Worried About Breastfeeding? Here Are Some Tips

Life has been a whirlwind as you get ready to welcome your baby into the world. While the nursery may be painted and the crib assembled, you’re anxious about more basic needs, such as feeding. As your baby’s primary dietary source, you want to do everything you can to make sure that this early nutrition goes smoothly.

To that end, the experienced team of pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum care professionals at Progressive Women’s Healthcare shares some great breastfeeding tips here for first-time mothers.

The benefits of breastfeeding

We begin by reviewing why breastfeeding is so beneficial for both mother and child. When you breastfeed, you’re providing your baby with essential nutrients, antibodies, and invaluable resources that help them grow and develop. 

Furthermore, breastfed babies have lower risks for:

• Ear infections
• Sudden infant death syndrome
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Obesity

And mothers who breastfeed also benefit, as they can lower their risks for type 2 diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, there’s some evidence that breastfeeding can lower your risks for postpartum depression.

Getting started with breastfeeding

Now, let’s dive into some great tips for new moms who are planning on breastfeeding. It’s worth emphasizing that this is a natural process and that you and your baby should follow your instincts, first and foremost. Still, we know that breastfeeding can seem daunting your first time, so these tips are designed to set your mind at ease and to help you plan ahead.

Consider collecting colostrum before you give birth

Immediately before and after your baby is born, your breast produces a substance called colostrum, which is essential for your newborn's immunity and development. In the week or two leading up to your delivery, you can hand express colostrum from your breasts and store it in the freezer for future use.

If this interests you, we’re happy to show you how to collect and store this added colostrum.

Be patient with latching

Most babies come right out of the womb and immediately know how to latch on to your breast, so try not to be too anxious about this. If your baby doesn’t succeed the first time, give them a few more tries before you seek help. Successful latching usually doesn’t hurt, and your baby’s mouth should cover most of your areola.

Skin-to-skin contact is important

Good skin-to-skin contact when you breastfeed encourages your let-down milk reflex — as well as your baby’s feeding reflexes — to fire up.

Eat healthy foods that are high in lean proteins

Your baby is eating what you eat, so it’s important that you’re providing the right vitamins and nutrients. We supply you with a good list of foods, but common sense should prevail. Choose fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. We especially want you to focus on lean proteins, which help your baby grow strong.

Watch for early signs of hunger (before they start crying)

Your newborn will want to feed quite a bit — perhaps 8-12 times per day. It’s a great idea to learn their early hunger signs before they start bawling. A crying baby has a much harder time latching on and feeding.

Let your baby stop feeding on their own

Your baby has a strong built-in system that regulates how much they eat. Their tiny stomach only holds so much, and they’ll release your breast when they’re done. It’s a good idea to just sit back and follow your baby’s lead.

These are just some broad breastfeeding tips. We’re happy to work out a more personalized plan for your lifestyle and goals. For expert guidance on breastfeeding and early newborn care, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us at our office in Atlanta, Georgia. 

To get started, call 404-383-7387 or click here to book an appointment online.