Nursing your baby for the first time can be overwhelming. These breastfeeding tips for first time moms will get you off to a great start.
You’ve made the decision to breastfeed your baby but you can’t help having concerns about how to breastfeed a newborn. Don’t worry, feeling anxious about breastfeeding for the first time is perfectly natural.
I’m not going to lie, learning how to breastfeed properly can be a challenge but these breastfeeding tips for first time moms should get you off to a great start.
Breastfeeding a baby for the first time can be overwhelming but with a bit of practice and preparation it will become easier and a perfectly natural thing for you and your baby.
There is also additional support in the form of an online breastfeeding class.
This class is super affordable and can be worked through at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. You can learn to breastfeed in your pyjamas!
The lessons are easy to follow and as you have lifetime access to the class you can refer back to it as many times as you need to.I wish I had this resource when my kids were born. It was a lifesaver for a close friend of mine and having seen the results she got I can strongly recommend it.
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Breastfeeding For Beginners
6 Things To Think About Before You Begin BreastFeeding
- It may be tough at first, you won’t be perfect first time but you will get there with practice. Nobody knows exactly how to breastfeed when they first start out. It takes trial and error and working out what is best for you and your baby.
- It’s not uncommon for breastfeeding to be slightly painful in the beginning. Once you and your baby have latching down to a fine art this pain should subside. However breastfeeding pain that doesn’t improve may need to be treated.
- You will need to look after yourself while you are breastfeeding. Drink plenty of water, eat nutritious meals, and try to eliminate stress as much as possible. If you need to take medication please consult your doctor and allow any alcohol to leave your system before breastfeeding.
- You can combine breastfeeding with formula if that works best for you. Be aware that you may notice a decline in your milk production if you do this.
- Breastfeeding can be extremely tiring, so you always have the option to use a breast pump This means Daddy can help out too!
- If breastfeeding doesn’t work out for you, do not think you have failed. Just know that you did the best you could do and that you need to the right thing for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding Must Haves
A few necessary items that are key to helping you breastfeed successfully.
- Nursing pads – Those boobs will get leaky.
- Nipple cream – Early on your nipples may get cracked and sore.
- Vitamins – Carry on taking your prenatal vitamins while you are breastfeeding.
- Nursing bras – For day and night.
- Lactation tea – This will keep you hydrated and encourage milk production.
- Baby swaddle blankets – These will be extremely helpful when feeding your newborn.
- Breastfeeding cover – For when you want to be discreet.
Breastfeeding Tips For First Time Moms
- Find a comfortable place to breastfeed. A quiet place is probably best in the beginning. Although as time goes on you may want to listen to music or watch TV to help pass the time.
- Make sure you have plenty of cushions or pillows to support you and your baby.
- Look out for cues that your baby is hungry. They may make sucking noises, put their hands to their mouth or turn their heads towards anything that is near their faces.
- Find the right breastfeeding position for you. There is no one perfect position for breastfeeding you need to figure out which one is going to work best for you and your baby. It is recommended that you hold your baby as close to you as possible so your breast doesn’t drag in their mouth. Here are a few of the most common breastfeeding positions.
The Cradle Hold – Lay the baby across you so the baby’s tummy is touching yours. Use your arm on the breastfeeding side to support baby’s head and body.
The Football Hold – Tuck baby under your arm to the side of you. Support the breast with your other hand.
The Side Lying Position – This one is for when you are feeding baby in bed. Lie down on your with the baby facing you. Nurse the baby with the breast that is resting on the bed.
- When getting your baby to latch on to the breast always bring your baby onto the breast not the other way round. Place your fingers around your nipple and tickle baby’s lips with it. When baby opens their mouth wide help them take the entire nipple into their mouths by bringing them right up to the breast.
- There are a few things to look for to be sure that your baby is getting enough milk. Your baby should appear content after each feed and should be gaining weight. A couple of days in your baby should be have at least six wet nappies per day. If you think your baby isn’t getting enough milk then you may need to take steps to increase your milk supply.
- Most feeds will take between 10 and 40 minutes. It will seem to take longer at first but you and your baby will get much more efficient at breastfeeding as time goes on. Always allow your baby to nurse fully on each breast.
- Expect to breastfeed up to 10 – 12 times per day in the first few weeks. This is seems like a lot but is completely normal and helps establish your milk supply.
- Don’t worry too much about your baby having a feeding schedule. Feed your baby as often as they want you to and keep watching out for signs that they are hungry.
I hope you find these breastfeeding tips for first time moms helpful and wish you well in your breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding Tips For First Time Moms
