A new mom’s best friend: The breastfeeding tips to know

Breastfeeding your baby provides so many health benefits. If you are nervous about getting started, these breastfeeding tips may help.

Breast milk offers the perfect blend of nutrients and evolves as your baby grows and develops. At Lakeside Hospital, our healthcare team provides specialized breastfeeding support to help you get started and support you over time. Our prenatal classes also cover breastfeeding basics. The breastfeeding tips below are a sample of what you’ll learn.

Why breastfeeding matters

August is National Breastfeeding Month, designed to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding. for both mother and child.

Mom and baby both benefit from the skin-to-skin contact breastfeeding provides. Simply by holding your baby close, you bond with your baby—and this contact stimulates oxytocin production in your body.

Oxytocin initiates uterine contractions that help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and helps deliver breastmilk during feedings. Mom also benefits from a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.

Babies benefit from breast milk in several ways. For one, mom’s milk provides an easily digested blend of minerals, protein, sugar and fats that can help your baby grow and develop. Antibodies from your body can pass through to your baby in breast milk, protecting your child from ear infections, respiratory infections and other illnesses.

Children who are breastfed also have a reduced risk of childhood obesity, eczema and childhood leukemia, along with sudden infant death syndrome.

How to set yourself up for breastfeeding success

As you prepare to breastfeed your little one, it can be helpful to read through some breastfeeding pointers:

Get skin-to-skin contact early and often. Close contact with your baby soon after birth helps promote milk production. Even if you aren’t feeding, simply being in close contact with your baby produces oxytocin.

Take care to position your baby correctly. Breastfeeding positioning is vital to successful breastfeeding, so work with lactation consultants in the hospital to find the correct position. They can advise you about holding your baby—you should be stomach to stomach with no space between your bodies, and your baby’s nose should be in line with your nipple.

When it comes to latching, think big. Latching refers to how your baby attaches to your breast to feed. When latched correctly, your baby should have a mouthful of your nipple and part of the areola (the darker area around your nipple) around it. The baby’s mouth should also be open, like he or she is yawning, with the top and bottom lip visible around your breast. A good latch can help prevent nipple soreness and ensure your baby can eat at his or her own pace.

Fuel your body well. While feeding your baby, you must be sure you’re also getting enough food. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, lean protein, and healthy fats to keep you strong while breastfeeding.

Drink up. Breastfeeding moms can quickly become dehydrated. To ensure you’re staying hydrated, drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in water, such as berries, melons and cucumbers. Drinking a glass of water each time you feed your baby is also helpful. Choose other beverages carefully. Alcohol can pass through breast milk, and drinking alcohol can also dehydrate you.

Boost your milk supply if needed. If you aren’t producing enough milk, work on increasing your milk supply in several ways. Though it seems counterintuitive, the act of breastfeeding itself helps stimulate milk production. Pumping or expressing milk in between feedings may be helpful, too. You can also talk with your OB/GYN or pediatrician about supplements or foods that may help with milk supply—wondering whether your baby is getting enough milk? Weight gain and wet diapers are both indications that your baby is well-fed.

Get plenty of rest. We understand this is easier said than done, but it’s worth prioritizing your well-being. That’s why the adage is to “sleep when your baby sleeps.” Remember, sleep deprivation can negatively affect milk supply, so rest up, mama!

Have questions about breastfeeding? We offer comprehensive care for moms and babies, including expert lactation support.