One of the earliest questions that women are often asked upon announcing they’re going to have a baby is, “Are you planning to breastfeed?” While breastfeeding may seem like one of the most natural activities for women, the process of breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally for mom and baby.
At Moreland OB-GYN, we understand that every woman and every baby is unique. We focus on listening to you and providing information to help you make the best choice for you and your baby. Whether you’re in the early phases of planning for a baby, already expecting, or currently nursing, here are our top ten tips for breastfeeding success.
1. Go In With an Open Mind
You don’t have to look far to see what seems like every mother having an easy time nursing their young. What you rarely see are the myriad of factors accompanying the decision to breastfeed. Am I comfortable with it? Am I returning to work after maternity leave? Is my partner supportive of it? Do I have any health conditions, or am I on any medications that may prevent me from nursing? Can I make enough milk to support my baby’s growth?
While it’s important to carefully evaluate all the factors in your life to help you decide whether or not breastfeeding is right for you, it’s not always a smooth journey. As a result, it’s important to go into breastfeeding with an open mind, with the support of those close to you, and bring your sense of humor.
2. Do Your Homework
As you prepare to embark on your breastfeeding journey, doing some research is a good idea. Ask friends and family members for their thoughts and advice, read articles and blog posts online, join breastfeeding groups (online or in-person) where breastfeeding mothers can share support and guidance, and talk to your physician or healthcare provider.
Not only is engaging in research helpful to learn from other women's experiences; having conversations with those close to you is often helpful to garner the support and encouragement vital for breastfeeding success.
3. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Healthy Breastfeeding Diet
Making healthy food choices and drinking plenty of water is important for everyone’s health, but for pregnant and nursing women, staying hydrated and eating healthy is an absolute must. On average, milk production burns about 500 calories daily, but that doesn’t necessarily mean breastfeeding mothers need to increase their caloric intake. However, women who began their pregnancy at a normal weight and stayed within their doctor’s recommended weight range during pregnancy may need to increase their daily calories.
On average, nursing moms should strive to drink eight cups of water each day. Not only does it ensure you won’t get dehydrated, but it also helps your body recover from birth. Regarding diet, breastfeeding women are encouraged to eat a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods, including protein, calcium, and foods rich in iron. Breastfeeding women should also make sure they're eating leafy greens, yellow fruits and vegetables, other fruits and vegetables, whole grains and complex carbohydrates, and foods rich in Omega 3s. Also, keep taking your prenatal vitamin daily.
Looking for more information about what to eat as you prepare to breastfeed? Read this article: What is a Healthy Breastfeeding Diet? From Gluten and Dairy Free to MSPI.
4. Set the Mood
Before you begin a breastfeeding session, get as comfortable as possible, and minimize the amount of activity and stress around you as much as possible. In a quiet room, settle into a comfortable position for both you and your baby - a couch, chair, glider, or in bed - and use pillows to help raise your baby to a comfortable height and help support the baby while you nurse.
5. Get Into a Proper Breastfeeding Position
Proper positioning during breastfeeding is essential in helping your baby latch on the right way which can help prevent nipple soreness and other common issues experienced by nursing moms.
According to lactation experts, including nursing moms, here are the five best breastfeeding holds to try with your baby:
- Cradle Hold - The most common breastfeeding position, where you cradle your baby in your arms with their head resting in the bend of your elbow of the arm on the side you’ll be breastfeeding.
- Crossover Hold - Place your baby across your lap and hold your baby’s head with the hand opposite to the breast you’ll be nursing from.
- Football Hold - Place your baby at your side, tuck their legs under your arm - like a receiver holding a football - on the same side as the breast you’re planning to nurse from. (This position is great if you’ve had a C-section and want to avoid placing your baby against your abdomen, you have large breasts, a small or premature baby, or twins.)
- Laid-Back Position - Lie back on a bed, couch, or comfortable chair in a semi-reclining position and place your baby tummy-to-tummy on your body. Gravity should help keep your baby resting on you. Baby can rest in any direction as long as the whole front of the baby is against yours, and the baby can reach your breast. (This breastfeeding position is helpful for moms with smaller breasts, newborns, and babies with excess gas.)
- Side-Lying Position - With both you and your baby lying on your sides, tummy-to-tummy, position your baby against you so the baby can reach your breast. (This position is excellent for middle-of-the-night feedings, but remove excess bedding around your infant, so you don’t create a suffocation hazard.)
Learn more about breastfeeding success in 'Your Guide to Breastfeeding' from The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women's Health.
6. Wear Nursing Bras
Nursing bras are an essential element of breastfeeding success. Not only because they are designed to be comfortable and supportive, but they also ensure that blood flows freely within soft breast tissue, reducing the chances of developing blocked milk ducts. Blocked milk ducts are painful and typically reduce your breasts’ ability to provide enough milk for your baby.
There are dozens of types and styles of nursing bras available. Still, experts recommend letting comfort be your guide, as most breastfeeding mothers wear a nursing bra fairly often, especially during the first weeks of breastfeeding.
7. Invest in a Good Breast Pump
If you plan to return to work after having your baby, if you or your baby fall into a high-risk category, or if you’re having twins, investing in a good breast pump is a good idea. If your baby is delivered a little early, it may take a bit longer to get the hang of nursing, so pumping will help your milk come in and allow you to pass the nutrient-rich early milk on to your newborn. Having multiple babies may present some feeding challenges, so pumping can help give them the sustenance they need. For working moms, electric pumps offer a quick, convenient way to keep up your milk supply when you’re away from your baby.
Getting ready for the arrival of your new baby? Take a look a this video: What Should You Pack in Your Hospital Bag?
8. Involve Your Partner
While your partner likely can't contribute to feedings on the level that you do, it’s important to involve them in the breastfeeding process. They can help by bringing baby to you when it’s time for a feeding, helping to get the baby latched on correctly, getting you a cool glass of water, juice, or milk to keep you hydrated, or burping baby afterward. These things may seem relatively small, but this level of support is not only important for nursing moms and helps your partner bond with the baby.
9. Carve Out Some “You” Time
Breastfeeding is a huge commitment to your baby and yourself, and it’s often a journey filled with highs and lows. As a result, it’s important to find a little time each day to take care of yourself. Enlist the help of your partner, a family member, or a friend to care for the baby while you enjoy activities that allow you to feel “normal.” Take a bath, spend some time in your garden, walk, practice yoga or simply rest.
10. Be Gentle with Yourself
Even if you begin your breastfeeding journey armed with knowledge, the support of your partner, and an open mind, only some things go as planned. If you occasionally struggle with breastfeeding, experience a complication that requires you to change course temporarily, or you try breastfeeding and find it just isn’t for you; it is OK. As long as you focus on making the best choice possible for you, your baby, and your lifestyle, you’re doing the right thing; and a great mom.
Why Choose Moreland OB-GYN?
Moreland OB-GYN is your trusted partner from your first office visit to delivery and beyond. Our caring obstetricians and providers are here to answer any questions you may have about your breastfeeding journey or any other questions regarding your baby's health and your overall health and well-being as a mother. Schedule a visit today!
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