Breastfeeding is a natural yet often surprisingly challenging journey for many new mothers. Understanding the fundamentals can make this experience smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your baby. The first week of August is Breastfeeding Week, so here are some essential tips and tricks to help you navigate breastfeeding with confidence.

Understanding the basics

Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both mother and baby. It offers essential nutrients, strengthens the bond between mother and child, and can even help with postpartum recovery. However, it’s important to approach breastfeeding with realistic expectations. Every mother’s experience is unique, and challenges may arise.

Many people (expectant mothers included!) don’t know that breastmilk is produced by many small sacs within the breast tissue, and exits the breast from multiple ducts throughout the nipple and areola. This is why it’s important for your baby to latch properly, taking into their mouth as much breast tissue as possible. Doing so will also reduce pain, as the suction force of your infant feeding will be spread throughout more breast tissue, and not centred on your sensitive nipple.

Before you begin, ensure you have a comfortable and quiet space to feed your baby. This will help both of you relax. Positioning is key; try different holds to find what works best for you and your baby. The cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, and football hold are popular options, each providing different angles for latching.

Latching techniques

A proper latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding. Past the first few weeks, if your baby is latched correctly, you should not feel pain during feeding. To encourage a good latch, bring your baby to your breast rather than leaning forward. Aim for your baby to take a large portion of the areola into their mouth, not just the nipple. 

One common challenge for a comfortable latch is a lip or tongue tie. Getting those released is quick and relatively painless in infancy. Doing so makes it easier for your baby to take in more of the breast tissue, making the latch much more comfortable for you, while also preventing a whole host of complications when your baby grows older.

If you encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek help. Lactation consultants can provide valuable guidance and support. Many hospitals offer lactation services, so make sure to utilise them if needed. 

Managing common challenges

Breastfeeding can come with its fair share of challenges. Common issues include sore nipples, engorgement, and concerns about milk supply. If you experience nipple pain, ensure your baby is latching correctly and consider using lanolin cream for relief. For some mothers, a silicone breast shield is key to working through latch issues without causing nipple damage. Others swear by silver nipple shields for providing relief between feeds.

For engorgement, frequent feeding or pumping can help alleviate discomfort, while warm compresses and breast massage can also help relieve clogged or blocked ducts. If you’re worried about your milk supply, remember that demand drives production. The more you breastfeed, the more milk your body will produce. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can also support milk production. 

Breastmilk also has different qualities at different points during a feed. The initial letdown is often quite watery and hydrating, while deeper into a feed, it turns thicker and more nutritious. It’s important to empty your breasts as often as possible to establish a good supply. If your baby tends to fall asleep at the breast, or just doesn’t empty your breast, try to pump out the last part and feed it to your baby later. 

Creating a support system

Having a support system in place is vital for new mothers. Surround yourself with friends, family, or local breastfeeding groups who can offer encouragement and advice. Sharing your experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation and frustration.

Consider involving your partner in the breastfeeding journey. While breastfeeding is quite a one-on-one experience between mother and baby, it also involves post-feed burping, nappy changes, and comforting back to sleep. Encouraging your partner to get involved during those stages encourages bonding between them and the baby, and allows you to rest and heal from the birth. 

Finding your rhythm

Establishing a breastfeeding routine can help you and your baby find your rhythm. Try to feed on demand, responding to your baby’s hunger cues. This will not only help with milk supply but also strengthen the bond between you and your little one.

As you settle into a routine, consider keeping a feeding log to track when and how long your baby feeds. This can help you identify patterns and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, using a breastfeeding app can be a handy way to monitor progress and stay organised. If an app sounds too complicated on minimal sleep, some mothers use a system of hairbands on the wrist to help them remember which breast their baby fed from and write down feeding times and duration in a notebook. 

Self-care for moms

While caring for your baby is a priority, don’t forget about your own well-being. Take time for self-care, whether that’s enjoying a warm bath, reading a book, or simply resting when your baby sleeps. Making use of a Snuza monitor can help you sleep more restfully when you get the chance, knowing your baby is under constant monitoring. A well-rested, happy mother is better equipped to handle the challenges of breastfeeding and parenting.

Breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience filled with unique challenges. With the right support, knowledge, and tools, you can navigate this journey successfully. For more in-depth information, be sure to check out our Breastfeeding 101: Crash Course. And remember, the Snuza range of monitors is here to provide peace of mind as you focus on nurturing your baby.