Breastfeeding 101 For New Mothers

Everything You Need To Know About Breastfeeding!

As a first-time mom or mom-to-be, you’re probably pouring over tons of information to learn how to care for your new baby. With all of the topics and resources out there one area that gets overlooked is how to breastfeed a baby. But fear not, we will be covering breastfeeding 101 tips and tricks for new mothers in this post!

Many moms think I just pop my baby on me and they’re good to go. Or the nurses will show me how. While breastfeeding does happen naturally and easily for some mamas it’s not that way for everyone.

Other moms expect nursing will be magical and are surprised at the work and pain involved.

Today I’m going to share with you, mommy friend to mommy friend, all the things I wish I knew before breastfeeding for the first time. I will call this Breastfeeding 101 For New Mothers.

Make some tea, get a snack, and let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Fed Is Best

Before we dig in though I want to acknowledge that a fed baby is best. Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is personal and you are still a great mom no matter what you do! This post is for moms who would like to learn more about breastfeeding but it’s not an endorsement for or against either method.

This post may contain affiliate links. Should you purchase from one of them, you will not pay a penny more than usual, but you will help support mymotherhoodmadeeasy.com! Thank you in advance!

Breastfeeding Before Baby Arrives

It seems sort of odd to get ready to breastfeed before your baby is born but it’s good to have things on hand ahead of time. I remember being a first-time mom wandering the aisles of Target on zero sleep trying to figure out what I needed because I was leaking and my bras didn’t fit, and I didn’t have anything! To spare you from a similar experience stock up ahead of time.

Here are things you will want to have on hand:

Breastpump

There are so many types of pumps out there. The mother of all breast pumps is the Medela Pump In Style With Backpack. The #1 doctor recommended kit has all you need to get started. It comes with the electric pump and parts, battery pack, cooler, and four bottles! The bag is the right size to store and carry your stuff. I also recommend that you also buy a manual breast pump. Medela has a really good manual breast pump as well. I absolutely love this time-saving manual breast pump!

Breastfeeding Tip: Check with your health insurance to see if they cover the cost of a breast pump

Extra pumping supplies

If you’re pumping you will need to clean parts and bottles regularly. Having extra parts will help you rotate things in and out. The parts needed include tubing, duck valves, and breast shields. A few extra pump bottles are a good idea too. I use these convenient and easy on the go bottle wipes also from Medela! (Is this a sign that you need Medela?! Maybe lol!)

Freezer Storage Bags

You will find you need to freeze your milk because it will spoil after a few days in the fridge. I suggest getting the convenient breastmilk storage bags that provided the measurements, a place to label the time and date on the bag. I used these awesome breast milk storage bags to store my breast milk.

♥Enroll in this Ultimate Breastfeeding Class Taught by a Certified Lactation Educator ♥

Breast Pads

To stop the leaking! You can either get washable inserts or disposable. I would recommend you get the washable inserts so you don’t have to constantly buy more disposable breast pads. But, of course, if someone gifts you disposable breast pads, use them! I just, personally, found the washable inserts to be more convenient than the disposable ones.
Invest in getting the Lansinoh TheraPearl Breast Therapy Pack!! These heated pads were a lifesaver when my boobs started to get swollen and seem to be so tender from the build-up of breast milk. ( I know, the first none Medela product, I mentioned, must be a hidden treasure!)

Nursing Bra

Your size will change after giving birth. A general rule of thumb is to go up one size from what you’re wearing now. Of course, buy multiple pairs and in different colors. I regret not buying the hands-free pumping nursing bra! There were so many times, I want to multitask and was limited because I had to hold the bottles while I was pumping. So, don’t be that mother that regrets not getting a useful item like the hands-free pumping nursing bra!

Breastfeeding Tip: For extra comfort and easy to feed access sports bras work just as well. Look for the kind made out of lighter weight cotton rather than the thicker spandex kind.

Breastfeeding When Baby First Arrives

You had your baby! You will have the ability to feed your baby soon after. Isn’t it amazing how our bodies work? Baby comes and your brain sends a signal to start producing milk right away!

Here’s what to expect the first time:

Skin-to-skin

As soon as your baby arrives your baby will be placed on your chest. If not request this ASAP. Skin-to-skin helps your baby get acclimated to the outside world. He or she will recognize your voice and the feel of your warmth is soothing and bonding.

I honestly believe that I had a problem with getting my baby to latch on originally because I didn’t breastfeed my baby asap because I was waiting on my nurse to give me the clear. *facepalm* it’s a common new mom mistake, but I’m going to help you from making this mistake like me. As soon as you can, ask to breastfeed your baby!

Bond

Take this time to bond with your baby. Hold them close, stroke their hair, talk to them. Savor every moment. This is a very beautiful moment that you will be sharing with your precious little blessing of joy!

Move Baby To Breast

It is amazing to see how babies instinctively know how to find their food source. To help them through moving your baby towards your breast and tickle their cheek with your nipple. Fun fact: babies actually can crawl in the first minutes of life! If you place your newborn baby on your stomach, they will inch up to your boobs for milk!! So cool right!

First Latch

Your nurse should help you with this step. You want to get your baby to get a good latch from the get-go and start feeding within the first hour. It might take a few tries and that is okay. If you are stern with breastfeeding your baby, note that the consultant might recommend for you to give formula to your baby if you are having a hard time breastfeeding.

Honestly, I didn’t do that at first, I kept trying, I pumped as well and things eventually worked. SO, don’t feel forced to formula feed from the start. Now, later on, this might be a good alternative, half breastmilk, and half formula (especially if you will be going back to work).

Breastfeeding Tip: If your baby isn’t latching, break the suction between their mouth and your nipple by inserting your finger into the side of her mouth. Remove your nipple and try again.

First Milk

Your regular milk won’t come in until 2-3 days after birth. Your breasts will produce thick yellow stuff called colostrum. During your stay in the hospital, the nurse will feel your breasts to check for any clotting, or soreness, and determine if milk has come in.

Breastfeeding In The First Few Days

Breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your baby but it may feel strange at first. So what does it feel like? As your baby eats you will feel a combination of tugging, pulling, and suction. You might feel a tug in your uterus. Breastfeeding actually helps shrink your uterus. Your nipples may get tender. Your breasts will fluctuate in size. Overall they will enlarge. When your milk is full your breasts will be larger and then shrink after your baby is done eating. You might feel some odd lumps too, which is normal. When your breasts are full you will begin to leak, it’s why those pads are handy! Pumping to express your milk or feeding your baby will help relieve the full feeling. Let’s look at how to build a good foundation with nursing with these awesome breastfeeding tips.

Getting A Good Latch

Having a good latch ensures your baby is getting a good feeding session, helps your milk supply, and lessens pain. Signs of a good latch include:

Baby is in the proper position by bringing the baby up to breast
Baby should be latched onto your entire nipple, looks like fish lips
Chin and nose should be touching the breast
The tongue should be over their lower gums

To get a good latch try:

Tickle the baby’s lips with the nipple.
Position nipple towards baby upper lip and tuck baby’s chin towards the chest.
Position the baby’s lower lip away from the base of the nipple.
Baby should learn to lead with their chin first when getting a latch.

Feeding Technique

When your baby is ready to eat, find a comfortable position to sit and do the following:

Use a pillow to help support your arms and baby.
Bring your baby up to your breast and help them latch.
Hold them horizontally across your torso so both your tummies are facing each other.
Alternate breasts with each feeding so milk gets evenly produced on both sides. Feed your baby on the first side for as long as they want and then switch.

When To Feed

Feed your baby on demand, typically it will be every 1-3 hours.
Look for hunger signs like baby rooting, turning head towards breasts, opening the mouth, sticking out the tongue, or making a sucking sound with lips.
When your breasts feel full, eventually your body and baby get in a good routine.

Timing The Feedings

In a 24 hour period babies usually eat 8-12 times a day, which is every 1-3 hours. Remember the following:

Babies aren’t in a set routine these first few weeks
Look for cues of hunger and feed your baby on demand.
Crying usually is a sign of late-onset hunger
A feeding session usually lasts 10-20 minutes

Signs Of Baby Being Done

Here are cues that your baby had enough to eat:

Unlatching
Turning head away from breast
Slower sucking
Lighter sucking with pauses in between

Engorgement/Pain

If you’re feeling full or nipples are in pain try the following to get relief:

Express milk either by hand or with a pump
Make sure the baby is in the proper position
Use Vitamin E/Lanolin ointment on nipples after feedings

Schedule An Appointment With A Lactation Consultant

More than likely you will get a visit from a lactation consultant while in the hospital and your nurses can also help you. After the dust settles it is helpful to schedule an appointment with a consultant to help you with any problems that have come up or to verify that things are going smoothly for you and your baby.

♥The Ultimate Back To Work Pumping Online Course Taught By A Certified Lactation Educator ♥

Breastfeeding 101 Challenges

It is perfectly normal to have difficulties. It may be discouraging but luckily with the guidance of a lactation consultant, you may be able to find a solution and have a much better experience. Here are some common breastfeeding challenges that mamas have. (I will simply list them here and not go into great detail since I’m not a medical expert. I encourage you to talk to your doctor or lactation consultant for further assistance.)

Low milk supply
Milk overproduction and engorgement
Baby falls asleep on the breast before having enough to eat
Poor latch
Milk imbalance
Mastitis
Slow weight gain for baby
A fussy, gassy, or colicky baby

Breastfeeding 101 Story

I just wanted to share a quick story from my friend. After having 2 babies she thought she was an expert at breastfeeding. Her 3rd baby came along and she felt like a first-time mom. Her baby wasn’t latching, would fall asleep easily, and was very gassy and colicky. The pediatrician diagnosed the baby with heartburn.

My friend went to a lactation consultant who said the baby probably didn’t have heartburn at all! The lactation consultant helped my friend get a good latch and showed her different positions to hold the baby so she wouldn’t fall asleep. She also saw a milk imbalance and the baby was only getting the foremilk (less filling and creates gas) and not the hindmilk (fattier and helps get rid of gas). My friend learned how to balance out her milk supply through timed feedings and pumping. After a week the baby fed great and no more colic!

Want to read about another mommy’s breastfeeding experience: Breastfeeding – A Personal Journey Of Every Mother

Last Thing You Need To Know About Breastfeeding 101

As you can see every baby and every experience is different. Breastfeeding is a matter of trial and error. Don’t expect to have a perfect breastfeeding experience, there will be some good days and some a bit more challenging. But, I encourage you not to stop trying. If you constantly have problems with latching, you can always pump! I actually had to pump and try to put my baby on the breast until she finally latches with no problems.

Trust me, it was a hard experience for me as a new mother. I felt like I wasn’t capable, and no mother should feel that way.

So, try to keep your head up mommies, and keep pushing forward! I hope you learned all you need to know from this breastfeeding 101 for new mothers!

As always, please share this post with your family and friends on social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc). I greatly appreciate the love and support! Also, feel free to comment on your breastfeeding experience below in the comment section. Feel free to share what works and what doesn’t work for you!

Breastfeeding Related Content:

If you are pregnant, check out these blog posts to help you through your pregnancy:

Looking into becoming a SAHM, check out these blog posts below:

Erin

Friday 14th of February 2020

I’ve been nursing every day since I had my oldest on 2/2/14! Three babies and many many months of tandem nursing and such a blessing!

Faith

Wow. This is a really comprehensive and information article! Thanks for sharing!

Jen

Thursday 13th of February 2020

BFing was so hard both times. I'm sure this will be helpful to a lot of people. Thanks for sharing!

acgougler

These tips are wonderful and such great advice to new moms no matter how many babies they've had! My mom is a lactation consultant and she would totally back this article. I'm going to send it to her to share!

Kayla

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for your support and love! I really appreciate it!

Comments are closed.