How to Breastfeed: A comprehensive guide for first time moms -

When I first started breastfeeding, I had no clue what I was doing. You would think it’s natural – you just put the baby there and boom, it happens. For the most part, yes, but guess what: baby is new to this too! You are both learning how to make it work. Every baby is unique, and every breast and milk flow is different.

It turned out that one of my breasts had a faster milk flow, and my baby was almost choking and started to refuse that side. When she did accept that side, she would bite down so hard. I started using nipple balm and all sorts of remedies. It was so painful. At first, I thought maybe it’s supposed to be painful, and I just needed to endure it. I thought that as long as the baby was feeding, I could last through the pain. But then my doula said, “It’s not supposed to hurt at all. You need a lactation consultant to help you.”

I got help from my lactation consultant, who first introduced a nipple shield. Then she showed me the proper latching technique. Believe it or not, that fixed everything, and I got rid of the shield and other remedies. Once I got it right, it changed everything!

Here’s what I learn:

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to understand the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby:

Nutritional Superiority: Breast milk provides all the essential nutrients your baby needs in the first six months of life.
Immune Support: Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is something formula cannot replicate. This makes breastfeeding particularly beneficial when your baby is sick.
Bonding: The physical closeness and skin-to-skin contact enhance the bond between mother and child.
Health Benefits for Mom: Breastfeeding can help you lose pregnancy weight faster and reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Getting Started: The First Feed

Initiate Early: Try to breastfeed within the first hour after birth. This is when your baby is most alert and the sucking reflex is strongest.
Understand How Feeding Works: Your baby will suck quickly to stimulate letdown. As milk begins to flow, they will start to suck more rhythmically and deeply. Once the milk flow stabilizes, your baby will settle into a steady, slower sucking pattern. It shouldn’t hurt!
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Hold your baby naked against your bare chest. This helps to calm your baby and encourages them to latch on. In the first few weeks, I used to undressed the baby and put her naked against my skin every time I breastfed.

Signs That Baby Needs Feeding

Recognizing when your baby is hungry can help ensure timely and effective feedings. Here are some common signs that your baby needs feeding:

Rooting Reflex: Your baby turns their head and opens their mouth when their cheek is stroked.
Sucking Motions: Your baby makes sucking noises or movements with their mouth.
Hand-to-Mouth Movements: Your baby brings their hands to their mouth and starts sucking on them.
Restlessness or Squirming: Your baby becomes more active or fussy.
Crying: Crying is a late hunger cue, so try to feed your baby before they reach this stage.

Here is a schedule for feeding and sleeping.

Finding a Comfortable Position

There are several positions you can try to find what works best for you and your baby:

Cradle Hold: Hold your baby in your arms with their head resting in the crook of your elbow.
Cross-Cradle Hold: Similar to the cradle hold, but you support your baby’s head with your hand, not your elbow.
Football Hold: Hold your baby at your side, under your arm (like a football), with their body facing you.
Side-Lying Position: Lie on your side with your baby facing you. This can be a good position for night feedings.
Laid Back Breastfeeding – lie on your back with your baby facing you. Here is a video that helped me a lot.

Achieving a Good Latch

A proper latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding and to prevent nipple pain. Read this guide on how to achieve a good latch.

Managing Common Breastfeeding Issues

Engorgement: This occurs when your breasts are overly full. Try breastfeeding more frequently, using warm compresses, or hand expressing milk.
Sore Nipples: Ensure a proper latch and try using nipple creams or shields.
Low Milk Supply: Feed frequently, ensure proper hydration and nutrition, and consider consulting a lactation specialist.
Read about other issues, such as – improper latching, prolonged or frequent feedings (outside the cluster feeding time), clicking sounds while feeding, nipple damage – that could be related to a tongue-tie.

Burping Positions

Burping helps release air that your baby may swallow during feeding. Here are some effective burping positions:

Over the Shoulder: Hold your baby upright against your shoulder and gently pat or rub their back.
Sitting Up: Sit your baby on your lap, supporting their chest and head with one hand while gently patting their back with the other.
Face Down on Your Lap: Lay your baby across your lap on their tummy, supporting their head and making sure it’s higher than their chest, and gently pat their back.

Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

Breastfeed Exclusively if You Can: The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months and continuing with complementary foods up to 2 years.
Wait to Introduce the Bottle: Don’t introduce the bottle before 4 weeks to establish a strong breastfeeding routine.
Get the Latching Technique Right: This is crucial for effective breastfeeding and preventing nipple pain.
Find a Distraction-Free Spot: Especially after your baby becomes aware and curious, a quiet environment can help them focus on feeding.
Don’t Worry About Cluster Feeding: If your baby cluster feeds in the evening, it’s normal. However, if they seem unsatisfied, consider adding a bottle to test if they had enough.
Breastfed Babies Eat More Often: They may need to eat earlier than the typical 2-3 hour window.
Use a Breastfeeding Pillow: It can help position the baby for a proper latch, but also practice without it to manage on the go.
Burp the Baby After Feeding: This can help with digestion and prevent gas.
Offer Both Sides: Start with the “main course” and finish with the “dessert.” Begin the next feed with the last side used.
Time Each Side: I timed 10-12 minutes per side before switching. If unsure, rely on a timer.
Trust Your Milk Supply: My lactation consultant advised, “Don’t ever say: I don’t have milk!” It’s all about supply and demand. The more you feed/pump/express, the more you produce.
Well-Fed and Well-Rested Babies Cry Less: My family was convinced my baby had colic because she cried inconsolably. Everyone screamed, “She has colic! There’s nothing to do!” But I learned she was crying because she was hungry. I tried to follow the 2-3 hour feeding schedule, but she wanted to feed more frequently. If your baby cries, try feeding her first, then consider other basic needs like sleep, temperature, or a wet diaper.