Top Ten Tips for New Moms

Getting Started Breastfeeding - The Early Months

Here are some favorite tips compiled by moms who've been there...

Tip #1 - Ignore the clock! Don't limit feedings based on how many hours (or minutes) are between your baby's feedings (unless she is nursing less than 8-12 times a day, in which case she needs to be roused to nurse more often). In other words, be prepared for constant nursing in the early weeks! In a few short months her eating pattern will regulate on its own.

Tip #2 - Know what a good latch looks and feels like. This will save you from a lot of pain and ensure your baby is efficiently sucking. Some babies seem to have a perfect latch from birth, but others need help learning how to properly latch.

Tip #3 - Educate yourself on how breastfeeding works, the benefits of breastfeeding, and how to overcome challenges. Possessing accurate information is one of the keys to successful breastfeeding! (Try some books, or websites.)

Tip #4 - Find a lactation consultant, preferably one with the designation International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). If you can't find one or afford their services, try the La Leche League website for a leader near you. Also find a knowledgeable friend to talk to who successfully breastfed and enjoyed the nursing experience.

Tip #5 - Breastfeeding is often challenging during the early weeks. Don't give up!!! Most moms feel like it becomes easy and enjoyable by the time their baby reaches two months.

Tip #6 - Educate your husband about why breastfeeding is so important and the basics of how it works. If other friends or family members are unsupportive, gently educate them too. Disregard negative or inaccurate advice. Instead, let your positive attitude rub off on those around you!

Tip #7 - Try to meet all sucking needs at the breast during your baby's first six weeks. This will encourage baby to nurse often and ensure a good milk supply. Pacifiers can disguise your baby's hunger cues, making it difficult for you to learn to recognize when she needs to nurse. Bottles and pacifiers can lead to nipple confusion, especially if introduced before six weeks.

Tip #8 - Breastfeed skin-to-skin whenever possible. Nurse your baby in the first hour after birth and have her room-in with you at the hospital. (Read more on this.) Rooming-in gives you the opportunity to start learning to recognize your baby's cues and helps ensure she gets in enough feedings during those sleepy first days.

Tip #9 - Focus on taking good care of yourself and baby. You shouldn't have to do the cooking or cleaning for at least two weeks. Enjoy the mandatory sitting time while nursing as a chance to rest and relax. Co-sleeping is also a big help to many moms who are able to sleep (or at least rest!) while nursing their babies at night.

Tip #10 - Don't compare your breastfed baby to other bottle-fed babies you know. Breastfeeding impacts all areas of infant development and behavior - everything from sleep patterns to separation anxiety to feeding frequency. Accept your baby’s unique personality and needs and learn to appreciate how God designed the mother/baby relationship.

Updated Dec7, 2006.