10 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding for New & Expecting Mothers

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Bringing a new life into this world is a magical experience, and one of the most precious gifts you can give your newborn is the gift of breast milk. Breastfeeding is not only a natural way to nourish your baby, but it also fosters a unique bond between mother and child. However, for first-time moms, the breastfeeding journey can be both exciting and challenging. To help you embark on this beautiful journey with confidence, I put together 10 tips for successful breastfeeding.

And remember, even if you decide to formula-feed your baby instead or become an exclusive pumping mom, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. A fed baby is a happy baby — and I want you to ingrain that into your soul.

So many first time moms, myself included, beat themselves up over not being able to breastfeed perfectly on the first go. It becomes more of a stressor than a bonding experience and in an effort to help you release that stress, remember that phrase.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional or in any way associated with being any form of a lactation consultant. I’ve just had my fair share of challenges with breastfeeding and want to share these Breastfeeding for Beginners tips to help out other moms.

10 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding for New Moms

1. Start Early and Stay Committed

Early Initiation: The first hour after birth is known as the “golden hour.” Use this time for uninterrupted skin to skin contact with your baby. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early initiation of breastfeeding helps stimulate milk production. 

During those early hours, don’t fret about having the correct position down right away. Your newborn’s innate ability to latch on for milk is quite impressive. Many infants will do what’s called a “breast crawl”, where they slowly start to maneuver themselves to the nipple. It’s an instinctive biological trait you’ll likely catch your new baby doing during those early days.

2. Seek Professional Guidance

Consider consulting with a lactation specialist or consultant during pregnancy or shortly after birth. IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) can offer a wide range of assistance, including guidance on correct latching techniques, advice on managing common breastfeeding challenges such as sore nipples or engorgement, and solutions for increasing milk supply.

This has to be one of the best tips for any new mother wanting to breastfeed. Hiring a lactation consultant offers numerous benefits to new breastfeeding mothers — their expertise extends beyond the basics, as they can help address more complex issues such as tongue-tie, low milk supply, or pumping and storing breast milk effectively.

In fact, many lactation consultants even offer support for mothers who opt to use infant formula. They will help you determine an ideal, high-quality baby formula, which baby bottle is best, and much more!

3. Establish a Good Latch

A proper latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding. Make sure your baby’s mouth covers most of the areola and not just the nipple. A proper latch ensures efficient milk transfer and can prevent things like clogged milk ducts, nipple confusion, sore or cracked nipples, feeding frustration, excessive gas intake, and more.

In addition, a baby with a proper latch is more likely to gain weight at an appropriate rate and consume adequate nutrients, ensuring they grow at a healthy ongoing rate.

For the record, if you do end up with sore or cracked nipples, the best way I’ve found to alleviate the discomfort quickly is with these hydrogel pads. They’re so soothing and can help you get through your nursing session if you’re feeling any discomfort. At least, until you’re able to get proper support from a lactation consultant.

4. Recognize Hunger Cues

Pay attention to your baby’s cues for hunger, they’re crucial. If your baby often ends up crying to eat, that is typically a late sign of hunger. For new mothers, this can be a tad overwhelming. So here’s what to do.

Instead, look for early signs like rooting, sucking on their hand, or smacking their lips. Feeding on demand is a good idea to ensure your baby gets enough milk throughout both day and night. 

5. Frequent Nursing Sessions

Newborn infants have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, usually every 2-3 hours. This helps establish and maintain your milk supply. Your baby will also go through some growth spurts over the next couple of weeks, meaning more nursing sessions ahead. 

Here are some rules of thumb to follow for feeding your newborn baby:

• According to the CDC, “babies will breastfeed about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours” (over the first few weeks and months).
• YES, you will need to wake your sleeping newborn to eat if it’s been closer to 4 hours between feeds. 
• Pay attention to your baby’s excretions. A newborn baby should have at least 6 to 8 wet diapers per day (as baby matures, this will change).
• As long as your newborn baby gains weight during each checkup visit with their healthcare provider, they’re eating enough.

6. Stay Hydrated and Rested

Drink plenty of water throughout the day and ensure you get enough rest. Breast milk is rich in essential nutrients, including water-soluble vitamins. Dehydration can lead to a decrease in milk supply. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), inadequate fluid intake can affect milk production, making it important for breastfeeding mothers to consume enough fluids to meet the needs of both themselves and their infants. 

It’s also important to note that breastfeeding mothers tend to have higher fluid requirements than non-breastfeeding women, and these hydration needs can vary depending on factors such as environmental temperature, activity level, and individual differences. Thus, staying hydrated by consuming a variety of fluids like water, milk, and other non-caffeinated beverages is recommended.

7. Join Support Groups

Support groups really are a game changer. As a mom who struggled with breastfeeding and postpartum depression with my first, the support group I met with a couple of times a month changed everything. It not only provided guidance for me being able to meet with an expert who led the group, but it also gave me a sense of hope and optimism by connecting with other moms who had experienced exactly what I did. 

You can find breastfeeding support groups in your area or online. 

8. Understand Your Milk Supply

Typically, a woman’s milk will come in within 48-72 hours after birth. Prior to that, you’ll have colostrum. Colostrum is that thick yellow “first milk” that is loaded with nutrients for your little one.

This is where the term “liquid gold” came from. In fact, you may have experienced some of it leaking out during those last weeks of pregnancy. 

Below is an average timeline of what to expect when you’re waiting for your milk to come in:

• Week 16 to 22 of Pregnancy: Colostrum is being produced
• 24 to 48 hours Postpartum: Colostrum should be easily expressed
• 48 to 72 hours Postpartum: Breasts become more full as milk comes in (for first time moms, this can sometimes take an extra day or two)

9. Educate Yourself

I always suggest pregnant women take a breastfeeding class to educate themselves about breastfeeding and what to expect in those early weeks. 

Breastfeeding classes provide comprehensive information about the importance of breastfeeding, including its numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. They also cover things like:

• The anatomy and physiology of breast milk production and milk flow. 
• Techniques and positions to ensure the baby latches correctly and comfortably.
• Strategies and tips for troubleshooting common breastfeeding and pumping challenges. 
• Proper pumping techniques, including choosing a breast pump, milk collection, and storage.
• Breastfed weaning.
• Some breastfeeding classes (typically local ones) will cover your legal rights and accommodations in the workplace. 

You can find local breastfeeding classes through a lactation consultant, sometimes at your delivery hospital, and online. One of my favorite breastfeeding classes is The Complete Breastfeeding Class created and hosted by IBCLC, Katie Clark. What I love most about this class is that it’s incredibly comprehensive for an affordable price. Because it’s hosted online, you can watch it at any time in the comfort of your own home.

10. Stock Up on Breastfeeding Supplies

Finally, make sure you stock up on the essentials you’ll be using daily while breastfeeding. I’m talking about things like:

• Nipple butter (for soothing relief of dry or cracked nipples)
• Comfortable nursing bra
• Comfortable pumping bra (for moms planning to pump frequently)
• Breastmilk storage bags
• Colostrum collectors (just for the first few days)
• Silver nursing cups (to protect irritated nipples between feeds)
• Nursing friendly tops

Having these items on hand a long way before your due date will be helpful. You’ll be able to familiarize yourself with the products and use them to help you have a successful breastfeeding experience.

Successful Breastfeeding Tips: The Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re a first time mom wishing to breastfeed, you can set yourself up to a great start by using these 10 tips. Remember that every mother and baby is unique, and it’s important to be patient with yourself and your little one as you navigate this new journey together. With the right support, knowledge, and resources, you can set your exclusive breastfeeding journey up for success!

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