Recently we asked our Facebook friends what advice they would give to a new breastfeeding mother. There was an overwhelming response, with the common theme of women desiring to support mothers in their breastfeeding journey. We compiled their advice and shared several tips below.
Do you have advice for a new breastfeeding mother? Please feel free to comment below the post!
1) Don’t Give Up.
Jessica C. "You CAN do it!! Don't give up. It's okay to cry!! You're a SuperHero!! Just encouraging words!! Also, ask for help!!"
Jennifer H. "Its not easy at first- NOTHING about motherhood is! DONT GIVE UP!"
Jessica R. "Dont be discouraged. Everyone struggles at some point or another. You can do it! Support is out there! You are NOT alone!"
Angelica J. "Relax, eat right and drink plenty of water!! Don't give up it takes time"
2) Seek Support.
Jennifer K. "Find a good support group. Need help? Call a LLL leader or go see an IBCLC. The start of breastfeeding is not always easy, but it's worth it."
Coree O'D. "Kellymom is a great online resource. And don't be afraid to call someone to ask questions. My sister is a doctor who breastfed her children, and she answered my questions all the time."
Shannon W. "It's hard! Talk to moms and join a support group of like minded mommas like the Tarrant County Breastfeeding Coalition in Fort Worth Texas!"
3) Create a Comfortable, Organized Environment.
Susan O. "In addition to a great lactation consultant (which it took me forever to admit I needed), I strongly advise a "nursing station" so you don't have to keep getting up to find something. A snack, some water, your cloth diaper for sprays and such. A comfy pillow. Whatever you find useful, just add it to the station."
Angela E. "Label your breast-milk as you pump it with the date/time and do a first in/first out rotation. This will help with not only making sure your milk doesn't spoil but if your baby gets gassy or an upset stomach you can go back and see what you ate and adjust your food intake incase something you are eating upsets your baby's belly. I use the little round stickers that seal envelopes to label my bottles for the fridge and a sharpie marker. Good Luck! I'm currently breast feeding my second baby who is 5 weeks old."
Keely D. "Find a comfortable spot, free of distractions, and relax while you and your new baby get to know one another. "
4) Trust Your Body.
Heather H."Trust your body. Trust your instincts."
Jaclyn M. "Feed as often as baby wants for the first few days and into the first few weeks. Don't supplement, especially when first getting started. Yes, it's hard and demanding, but you can do it just like generations and generations of women always have before formula ever existed."
5) Other Advice: Latching, Pumping and Breastfeeding.
Becky W. "Not allowing the baby to latch on the very tip of the nipple, but a larger area--prevents soreness.. Also, freeze milk in small freezer bags lying flat--thaws quicker."
Kim S. "Breastmilk is best, period. Be determined to give your baby the best. It gives your baby a renewed daily boost to their immune system to help them grow strong and healthy. It's their own personalized mixture, something formula can never do. Stick with a lactation nurse...they can offer great advice and support."
Lisa M. "If you're a preemie mother and your child is in the NICU, rent a hospital grade pump and pump every 2-3 hours around the clock, even though your child is still in the hospital. It's extremely hard, but worth it."