Breastfeeding: A Guide for New Moms

Breastfeeding is an important part of becoming a mother. It's often met with a mix of happiness, excitement, and a lot of questions. Breastfeeding gives a child the nutrients they need to be healthy for the rest of their lives. However, there may be challenges along the way. New moms face a lot of unknowns, from wondering if their milk supply is enough to figuring out how to keep a breastfeeding schedule while also taking care of other responsibilities. This guide is meant to answer common questions and concerns by giving mothers reassuring, understanding, and fact-based advice to help them along their journey of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom and Baby

Breastfeeding is beneficial not only for the baby but also for the mother. For the baby, breast milk has the right amount of nutrients, is easier to digest than formula, and has antibodies that keep the baby from getting sick. It also helps the mother and baby feel emotionally close to each other. Breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of a number of health problems for the mother, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.

Starting Your Breastfeeding Journey

A new mom might feel overwhelmed when she first starts breastfeeding, but with time and practice, it gets easier and more natural. To get started, try to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby as soon as possible after birth. This encourages them to move toward your breast on their own. Take note of signs that your baby is hungry, like being more alert or putting their mouths together, and try to feed them before they get too upset. Moms can try out different nursing positions to find the one that feels best. Some of these are the cradle hold, the side-lying hold, and the football hold. Putting your baby belly-to-belly and making sure they latch on to the whole areola (not just the nipple) can make feeding easier. Remember that both mom and baby must learn how to do this. A lactation consultant can give you helpful advice and support that is tailored to your needs. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you are having trouble or are worried about something.

Frequency of Breastfeeding

The frequency of breastfeeding often depends on how old the baby is and what he or she needs. A good rule of thumb is to feed "on demand," which means to breastfeed when your baby shows signs of hunger, like being more active, mouthing, or fussy. For a newborn, this is usually between 8 and 12 times in 24 hours. As your baby gets older, they may start to drink more milk each time they eat, and they may need to eat less often. It is important to remember that each baby is different. Some babies may want to nurse more often, while others may want to stick to a more regular schedule. Regular checkups with your child's pediatrician can help you make sure your baby is growing and developing well and give you peace of mind that you are meeting your child's needs by breastfeeding.

Signs of a Well-Fed Baby

Moms who breastfeed often worry about whether their babies are getting enough milk. There are a few signs that your baby is getting enough to eat. First, your baby should look healthy and have a good color. Their skin should also be firm and not sag. When awake, a well-fed baby is often active and alert. Gaining weight is another important sign that your baby is getting enough to eat. Most babies lose weight at first, but by two weeks, they should be back to their birth weight. Then, as a general rule, they should gain about an ounce per day for the first three months. Also, the number of wet and dirty diapers can be a good sign. After the first week, a baby should have at least five to six wet diapers and three bowel movements per day. Please keep in mind that every baby is different and that these are just general milestones. If you're worried about your baby's weight gain or health in general, don't be afraid to talk to a pediatrician or an expert on breastfeeding. 

What to Do When Breastfeeding Hurts

For some moms, breastfeeding can sometimes be uncomfortable or even painful. It's important to know that occasional mild pain is normal, especially as you and your baby get used to breastfeeding. However, constant and severe pain is not normal.

If breastfeeding hurts, it could be because of a bad latch, too much milk, or a health problem like mastitis or thrush. One of the most common reasons for pain when breastfeeding is that your baby isn't getting enough of your breast into their mouth. To stop this from happening, make sure your baby's mouth covers a lot of your areola, not just the nipple. Also, pay attention to how your baby's lips look. They should not be tucked in but should curve outward. 

Another common problem is engorgement, which happens when your breasts are too full of milk. This can make it hard for your baby to latch on and can be uncomfortable for your baby. Frequent feeding, or expressing milk between feedings, can help alleviate engorgement. If the pain doesn't go away, it's important to talk to a doctor or a lactation consultant. They can look at your breasts and how you are breastfeeding to find any problems and help you fix them. Remember that breastfeeding shouldn't hurt and getting the right help early can make the process go more smoothly.

Tips to Alleviate Pain and Discomfort

There are many ways to deal with pain and discomfort when you're breastfeeding, from changing your position to using natural remedies. Here are some ways to deal with this problem:

• Try Different Breastfeeding Positions: Changing your baby's position can sometimes make it easier for them to latch on, which can make them feel better. Try out different positions like the cradle hold, the football hold, and side-lying to see what works best for you.
• Ensure Proper Latch: If your baby is only sucking on the nipple and not the whole areola, it could hurt and make you sore. Try to get a latch that has a wide mouth so that your baby can cover as much of the areola as possible.
• Use a Nursing Pillow: A nursing pillow can give your arms and back support, making it easier for you to breastfeed.
• Apply Warm or Cold Compresses: Warm compresses before a feed can help milk flow, and cold compresses after a feed can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Use Nipple Cream or Lanolin: These can help soothe sore nipples. Before breastfeeding, make sure to wash off any lotions or oils.
• Use Nursing Pads: Soft, wet nursing pads can help keep sore nips from rubbing against your clothes.

Remember that pain that lasts for a long time is not a normal part of breastfeeding. If pain lasts for a long time, it's important to talk to a lactation expert or healthcare provider.

Taking Medications While Breastfeeding

Moms who are breastfeeding often worry about whether or not it's safe to take medicine while nursing. The most important thing to remember is that some medicines do get into breast milk, but most of them do so in such small amounts that they won't hurt your baby. Still, the effects of a drug on a baby who is being breastfed depend on a number of things, such as the type of drug, the dosage, when the medication is given, and the age and health of your baby.

If you need to take medicine, it's always a good idea to make sure it's safe for breastfeeding. To do this, you can talk to your doctor, a lactation consultant, or a pharmacist. They can tell you about possible risks and benefits and, if necessary, suggest alternatives. Don't forget to talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines, supplements, or herbal remedies, as these can also be transmitted into your breast milk.

Some medicines can be less harmful to your baby if you take them at different times. For example, taking the medicine right after a feed can help make sure that there is less of it in your breast milk at the next feed. But this doesn't work for all medicines, so you should always check with a doctor or nurse.

Most importantly, you should never stop taking medications without first talking to your doctor. If you don't know or are worried about how a medicine will affect your baby, talk to a doctor. It is very important to find a balance between your health needs and your baby's safety. There are often strategies or alternatives that can help you do this.

Key Takeaways

Breastfeeding is a unique and deeply personal journey, filled with moments of joy, concern, learning, and fulfillment. It's normal to have questions and run into problems along the way. As you go through this process, keep in mind that every mother's story is different and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Listen to your body and the baby, trust your gut, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Even though breastfeeding is good for your child, it's just as important for you to take care of your own health and well-being. Take good care of yourself, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the amazing journey you're on. Breastfeeding your baby is a great way to help them stay healthy and grow. Remember, you're doing an amazing job!

Support Group

Join Broward Health's support group for all breastfeeding moms in South Florida. Here, moms can learn and share their successes and challenges in breastfeeding with each other. We understand the importance of a strong support system during this journey, and our group provides a safe and welcoming space for moms to connect and seek guidance. This support group is hosted by board-certified lactation consultants who can answer your breastfeeding questions.  We meet in person, and no registration is needed. Join us today and be a part of a community that celebrates and supports breastfeeding moms throughout South Florida.