-on support to ensure that your baby is feeding effectively.
Some signs that your baby might not have a good latch include:
- Pain or discomfort while breastfeeding
- Sore or cracked nipples
- Frequent feeding sessions that are not satisfying to your baby
- Poor weight gain in your baby
If any of these issues arise, our team is here to help troubleshoot them. There are tongue-ties and lip-ties to consider, in addition to the latch itself, so again, surround yourself with people you trust to help you face these challenges.
Find the Right Position for You and Baby
The right breastfeeding position can make a world of difference in how comfortable and successful your breastfeeding sessions are. There’s no one “right” position—what works for you and your baby may vary, and it’s essential to explore different options. Here are a few common breastfeeding positions to try:
Cradle Hold
In this position, you hold your baby in your arms, with their head supported by the crook of your elbow and their body facing yours. This is a popular and intuitive position for many parents.
Cross-Cradle Hold
This position is similar to the cradle hold, but you use the opposite arm to support your baby’s head. It allows for more control and can be especially helpful for new mothers or babies who have difficulty latching.
Side-Lying Position
This position allows both you and your baby to lie on your sides. It’s ideal for nighttime feedings or for mothers recovering from a cesarean section who may find sitting up uncomfortable.
Football Hold
With the football hold, your baby is positioned under your arm with their body supported by a pillow. This position is helpful for mothers who have larger breasts or have had a cesarean delivery.
Experimenting with different positions helps you find what works best for your body and your baby’s needs. Our postpartum doulas can assist you in finding the most comfortable and effective positions to make breastfeeding easier.
Establish a Consistent Feeding Routine
When it comes to breastfeeding, establishing a consistent routine can help set expectations for both you and your baby. The first day (and week, and month!), try for as much skin-to-skin time as you can, even when not feeding. This helps your baby get to know your body and also stimulates milk production.
Newborns typically nurse 8-12 times per day, so it’s important to feed on demand, especially in the first few weeks. This may mean breastfeeding every 2-3 hours, or even more often, but as your baby grows the frequency of feedings will begin to space out.
Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues. These may include:
- Rooting or turning their head toward your chest
- Sucking on their hands or fingers
- Smacking their lips or making sucking sounds
- Becoming more alert and restless
When in doubt, it’s best to nurse early, before your baby becomes too hungry and fussy. Frequent breastfeeding helps establish and maintain your milk supply, and it also provides your baby with the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
At Better Beginnings, our postpartum doulas are available to support you in establishing a consistent and effective breastfeeding routine, answer any questions you may have, and help you feel empowered as you learn your little one’s cues and meet his or her needs.
Take Care of Yourself
Breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally demanding, so it’s important to prioritize self-care. Make sure you’re eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting as much rest as possible. Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so nourishing your body is essential to maintaining energy. Our postpartum doulas can help with this as well, by prepping healthy (and yummy!) meals or snacks for you that also promote milk production. For instance, try these no-bake lactation bites!
Also, be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s from your partner, family, friends, or a postpartum doula, having support makes a world of difference. Both the postpartum period and breastfeeding can be overwhelming, but it’s so important to remember that you don’t have to do it all alone! Our team is trained in both physical AND emotional support, and we are here to help you know what is normal and what is not.
Know When to Seek Lactation Help
Sometimes breastfeeding doesn’t go as smoothly as we’d like, and that’s okay. If you experience pain, you’re feeling unsure about your milk supply, or you just don’t know if you’re doing any of it right, it’s important to seek help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant, your pediatrician, or a postpartum doula for assistance as soon as you have questions! They are there because they want to help you in this journey.
At Better Beginnings, we offer lactation services that can help you address concerns like:
- Low milk supply
- Sore nipples or engorgement
- Trouble with latch or positioning
- Overactive letdown or reflux
Our team of lactation professionals is trained to assess your situation and provide personalized strategies to help you meet your breastfeeding goals, with a thorough assessment and realistic instructions. And did we mention it’s all done in your own home?
Be Patient and Gentle with Yourself
Breastfeeding can have quite a learning curve for both you and your baby. In the early weeks, you may face challenges, but remember that it’s okay to take your time and figure things out. Every baby is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. Trust your instincts, ask for support when needed, and be patient with yourself as you navigate this new chapter. And if breastfeeding doesn’t work? There is no shame in that: feeding your baby can be beautiful in whatever shape it takes.
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal and rewarding experience, but it can also come with its challenges. Setting yourself up for success begins with preparation, education, and creating a comfortable, supportive environment. With the help of the Better Beginnings team of postpartum doulas, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our experienced team offers lactation counseling, breastfeeding support, and emotional guidance to ensure that you and your baby have the best possible start on your breastfeeding journey.
Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique. Together, we can make this experience as positive and fulfilling as possible. You’ve got this; we’ve got you!
Better Beginnings is here to support you through your breastfeeding adventure! If you’re looking for personalized help, reach out to learn more about our postpartum doulas or lactation support.
