Top 5 Tips for First-Time Parents Planning to Breastfeed
Once that pregnancy test shows a positive result, most parents run to the nearest store (or website, nowadays) and begin adding all the things to their baby registry. It is way more fun to think about decorating the nursery, finding the perfect travel system, and buying the cutest of baby clothes! How you plan on feeding your baby is not always on the top of your list between shopping, doctor’s appointments, and nesting, but if you are planning on breastfeeding, here are my top 5 tips for ensuring you feel prepared on this new journey.
Start your Plan
Take a breastfeeding class
New parents have tons of questions about what is normal and expected when it comes to infant feeding and breastfeeding supporters are here for it! A breastfeeding class covers the basics of breast anatomy, signs of a good latch, and tips for making breastfeeding work for your family. Check in with your local hospital or lactation provider for classes on a range of topics from breastfeeding to childbirth education and get empowered with knowledge!
Build your breastfeeding team
You will want to surround yourself with people who will support your decisions for your new baby. Build your network which can include anyone from your partner, family, and friends, support groups (online or in-person), a breastfeeding-friendly pediatrician, and, of course, a lactation consultant!
Stay together
Newborns don’t quite understand that the nursery room you spent time and effort preparing for their arrival is meant for them to sleep in! The need to feed and the biological pull to be close to a caregiver, especially at night, meaning you will be up round the clock feeding, changing, and snuggling. In the early weeks, a bassinet or playard is an easy choice to keep the baby close for those late-night breastfeeding sessions and the best way to keep them safe so you both can get more sleep!
Fit matters
Once you choose your breast pump and begin to express milk, it’s important to make sure the flanges fit comfortably on the breast. The correct fit of the flanges based on nipple size ensures effective and complete milk removal which you will need, especially if you’re going back to work. Consult a lactation consultant to help your breast pump work at its best for you!
Ask for help
Walking through the door of your home with your new family member is blissful and exciting. Now what? Between recovering from birth, feeding the baby, and lack of sleep, the experience of parenthood can quickly become overwhelming. Don’t wait until you are on your last leg to phone a friend or two! Ask them to bring a meal, pick up your Instacart order, or swing by with a coffee. Postpartum doulas help make overnights more manageable and a lactation consultant can help with breastfeeding concerns ranging from sore nipples to supply concerns.
Making an informed decision will give you the confidence that you are making the correct choice for your family. Take the class, get help when things are not going right and trust your instincts. And while breast milk is made specifically for your baby, it is not the only way to feed your newborn. You, your mental health, and your well-being are just as important as your baby’s health. Congratulations
Breast milk may not be “the only way to feed your baby,” but it is the best. I think that needs to be stated in any article written about breastfeeding. It is also best to feed your baby directly from your breast, and only pump when absolutely necessary (and of course if you have to go back to work). It is easier for babies to drink from the bottle and they may prefer it over breast) Also, supplementing with formula is a big no-no! It will interfere with establishing milk supply (plus it’s chemicals!). Please don’t listen to anyone who tells you to feed your newborn on any kind of schedule. You should offer your newborn the breast whenever they are fussy or need comfort (yes, even after an hour or less or having just nursed). This not only establishes milk supply, but it nourishes and comforts your baby. The reality is, you will feel like all you do is nurse, and you are constantly holding your baby. That is exactly what you are supposed to do. You will have no time for yourself, you will be exhausted from being up at night, your nipples may hurt (a lot), and you may even get a beast infection (don’t stop nursing). But it is all worth it because you are giving your baby the single best gift you can ever give them–you are supporting them emotionally, physically, nutritionally, and intellectually (because they will be smarter). And there are even more benefits that have been studied! And I promise, it will all pay off. It will also help you as a mom to keep your hormone levels where they should be, help with post partum depression (crying is not post partum depression–every new mother cries!), and decrease your risk of breast cancer. Continue to breast feed as long as you can (yes, even into the toddler years). It gets sooo much easier, and actually very convenient the longer you do it. Motherhood is not a time to be selfish. Please eat healthy, don’t drink, eat dairy, or take medication (unless necessary and approved by your doctor and pharmacist). People (doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, etc.) are sometimes afraid to offend new mothers and make them feel guilty by saying what I just did, but I think adults need to be treated as adults and be told the truth, not some sugar-coated version of it.