My tips for successful breastfeeding as a new mum

Imagine being stranded on a deserted island with only your baby by your side. Without any clocks, structure, routine, or unwanted advice, it's just you and your little one. In this scenario, all you need to focus on is responding to your baby's needs, keeping them close, and feeding them whenever they're hungry.

In this simple setting, there's no need to overthink sleep and feeding schedules. Just go back to the basics of caring for your baby. Remember that it's completely normal for young infants to breastfeed 8-12 times or more in a day, including periods of cluster feeding where your baby may want to nurse frequently. This is normal newborn behaviour.

Embrace this time as an opportunity for bonding and learning together. Your baby is not only nourishing themselves but also helping to stimulate and protect your milk supply.

Here are my tips for successful breastfeeding as a new mum.

My biggest tip would be that I highly recommend seeking support from a lactation consultant during your pregnancy. As a midwife, I often witness the challenges faced by hospital staff due to time constraints and understaffing, which can limit the comprehensive education and assistance provided to mothers. By educating yourself on lactation and breastfeeding before your baby arrives, you are preparing yourself for success. This knowledge equips you with the understanding of potential challenges and the confidence needed to face them.

Going back to basics as I talked about in the beginning is my next crucial tip. Allow your baby to sleep on you and embrace bed sharing (safely, following guidelines from organisations like Red Nose). This approach can help you get the rest you need to function effectively. Breastfeeding while lying down or reclining on the couch can also promote relaxation and comfort for both you and your baby.

Consider investing in a swaddle, sleeping bag, or suit from Baby Loves Sleep to help your baby manage startle reflexes and feel secure and cozy. If using a swaddle with arms, remember to put it on after feeding to ensure your baby's arms are free during feeding sessions.

Another important tip is to let go of time constraints, schedules, and outside advice. Babies are only little for a short while, so savour this precious time with your little one and reduce unnecessary stress.

Pay attention to your baby's cues, listen to them, and respond to their needs. Follow their lead when it comes to feeding, allowing them to eat at their own pace. If your baby is unsettled, try soothing them by rocking them, taking a walk, or having a calming bath together. Let them nap whenever they show signs of tiredness, and don't hesitate to breastfeed them to sleep – this is a natural and nurturing practice that has been done for generations.

Breastfeeding releases hormones that promote relaxation and sleepiness, so embrace this bonding experience with your baby. Consider using a baby carrier to keep your little one close while you attend to other tasks or care for your other children. Remember, closeness is what our babies need most, not separation.

Finally, trust that as time goes on, things will become easier. Embrace the journey of motherhood with patience and love, knowing that you are doing what is best for your baby.

Here are some additional tips for successfully breastfeeding:

1. Learn how to hand express: Hand expressing allows you to manually collect colostrum during pregnancy and in the early days after birth, as well as your milk later on. This skill can be invaluable in ensuring your baby receives the necessary nutrients and in supporting your milk supply.

2. Master the art of attaching your baby to the breast: Knowing how to properly attach your baby to the breast is crucial for reducing nipple pain, ensuring effective milk removal, and supporting your milk supply. Learn different techniques for attaching your baby, whether through self-attachment or baby-led attachment, to achieve correct positioning and attachment.

3. Understand newborn behaviour: Educate yourself on what to expect in terms of feeding, sleep patterns, and comfort for newborns. This knowledge will help you navigate the conflicting advice you may receive from others and empower you to make informed decisions for your baby as they adapt to life outside the womb.

4. Take care of your nipples: Nipple discomfort and pain are common issues that can arise during breastfeeding but are not considered normal. Proper nipple care and treatment can help prevent and address nipple trauma. Focus on achieving a good latch when attaching your baby to the breast to minimise nipple damage and promote a comfortable feeding experience for both you and your baby.

My final tip would be to seek support from a lactation consultant during the postpartum period. This can help ensure that your breastfeeding attachment is observed to prevent nipple damage and maximise the chances of successful breastfeeding. With expert guidance in your own home environment, you can receive personalised care tailored to your birth history, any interventions, and current breastfeeding situation.

This continuity of care can be crucial, especially if you were advised to use nipple shields, offer top-ups, follow a feeding schedule, or introduce formula during your hospital stay. A lactation consultant can assess both you and your baby holistically, offering evidence-based recommendations to address any challenges and support you in continuing your breastfeeding journey.

It is important to note that while 98% of Australian mothers initiate breastfeeding, there is a significant drop to around 30% by the 3-month mark. This decline indicates that many mothers face obstacles that prevent them from continuing breastfeeding, despite their initial intentions. By proactively educating ourselves about breastfeeding and seeking support when needed, we can better equip ourselves to overcome potential challenges.

Just as you wouldn't embark on any other goal without preparation, preparing for successful breastfeeding is essential.

*originally written in conjunction with @babylovessleep as a guest blog 

I have kindly been given a discount code to share, use NURTUREANDNOURISH15 when purchasing your swaddle/ sleeping bag or suit from @babylovessleep