MUMMEPRENEUR

2. Set up a breastfeeding corner and/or kit

Newborn babies nurse round the clock. You will probably spend a lot of your time breastfeeding during the initial months. So, make for yourself a comfortable breastfeeding corner, equipped with a bunch of essential supplies. This doesn’t have to be a separate room. Just have a dedicated place where you can get comfy and maybe even doze off safely.

In addition, prepare a breastfeeding kit. This is essentially a basket/container/box containing all the stuff you need while breastfeeding. The things I kept at my breastfeeding kit were a notebook to keep track of feeds, a bottle of water (breastfeeding makes you really thirsty!), a box of snacks, a burp cloth, a nursing pillow and my cellphone (for music)!! You could also keep some books to read while you nurse. Even better, read them out aloud to your baby!

The kit comes in handy at times when you want/need to nurse in any other room in the house. Just carry your kit and you have all you need!

 

3. Be prepared to Breastfeed round the clock

Most babies nurse round the clock during the initial few weeks after birth. This leaves you with very little time to do anything else. So make arrangements for someone else to take care of the housework for you while you tend to your little one, at least during the initial few weeks.

For the first few weeks, most newborns nurse every 2 – 3 hours round-the-clock. However, some babies may nurse even more frequently at certain times of the day. I was breastfeeding as often as every half to one hour in the mornings and 2-3 hours in the evenings. Allow your baby to nurse as often as he likes and for as long as he likes; it will maintain your supply.

4. Don’t turn to formula just because your baby feeds too frequently

I know of many women who have unknowingly sabotaged their breastfeeding journey by introducing formula very early on; only because they thought that their baby was feeding too frequently due to insufficient breast milk. That’s just not true!! At least, not always.

Many babies feed even as frequently as every half an hour at some times of the day, during the initial stages. This does not necessarily mean that they are not getting enough milk! My son would often fall asleep within just 4-5 minutes of nursing and soon awaken for the next feed. This changed with time of course and he eventually had longer sessions.

There are other ways to tell if your baby is getting enough milk. Check out this article on how to tell if your baby is getting sufficient milk.

5. Don’t confuse colic with hunger

Baby colic is defined as episodes of crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, for three weeks in an otherwise healthy child. Often crying occurs in the evening.

If your baby has colic, he’ll be unsettled and fussy about feeding. This might prompt you into thinking that he is being fussy because he is hungry but isn’t getting enough milk.

6. Stay calm and relaxed while breastfeeding

It is extremely important to stay calm, relaxed and comfortable while breastfeeding. If you are anxious or stressed out, it will affect your milk supply and your baby’s mood as well, making breastfeeding difficult. Try not to think of the endless chores that need doing and just relax and enjoy your breastfeeding session with your baby.

Also, make sure you and your baby are in a comfortable position as you may have to stay in that position for a while. Trust me – you don’t want to disturb your baby once he/she is nursing contentedly!

7. Get the baby to latch on correctly

Learn how to get the baby to latch onto the breast. The baby’s mouth should cover a large part of the underside of the nipple. I didn’t understand the importance of a good latch until I tried it out.

Breastfeeding can be painful if your baby does not latch on properly. Find a lactation specialist or any good nurse to teach you how to get your baby to latch properly. There are also some great videos online that can teach you proper latching on techniques if you cannot find a lactation specialist in your area.

8. Don’t get discouraged if you find breastfeeding painful in the beginning

In the first week or two, sore and cracked nipples can make breastfeeding a bit painful. In addition, the baby is still new to the process and may clamp down on the nipple – and those little gums are harder than you’d imagine!

But, don’t let this discourage you. I promise you, it gets better with time and practice and you’ll soon enjoy these sessions with your baby. So, just hang on in there for a week or two and you’ll be fine! Breastfeeding is a joy once you and your baby get the hang of it.

9. Be prepared for extra sessions during growth spurts

Be aware that babies go through growth spurts at various stages, during which they will want to nurse more frequently than normal. This helps to boost your supply to meet the demand during the growth spurt.

Those growth spurts get annoying and keep happening when you think you’ve finally settled into a rhythm. But don’t get discouraged, it will pass within a few days.

10. Take care of your health – Eat well, stay hydrated and take your Vitamins

It is important to eat good and nutritious food. This will ensure that your baby gets the right nutrition too. Also, eat frequently or whenever you feel hungry, without worrying about your weight. But avoid junk food, alcohol and caffeine. Breastfeeding will take care of that and so will your baby once he/she is on the move! 😛

It is also important to stay hydrated at all times. Breastfeeding can get you more dehydrated than you can imagine. It helps to drink at least a glass of water before and after nursing. I always kept a bottle of water and some snacks handy so that I could even eat or drink while I nursed, in case I needed to (which was almost always in the initial weeks!). You can also have fresh juices or milkshakes.

Lastly, but most importantly, don’t forget to take your vitamins and/or Calcium supplements as prescribed by your doctor.

During the initial days, a hot water compress done just before breastfeeding can be very useful in getting the milk to flow more easily.

Massage your breast between your palms for a couple of minutes. Dip a clean towel in warm water and squeeze out the excess water. Gently massage the breast with this warm cloth for about 5 -10 minutes and then nurse the baby.

12. Be prepared for leakages

Leakages are quite common in the initial weeks, when you supply has still not regulated. The only thing you can do about it is to be prepared. Make use of good quality breast pads, especially when you go out.

13. Empty the first breast before switching over to the other

Most people suggest breastfeeding for 20 minutes at one breast and then switching over to the next one. That works for many, but what if your baby nurses for only 5 minutes at a time, like mine?!

What worked for me was alternating breasts for each feed. If the intervals between feeds are short, offer one side for a couple of feeds and then move to the next for later feeds. This is because, the initial breast-milk that your baby gets is more watery and rich in antibodies, while the latter part contains more of fats. So, if you keep switching breasts between feeds without emptying the breast, your baby is probably missing on the rich fatty milk!

14. Help baby stay awake and nurse longer

Many babies doze off to sleep while breastfeeding, thereby decreasing the duration of a feed and subsequently waking up immediately for the next one. This is frustrating for you and the baby as well. In order to increase the duration of a feed, try and keep your baby awake while nursing.

If tickling his toes or ears won’t work to keep your baby from falling asleep while nursing, try this: Un-swaddle the baby while breastfeeding. If he seems to be falling asleep too soon, withdraw the nipple gently from his mouth. He will get back to action immediately. Worked for me like a charm! It was like – “No! I’m not yet done. Don’t take it away!!” :))

15. Find some Support

This doesn’t have to be a formal support group. Although it would be great if you could find one. But otherwise, even a couple of knowledgeable, helpful and supportive friends who have had experience with breastfeeding could provide a lot of encouragement.

While I was breastfeeding my firstborn, there were so many times when I just felt like I couldn’t do it. But one of my very good friends stuck by me all through and made sure I didn’t quit!

So, if you are a new mom struggling with breastfeeding a newborn, just know that you aren’t alone. Just follow these tips and keep going. This phase shall pass and soon you will be dishing out advice to other new moms 😉

You’ve got this, mama.

– Kimberly.