As a fourth year medical student pursuing OB/Gyn, I had the opportunity to do a lactation rotation. I was given one-on-one training from two incredibly knowledgeable IBCLCs. The main take away from this rotation is that something as natural as breastfeeding does not come naturally for many. Here are some useful tips for new breastfeeding parents:
- Be patient! You and your baby are both learning something new. It may take a couple of days before you feel confident with breastfeeding.
- Be prepared — your baby will want to feed a lot! Breastmilk is digested easier than formula, so breastfed babies tend to feed more often. Also, your baby will go through growth spurts where they are feeding much more frequently for a couple of days. This is all normal and your milk supply will adjust to your baby’s needs.
- Breastfeeding is all about demand and supply. The more breastmilk you remove from your breasts through breastfeeding or pumping, the more milk your breasts will make. In order to establish and maintain a solid milk supply, you need to breastfeed and/or pump 8 or more times per day. In the first few weeks, you will be feeding at least 10-12 times per day.
- The best latch is a deep latch. The way to get a deep latch is to use your hand to form a C shape and hold your breast in a “breast sandwich,” tap your baby’s top lip with your nipple and then bring your baby’s head to the breast when they open their mouths wide. Their chin, cheeks, and tip of the nose should be touching your breast. A deep latch will feel comfortable. Shallow latches tend to be very painful and can lead to cracked and sore nipples.
- Feed your baby when they start exhibiting early hunger cues. A crying baby will be frustrated and difficult to latch. So, try to feed your baby before this happened. Feed your baby when they start to smack their lips, looking around for your nipple, or sucking their hands.
- If you are trying to latch your baby, but they are hungry and crying and refusing to latch, try giving them a small amount of milk in a bottle first. Offer less than ½ an ounce of either pumped breastmilk or formula to help soothe the baby. Once they are calm, try latching your baby.
- Avoid pacifiers for the first month. They can make babies skip feeds for two reasons: 1) it tricks your baby’s body into thinking it does not need to feed and 2) they use their energy to suck on the pacifier and they may be too tired to latch after. Feel free to introduce them a little later.
- Be confident in your milk supply! Your body will make enough milk to feed your baby. You know you are producing enough milk when your baby is gaining weight appropriately (about 1oz per day), peeing, pooping, and are relaxed and calm after a feed. Your breasts may feel softer, too!
- When in doubt, latch your baby. If your baby is acting fussy, latch them. If they are showing you they are hungry, latch them. You can never overfeed a breastfeeding baby because they take what they need from the breast. Sometimes, they will want to latch just to be close to you and get Mom cuddles. Other times, they want to use you as a pacifier. And sometimes, they just want a snack. Follow your baby’s cues.
- Breastmilk has amazing healing qualities! If you have sore and/or cracked nipples, express a few drops of breastmilk, spread around your nipple and areola, and let it air dry.
- Take care of yourself! Drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, and sleep whenever you can. Lactating mothers need a high calorie intake (~2500 cal/day!). Focus on high protein foods, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Also, keep granola bars or other snacks where you breastfeed. You can eat, drink, and feed all at the same time. If your partner can help with a feed at night, it is okay for you to sleep for a 4-hour stretch and feed or pump when you wake up.
- Don’t be shy about asking for help. Adjusting to life a newborn is tough!
Here are some informative (and credible) resources for all
of your breastfeeding and pumping questions:
La Leche League - www.llli.org
Kelly Mom - www.kellymom.com
Cassandra Mitchell, MS4
Drexel University College of Medicine
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