4 Early Steps for Breastfeeding Success

Breast feedingThere are many benefits to breastfeeding. But while milk production might be a natural development in our bodies, you may quickly discover that there is nothing natural about learning to breastfeed your newborn baby.

Before your little one’s big arrival, here are four tips to help you start your breastfeeding journey.
 
 

Take a lactation class before baby’s due date.

The best way to prepare, a class will teach you the common issues that may arise early on and how to handle them when they do. This knowledge can always give you a sense of confidence and reassurance to stay on the horse when things get rough. Keeping calm and confident can help reduce stress, which in turn helps to encourage milk production and prevent other issues from feeling overwhelmed.

Help your partner learn how to help.

Speaking of stress, having a supportive environment can do wonders for nursing. While your partner may be in full support of your efforts, they may still not fully understand how to provide you that support that you’ll so desperately need. Talk to your partner before baby arrives about your plan and how they can help. They may even want to join your lactation class with you.

Avoid artificial nipples for the first few weeks.

Once the big day arrives, try to avoid using a pacifier in the first hour after delivery and even afterward. Sucking is a natural reflex for newborns, so keeping them at your breast sends a signal to your body to produce milk. Speaking of milk, it’s recommended to wait four to six weeks before introducing a bottle, otherwise you may encounter nipple confusion. If you need to give your baby formula before then, consider using a supply line that tapes to the breast and allows your baby to still latch onto your own nipple.

Forgive yourself if things aren’t going great at first.

Most importantly, don’t lose faith in yourself if or when you run into troubles. As mentioned before, feeling overwhelmed and stressed out can lead to even more breastfeeding problems. So relax and enjoy feeding your baby, no matter how it happens.

If you need assistance locating a breastfeeding professional, or applying for a breastfeeding program, please contact our Patient Advocate Alicia Garcia (602) 494-5050.

Posted in: Breastfeeding

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