5 Essential Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms
Congratulations, new moms! Welcoming a bundle of joy into your life is an incredible experience, filled with love and joy. As you embark on this wonderful journey, one of the most precious gifts you can give your baby is the power of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding not only provides essential nutrition but also establishes a strong bond between mother and child. However, navigating through the world of breastfeeding can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for first-time moms. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide, highlighting five essential breastfeeding tips specifically tailored for new moms like you.
So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to a successful and fulfilling breastfeeding experience! In this blog post, we will explore expert advice and practical tips that will empower you on your breastfeeding journey, ensuring a smooth and rewarding transition into motherhood.
Let’s unlock the key to nurturing your little one through these essential breastfeeding tips for new moms.
- Establish a good latch. Some steps include bringing the baby close, aligning their nose to the nipple, and ensuring the mouth covers most of the areola. For more, visit our blog post, “Step-by-step instructions & tips to help achieve a deep latch in breastfeeding.”
- Find a comfortable breastfeeding position. There are several breastfeeding positions that can be used to nurse your baby. These include the cradle hold, the cross-cradle hold, the football hold, the side-lying position, the laid-back position, and the reclining position. For more, visit our blog post, “What are the most commonly used breastfeeding positions?“
- Nurse on demand. Nursing on demand refers to the practice of breastfeeding your baby whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than following a strict feeding schedule. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand process, and the more frequently the baby breastfeeds, the more milk the mother produces. Watch for hunger cues and feed their baby whenever they show signs of hunger. For more, visit our blogs “What are common hunger cues in babies?” and “What is the difference between Nursing on Demand and Responsive Feeding?“
- Take care of yourself. Self-care isn’t selfish. Prioritize rest, eat a balanced diet, take care of your breasts, find time for relaxation, seek support, practice gentle exercises , connect with others, and take breaks for self-care. For more, visit our blog, “Self-Care for Breastfeeding Moms.”
- Seek support. Some places new, breastfeeding moms may seek support are from lactation consultants, healthcare providers, breastfeeding support groups. La Leche League International, online communities and forums, local breastfeeding clinics or centers, and friends and family. For more, visit our blog, “Where can new, breastfeeding Moms seek support?“
For more breastfeeding tips for new moms, explore this resource from the Mayo clinic.
PowerMom Connect
The PowerMom platform invites pregnant people to collect and contribute important pregnancy-related health information through app-based surveys and wearable sensors. PowerMom Connect is a new, paid sub-study within the PowerMom platform. It is focused on supporting mothers during the postpartum period.
If you have any questions, the PowerMom team is here to help. You can reach us at powermom@scripps.edu
