Tips For Breastfeeding: First-Time Moms

Breastfeeding for the first time is always difficult. But to make it better for you as well as your baby here are a few tips to keep in mind for first-time moms.

• Attend a breastfeeding class to know more about “how to breastfeed” and its challenges if any.

• Breastfeed right after birth. This helps boost breastmilk supply, supports baby bonding and most importantly, colostrum (first milk) is most healthy for the baby.

•  Know more about different positions (cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, etc.) to breastfeed your baby and find the most comfortable one for you.

•  Learn how to make your baby latch during breastfeeding. Try cupping your breast with your hands and guiding the nipple to your baby to encourage latching.

• Breastfeed from both the breast to support breastmilk production, feed more milk to the baby, avoid uneven breast, and avoid discomfort caused while breastfeeding to happen solely on one side.

• While breastfeeding makes sure that the areola (breast tissue surrounding the nipple) fits entirely in your baby’s mouth in a way that you shouldn’t see your areola. A well-fit areola indicates that the latch is perfect. (Perfect latch is when the baby takes in the nipple and ½ to 1 inch of the areola)

•  Care for your breast and nipples. Massage your breast, use warm compressions, apply medicated ointment on cracked nipples, rinse the nipple using saline/ saltwater, avoid nursing from the damaged side (cracked or sore nipples), etc.

• While breastfeeding the baby make sure the baby’s nose is opposite to the breast, and the mouth is wide open. 

• Know the signs of hunger in your baby (sucking on fingers, crying, flexing their arms, etc.)

• Pay attention to the sucking sound as it’s an indication of how well is your baby feeding.

•  Keep a check on the baby’s weight to ensure he/she is getting enough milk.

•  Lastly always make sure you are well equipped with all the supplies to support breastfeeding.

In addition to all these tips having skin-to-skin contact with your baby while feeding helps a lot to relax your baby and promote breastfeeding. Try Kangaroo mother care in which you place your baby between your breast in an upright position followed by gently turning the head on one side (slightly upturn position. 

Also do not refrain from taking help from your family, friends, and experts in your breastfeeding journey to make it smoother and easier.

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