Three Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms
The birth of your baby will bring so much joy to your life, but you may be a bit anxious for all that motherhood has in store. The early weeks of becoming a mom can be very tiring and frustrating. You’ll be easing into all the new things that come with having a newborn and you’ll need some breastfeeding tips. There are many benefits of breastfeeding. You may be eager to start breastfeeding your child and begin creating an unbreakable bond with your child. The best way to breastfeed stress-free is to continually remind yourself that it will get easier as it goes.
Breastfeeding Tips
For the first few weeks, your baby is going to need to breastfeed frequently to establish your milk supply. Most newborns will breastfeed at least eight times in 24 hours, and it is essential to keep up that frequency so your breastfeeding milk supply will become established. Breastfeeding tips for newborns include the way you will position and latch your baby onto the breast. Learn how below!
Latching
Learning the importance of latching is another important breastfeeding tip. It's recommended to hold the baby “stomach to stomach.” This means there is no space between your baby and yourself. Your baby is going to need to be facing your breast, and you’re going to need to make sure not to press on the back of their head.
The best way to breastfeed includes positioning your baby's mouth at an angle wide enough to grasp the nipple and part of the areola. You're going to want to support your breast with your hand as well during breastfeeding, but be sure not to press inward. Positioning yourself correctly will ensure your baby gets the most milk and lessen your chances of sore nipples.
Breastfeed Your Baby Often
Having a good breastfeeding milk supply is beneficial for both you and your baby. It’s a normal stage of breastfeeding for you to think your baby is not getting enough milk. Usually, it will take a few days for your newborn to begin to breastfeed. They may then become a little fussy. The infant’s demand to breastfeed will actually increase the mother's milk supply. You’ll know if your baby is getting fed enough if you breastfeed at least eight times in a 24 hour period.
Growth Spurt
Once your newborn becomes not so newborn anymore, they’ll develop growth spurts. Usually, around the two weeks, six weeks, and the three month period, your baby will have random growth spurts that will require them to be fed every hour to hour-and-a-half. Your baby’s constant desire to breastfeed is also their way of increasing your milk supply, so allow your baby to breastfeed as often as they want during these periods. The growth spurt of your baby will be rewarding, given that you are providing your baby lifegiving nutrition through your milk supply.
