Whether you’ve just had your first or third baby, breastfeeding is a new adventure with each infant. Every child is unique. That means your breastfeeding experiences will be, too.
You’ve heard breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience for you and your baby. It is — and it can also be challenging and stressful. If you’re struggling, don’t worry. It’s normal to have a few bumps in the road.
Learning to breastfeed can take time for new moms and veteran mothers alike. Fortunately, the breastfeeding support you need is right here close to home. With insights and tips from Atlantic Health, breastfeeding can feel calmer and be more successful for you and your little one.
Breastfeeding can be tough — and that’s OK
While movies, TV shows and magazine pictures make breastfeeding look easy and peaceful, it rarely starts that way. Your baby isn’t born knowing how to breastfeed. And you don’t know what position will work best for you. Like millions of other moms, you’ll face obstacles. Remember to give yourself some grace.
Some common breastfeeding problems include:
- Latching problems: Your baby may not attach correctly to your nipple, reducing the amount of milk they swallow and increasing your pain.
- Sore nipples: Nipple discomfort frequently happens with a poor latch. Your nipples may ache and crack. That pain makes breastfeeding difficult.
- Low milk supply: An incorrect latch can limit how much milk your baby swallows. So, you may worry that you’re not making enough milk to meet your baby’s needs. Breastfeeding more often during the day can help keep up your milk supply.
Breastfeeding tips for new moms
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to overcome these hurdles. To make the process easier, follow these tips for how to breastfeed a newborn.
- Get a good latch: The right latch ensures your baby gets enough milk without causing you discomfort. Your baby’s mouth should cover your entire nipple and areola (the dark skin surrounding your nipple) and a half inch of your lower breast. Their nose should touch your breast, and their lips should flare out. If the latch hurts, gently place your finger in your baby’s mouth to break suction and start over.
- Try different breastfeeding positions: Find a comfortable position that works best for you. The cradle and football positions are common. A nursing pillow can give you extra support under your arms. Avoid hunching or leaning over. Those positions can lead to neck and back pain.
- Eat and drink enough: You need roughly 500 extra calories a day to produce milk. Keep a bottle of water and snacks like nuts, string cheese, yogurt and dried fruit nearby.
- Watch for hunger cues: Your baby will let you know when they’re hungry. Rooting — turning their head to the side and opening their mouth — is a tell-tale sign that they’re ready to eat. They may also move their hands to their mouth, smack their lips or start sucking on clothing. Remember, you can breastfeed anywhere, anytime.
- Get support: Don’t wait until you feel overwhelmed to ask for help. Your partner can help you position your baby for breastfeeding. New mom support groups can offer peer-to-peer support. And your pediatrician, obstetrician or lactation consultant can provide advanced assistance or diagnose any lingering problems.
Signs your baby is getting enough breast milk
If you’re worried that your baby isn’t getting enough milk, there are several signs that can put your mind at ease. You can be confident your baby is eating enough if:
- They are content and relaxed after eating.
- They have six to eight wet diapers by the time they’re 5 to 7 days old.
- They have three to five daily bowel movements by the time they’re 5 days old.
- They nurse eight to 12 times in 24 hours and you can hear them swallow.
- They return to their birth weight within two weeks and continue to gain.
- When awake, they’re alert and have good skin color and muscle tone.
- Your breasts feel softer and less full after breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding help: When to ask and who to call
To make breastfeeding as easy as possible, it’s important to get the latch right and choose a comfortable position from the beginning. If you’re having trouble, Atlantic Health lactation consultants are here for you. Reach out for our outpatient lactation services if:
- Breastfeeding hurts during an entire feeding (soreness during the first few days is normal).
- One or both of your breasts are overly full (engorgement).
- Your baby doesn’t latch to your breast.
- Your baby doesn’t return to their birth weight and start gaining weight within two weeks.
- Your baby has fewer than three to five poopy diapers and fewer than six to eight wet diapers every day during their first few weeks.
- You have a fever, flu-like symptoms or a red, tender area of your breast.
- Your baby isn’t nursing eight to 12 times in 24 hours and swallowing.
- Your nipples stay sore or the soreness worsens.
Breastfeeding support in New Jersey and the New York City area
If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, you need convenient help. Families in New Jersey and New York City trust Atlantic Health to provide high-quality breastfeeding support and breastfeeding classes close to home. Our breastfeeding support programs offer:
- Breastfeeding classes
- Electric breast pump rentals and breastfeeding supplies
- One-on-one consultations and instructions
- Over-the-phone and virtual counseling
Make an appointment with one of our expert lactation consultants at a location nearest to you:
Morristown Medical Center
100 Madison Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960
Overlook Medical Center
99 Beauvoir Ave.
Summit, NJ 07901
Chilton Medical Center
97 West Parkway
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
Your breastfeeding questions answered
Q: What should I eat and drink while breastfeeding to support milk production?
A: To maximize your breast milk production, you should drink roughly 16 cups of water daily. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein from lean meats, eggs, beans and seeds. Include whole grains, like brown rice or quinoa, and vegetables like leafy greens and sweet potatoes. Add apricots, dates and papaya, and incorporate healthy fats like avocado or olive oil.
Q: How do I store breast milk?
A: You can store fresh breast milk at room temperature for up to four hours. It is safe to keep in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to 12 months. Keep breast milk in clean, sealed containers like specialized breast milk bags, glass bottles or BPA-free plastic containers. Label each container with the date.
Q: What is cluster feeding?
A: Cluster feeding is common with newborns. Your baby will eat frequently and in short spurts, like every 30 minutes for a few hours. During their first few days, babies cluster feed to help establish your milk supply. Later on, they may cluster feed during a growth spurt.
Q: Can I breastfeed after a C-section?
A: Yes, you can breastfeed after a C-section. But because a C-section is major surgery, you may need more help from a lactation consultant or your doctor to find a comfortable position for breastfeeding.
Get breastfeeding support — you’re not alone
Breastfeeding can be an important part of being a new mom. Struggles and questions are common. If you need help, don’t wait to get the support you need. Atlantic Health is ready to partner with you.
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