Top 10 tips I would tell to a new Breastfeeding Mother.
- taylahpetrie
- Dec 7, 2017
- 5 min read
Ok, so I'm not some highly experienced breastfeeding expert but I have been breastfeeding my little dude for 17 months, and counting.. So I like to think I know my sh*t when it comes to breastfeeding.
Every Mumma or health professional you speak to will have something different to tell you when it comes to breastfeeding, and that's because we've all had different experiences.
So here is my top ten things I wish someone sat down and told me before I gave birth to my son, enjoy!
Newborns nurse, ALOT!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Cluster feeding.
Cluster feeding is not an issue it's 100% normal, it's your babys way of trying to establish your milk supply! It may seem like your baby is starving and you will get totally paranoid they aren't getting enough milk because they literally want to feed 24/7, but as long as they're producing enough wet and dirty nappies and they're gaining weight, then your boobies and your baby are doing just what they're meant to be doing!
You can't overfeed a breastfed baby.
Up until Walker was probably around 2 months old he would throw up quite a bit after feeds, and people used to tell me he was eating too much and to not let him feed so often....
After speaking to a few different Heath professionals I soon learnt you literally can not overfeed a breastfed baby, I just had myself a 'spewy' baby haha.
There are no foods you should avoid.
I see mums asking all the time what do they have to cut out of their diet and stop eating to be able to breastfeed. Now I've seen some pretty interesting answers to this question, I remember one lady wrote 'Everything you're told to avoid during pregnancy well it's the same for breastfeeding'. Which is totally incorrect.
There are no foods you HAVE to cut out in order to breastfeed, it's all trial and error really.
I've been super lucky and never had to cut anything out of my diet to benefit Walker.
Whereas I know some mums who have had to cut out onions, garlic, dairy, chocolate and so many other things. #poormums.
But really, you will soon learn what your baby can't tolerate, if anything.
Nipples bleed, they crack and they're painful in the first few weeks.
I remember in the first few weeks I'd literally sit there and cringe, get all tense and want to scream when Walker would latch on. You just have to remember your nipples aren't used to having a little human latch on and suck 24/7, it will take some getting used to but just know it's totally normal, to an extent of course.
It will get better, the pain doesn't last.
Lansinoh was a saviour in the first 3 weeks for me!
DONT CLOCK WATCH!!!
This is probably my number one tip for new mums, and something I wish I knew from the get go with Walker.
When Walker was in the special care nursery, the nurses would call me in every 3 hours to feed. That first night he was back in my room with me, and for weeks after we got home, I remember being so paranoid watching that clock thinking oh no, he only fed for 5 minutes, he's looking for food already it's only been half an hour since his last feed, i mustn't have enough milk for him.
I was so anxious about timing him and when he was feeding. I learnt to feed on demand within the first few days at home and I'm so glad I did! While I was still paranoid how long his feeds went for, it took so much pressure off me. Honestly, just follow your baby's cues.
If they're looking for boobies, give it to them whether their last feed was 30 minutes ago or 3 hours ago.
Your baby will let you know when they want more!
Myth- You have to stop breastfeeding when you're sick.
I've heard a few mums say that they have to stop breastfeeding because they're sick and they don't want their baby to get sick.. I mean, I guess I can understand why they would think that but the best thing you can do to prevent your baby getting sick from you or anyone, is to CONTINUE breastfeeding.
There's nothing like a bit of mummy's magic milk to help prevent illness.
Gastro, colds and flus, vomit bug, anything like that is 100% not able to be transferred through to your baby via your milk.
So feed up Mumma, even though breastfeeding while sick is no fun at all.
You don't have to pump.
A lot of mummas to be, myself included wonder if they're going to have to fork out hundreds of dollars to buy the best pump. You don't have to pump, it isn't necessary for a successful breastfeeding journey.
For some mothers it is, but just because you choose to breastfeed doesn't mean you will need to pump as well.
Sure, it is handy to have one for just in case moments and to have some breastmilk stored but I wouldn't say it's a breastfeeding necessity.
I know I struggle to get even 30mls at a time while pumping, but that's no indication of my supply. I know I have more than enough milk for my thriving little guy.
But it is annoying thinking of the hundreds of dollars I have wasted on breast pumps ha ha.
Perfect the latch.
Once you and your bub have that latch down pat you're good to go! Some babies can latch on themselves with no help at all, some babies need a little extra help getting it in there. I can sit here and tell you what worked for Walker and I but every baby is different, and you will learn what works best for you both.
Try different positions, lay down, get comfy.
So, the first few days in the Special Care Nursery I remember thinking oh no I can't do this every few hours, it's so uncomfortable having to sit upright with a baby attached to you. Then I had an amazing midwife who showed me all these different feeding positions.
Being a new mum and naive to the breastfeeding world I was thinking, I have to sit here and be all stiff and uncomfortable. There's literally so many positions to breastfeed in, laying on my side with Walker next to me was literally a life saver through all those long sleepless nights (still is, he's basically a newborn still with his sleeping lol).
Get in to the right mindset and Push through!
I think I've had and still do have a very successful breastfeeding journey. But I went through some really tough times in the first few weeks. There were countless feeds that ended in tears and me wanting to give up, but thanks to my amazing support system I decided to persevere and push through.
It's not easy, but it does get easier.
If you're adamant you want to continue breastfeeding, stick it out! Surround yourself with likeminded mummas and make sure you have an understanding support system.
It's so worth all the pain and hard times!
I could sit here for hours talking about my experiences and advice for Breastfeeding, but these are my top 10 that I would sit down and tell to a new mother who is starting her breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding isn't always peaceful, bonding time with your baby.
It can be painful, it's exhausting and some days you will want to give up. But if it's something you want to stick to, persevere through those first few weeks!
It's so worth it when your baby is looking up at you smiling while feeding.
Breastfeeding is truly incredible, I'm so glad I stuck it out.
The Tired Mumma x
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