Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your new baby whilst ensuring they are nutritionally fed. However, “natural” does not always mean easy. I definitely struggled in the early days but have found some handy tips from midwives, mothers and written experts which may help you
PS: This post is not in any way meant to claim that breastfeeding is superior, or any better than, bottle-feeding. Even following all the tips and tricks of the book, I was only able to combination feed for 2 months before exclusively bottle-feeding due to a low supply. I support that not every parent is able to breastfeed and fully believe fed is best!
Read about the benefits of breastfeeding here!
Disclaimer: This list comes solely from my own parental research. I am not a medical or health professional. Please speak to your midwife/health visitor/healthcare provider for more information
-Consult a lactation consultant
This was one of the best things I did that really improved not just breastfeeding my baby in general but also my confidence in it. My lactation consultant was very patient with me and helped to teach me the correct position to hold my baby when breastfeeding, as well as helping her to latch on. They will also help you decide if you may benefit trying a nipple shield
For UK residents, you can talk to a lactation consultant for free. Request at your hospital either in advance, during your stay or ask your healthcare visitor for more information. For those in other countries, consult your healthcare provider for more information on what is available to you
-Try a nipple shield
Admittedly for me, I wasn’t a big fan of nipple shields, however this was more my preference rather than to do with its results. It actually did help my baby to latch on but I was then able to continue without I’d still recommend experimenting with one as some women strongly benefit from it.
-Use nipple cream
Nipple cream is a lifesaver for breastfeeding women! Almost inevitably they will get a little sore so do make sure to get some in advance. I really underestimated how much I’d need it but now I’m so glad I bought it. It helps ease the pain to make breastfeeding a more enjoyable experience, and you’ll find ones that are safe for you to feed baby straight after applying
-Hold baby by the neck for best support
While the “typical” hold is good generally, I was recommended by my lactation consultant to hold the baby by supporting the back of their neck specifically when feeding. I found this position for feeding best for both bottle and breastfeeding
-Make sure baby feeds from both breasts
This tip is very important to ensure your milk supply continues and to reduce the chances of your one of breasts becoming engorged. Try to allow similar length of time for baby to feed on each breast until “emptied” or until baby seems full
-Watch your diet
Whilst you don’t necessarily need to worry as much as when you were pregnant, it is still important to remember that your baby can consume small amounts of what you eat and drink contains. Talk with your health visitor to discuss what you need to avoid or limit. As a rule of thumb, I would suggest you follow a similar list of foods as drinks to limit (or avoid) as when you were pregnant
Thanks for reading! I hope these tips help you and, do remember, that breastfeeding is in no way any better than bottle-feeding. As long as your baby is fed, you’re dong a great job mama!
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