Organic Baby Home • Organic Baby Nutrition • Breastfeeding Tips

Breastfeeding Tips:
From One Mom to Another

It may take some coaching and a lot of effort, most of which is mental and emotional, but many mothers find it is worth it. Here are some breastfeeding tips to help you from day one.

Take a breastfeeding course.

You've probably heard this before, but it really does help in the area of mental preparation and confidence. If your baby is born in a hospital, you could be waiting hours for a lactation consultant to come and give you breastfeeding tips.

With a class under your belt, you will at least be familiar with a couple of positions to try when your baby arrives. While the demonstration dolls are no comparison to your warm, wiggly newborn, you will be glad you had more practice than a book or video alone could provide.

Contact your local hospital or La Leche league chapter to get valuable breastfeeding tips or to find a course.
Be slow to notify the universe of your new arrival.

The grandparents wont like it, but the moment you start calling all of your family and friends to share the good news, your time alone with your baby goes out of the window.

People show up, because they love you and care about you, but your immediate priority is nurturing your baby. Give nursing a try before you invite loved ones in for visits.

My husband and I spent the first day of our daughter's life entertaining loved ones because our adrenaline was pumping and we all wanted to celebrate. Instead of asking our guests for privacy, I attempted to nurse in front of them.

"Why should I be embarrassed?" I tried to convince myself. Well the truth was that I was tense about others watching and I struggled to get her to latch on.

When the lactation consultant came at the end of the day, she explained that the baby takes on whatever energy the mom has. If I wasn't relaxed and comfortable, then my baby wouldn't be either.

Even if you are not self-conscious about other's seeing your breasts, most people don't like trying to master a new skill with other people staring at them.

Do yourself and your baby a favor and inform your birthing companion or the nursing staff that guests should be escorted out when it's time to feed the baby.
Delegate the details.

Let your birthing companion do the dirty work. Not only should they be responsible for telling loved ones things they don't want to hear, but they should also take on anything else that could be an unnecessary source of stress during those early days.

For me, it was helpful to have my hubby keeping track of the baby feedings spreadsheet. It was enough to get the pillows situated and get the baby latched on.

I couldn't remember if had she had been on the left breast or the right breast and I'd fall asleep before I could count how many minutes she ate.

Keeping track of paperwork, dirty diapers and picture taking are just a few of the things you should think about handing off so you can master the art of breastfeeding.
Allow 2 - 4 weeks for it to feel "natural".

Of the many breastfeeding tips I received in my breastfeeding course, I clung to a statement I heard the instructor say: "Soreness is not a normal part of breastfeeding. If you're sore, then the baby isn't latched on correctly."

I translated what she said to mean, "I wont be sore, everyone who's sore is doing it wrong." That was the wrong translation. I remember closing my eyes and gritting my teeth to bear the early latch on efforts of my feisty baby.

The good news is the soreness does go away once you and your baby find a favorite position. We found ours by accident and I have to tell you it wasn't in any of the books, nor did it involve any pillows.

One day during her second week home, we just stopped wrestling at feeding times and the soreness went away a few days after that. The same will happen for you just give it time.
Have a support network to lean on.

If you can, choose a birthing location and health care providers who are supportive of your decision to breastfeed.

I can't count the number of times I requested breastfeeding tips from a lactation consultant while I was in the hospital. Each nurse had training and several consultants were on duty.

Even after you arrive home, don't hesitate to make an appointment to revisit the lactation nurse. A good consultant can help you determine if your baby is tongue-tied or has some other issue preventing a latch on. They can also help you overcome any fluctuations in milk supply.

If you have a friend who has breastfeed, call her when things get tough. Your mother and aunts probably gave birth during a time when health care professionals promoted formula over breast milk. Not only do they not have any breastfeeding tips, they may not understand the many benefits or your desire to nurse.

Seek out friends that have been there and done that for encouragement during the early phases. It was a friend that told me things would get better in a month. I was pleasantly surprised when it didn't take that long, but her advice helped me to know that my difficult transition was normal.
To whom much is given, much is required.

If you're well-endowed, you may have to work a little harder in the beginning. Know that you won't smother your child and positioning wont come easy, but you can do it. Also know there is no direct correlation between breast size and milk supply.

One of the most effective breastfeeding tips is to try to roll a towel or diaper and tuck it under your breast for extra elevation. This helps initially and you won't have to do it forever, just until you and your baby get into a groove.

You may also want to support your breast with the hand not holding the baby, to keep the weight of the breast off the baby's chin.

A good lactation consultant can show you other special breastfeeding tips. Finally, after your milk comes in, get some good, supportive nursing bras. You may have to visit a breastfeeding boutique to get measured and find a larger size.
Get the tools you need to feel comfortable.

You've made a commitment to breastfeed, take advantage of the many breastfeeding products designed to help you stay committed longer.

Finding out about the Bebe au lait nursing cover is one of the best breastfeeding tips I have recieved.

It was important to have something that could help me nurse discreetly in public. My favorite nursing cover is by Bebe Au Lait. They make beautifully patterned nursing cover, equipped with a wire rim, that allows you and the baby to see one another while preserving your privacy.

They introduced a line of Simple by Bebe Au Lait Organic Nursing Coverorganic nursing covers in April 2008. Two colors come in 100% organic linen and three are available in 100% organic cotton.

Selecting the proper breastfeeding clothes can also help you stay covered. Pajamas and nightgowns made especially for nursing make night time breastfeeding much easier.

Button up blouses unbuttoned from the bottom up, jackets, and baby blankets can also provide extra coverage for your breasts and stomach. Breastfeeding tops and dresses are also becoming more popular.

The Medela breast pump makes breastfeeding easier for working moms.

Finally if you plan to pump, take the time to read reviews and get the best one for your situation. I have tried and tested the Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump with Shoulder Bag. You can read my review here.

Check out some of my favorite nursing products in the Organic Nursing Guide.

--

Do you want more tips, special offers, and discounts? Join the Organic Baby Club today!

--

We appreciate your feedback. Please take our Organic Baby Reader Survey today, and tell us how we're doing!