The beginning of your breastfeeding journey is so special and joyful, but it can also feel overwhelming and full of anxiety! You’re entering a world where every hiccup, burp, and latch feels like a major milestone! As a mum who's been through the trenches, I've seen it all— the joy, the challenges, and the moments that make your heart swell. And in my lactation consultant practice, I've seen the power and the struggles of breastfeeding. Today, I want to share some valuable insights with you to help get breastfeeding working well for you and your baby, so you have the knowledge to make your breastfeeding experience happy and fulfilling! So, pregnant mums and new breastfeeding mums, buckle up for a chat that’s as real as it gets!
In this blog, I'll delve into the often-unspoken details of breastfeeding, offering you not only the top breastfeeding tips for new mums but also answering the most frequently asked questions as a lactation consultant. Because, let’s face it, the journey of breastfeeding is both beautiful and bewildering, and every mum deserves a helping hand along the way. I'll cover everything from the initial challenges to the triumphant moments of breastfeeding. We'll tackle common questions and provide practical tips to navigate the early days. So, let's dive into the world of breastfeeding together!
- The Initial Challenges:
Breastfeeding can be a rollercoaster, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Research shows that many new mums struggle with latch issues, sore nipples, and the fear that they're not producing enough milk. In my practice, I've seen how these challenges can make the first few weeks seem like an uphill battle. But fear not, dear mum-to-be! Here's how to overcome these hurdles:
- Learn About Breastfeeding Before Baby Arrives:
For pregnant mums, the journey starts before the first latch. Take the time to explore and learn about the world of breastfeeding during pregnancy. Attend a breastfeeding class, read reputable resources, and consider meeting with a lactation consultant to chat through your concerns and worries. Understanding the basics before your baby arrives can make those initial days more manageable and boost your confidence. Download my free “Preparing for Breastfeeding” guide to learn more about what you can do before baby arrives to help breastfeeding happen more easily once your little one is born.
- Mastering the Latch:
The secret weapon in breastfeeding success lies in mastering the latch. Take the time to learn about breastfeeding positions and techniques during pregnancy. A proper latch not only ensures your baby gets enough milk but also prevents nipple pain for you. Download my free “How to Get a Good Latch” guide designed to help you reduce nipple pain from breastfeeding and help baby breastfeed effectively.
- Soothing Sore Nipples:
Sore nipples are a common concern, but relief is within reach. Try expressing a few drops of your precious breastmilk onto your nipples—nature's own remedy. Gently massage the milk and let it air dry. The healing properties of breast milk can work wonders. Additionally, using cold packs or warm water compresses can offer soothing relief. Make sure baby has a deep latch so your nipple doesn’t get squished in the front of their mouth. This is the most common cause of pain and cracked, damaged nipples. If pain persists, don't hesitate to seek guidance from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Sometimes, a minor adjustment in technique can make a world of difference in your breastfeeding journey. These blog posts give some tips on how to fix nipple pain:
How to improve your nipple pain when breastfeeding
- Boosting Milk Supply:
The worry about milk supply is like a cloud that can overshadow the early days of breastfeeding. Relax, mama! Have baby breastfeed frequently and effectively and your supply will build to meet baby’s needs. Your body is designed for this, and as your baby grows, your supply will adjust. If in doubt, reach out to a lactation consultant for personalised guidance. You might also find these blog posts helpful:
How To Tell If Your Baby Is Breastfeeding Well
Low Milk Supply: Understanding the Causes and Finding Solutions
- Frequently Asked Questions as a Lactation Consultant:
In my years as a lactation consultant, I've encountered countless questions that new mums often share. Let's address some of the most common concerns:
- How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?
Many new mums worry about whether their baby is getting enough nourishment. The main signs that show baby’s getting enough milk include at least 5 heavy wet nappies a day, 3 or more poos per day (for babies under 6 weeks – older babies may poo less often) and gaining enough weight. Learn more about the true, evidence-based signs that baby is getting enough, including how much weight they should be gaining each week in my free “How To Tell If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breastmilk” guide.
- How often should I breastfeed my baby?
Ah, the age-old question! For newborns, it's like an all-day buffet—think 8 to 12 feedings in a 24-hour span. As your little one grows, they'll start spacing out these meal demands, but the golden rule? Feed on demand. Watch for those hunger cues, and let your baby lead the feeding schedule. It's like an unspoken conversation between you two, a rhythm you'll soon sync into effortlessly.
- How long should each breastfeeding session last?
On average, it's like a window of 10 to 45 minutes per feeding session. But here's the secret—don't get too caught up in the ticking clock. What truly matters is that your little munchkin is actively sucking and swallowing. It's less about the minutes and more about those sweet signs that your baby is getting the nourishment they need. Trust those cues—they're the real magic in breastfeeding. Wondering how to tell if your baby is sucking or swallowing? I go through it all in detail in this blog post: How To Tell If Your Baby Is Breastfeeding Well
In the beautiful yet sometimes confusing world of breastfeeding, knowledge is power. Pregnant mums, learn about breastfeeding before your little one arrives, and new mums, don't be afraid to seek guidance. In this blog, I've shared tips to conquer initial challenges and answered burning questions as a seasoned lactation consultant. If you’ve got questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram and ask away 😊 And don’t forget… You’re doing an amazing job, Mumma!
Meet the Lactation Consultant:
Arlie Hastings is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who helps mums breastfeed their babies by giving them the tools to resolve nipple pain, low milk supply and other breastfeeding struggles. Helping them go from feeling overwhelmed, defeated and in pain to confident, empowered and breastfeeding comfortably.
Home visits available in the Gold Coast, Tamborine, Logan and Redlands areas, as well as telehealth consultations. You can book online at https://www.arliehastingslactationconsultant.com.au/
