5 Practical Breastfeeding Tips for a Healthy Baby & Mom

Content medically reviewed by Melissa Brodsho, RN

If you're pregnant, you've probably been told about all the health benefits of breastfeeding your new baby. But if it's your first time trying to nurse your baby, you might discover it can take a little time to get the hang of it. Essentia Health is here with the breastfeeding tips you need to get started.

1. Try different positions.

There's no one "best" way to hold your baby when you breastfeed. In fact, you will probably want to try a range of positions until you find the best fit.

“Mothers usually gravitate to one position over another due to the shape of their body, breast size, and what feels most natural,” said Melissa Brodsho, certified lactation counselor and childbirth educator at Essentia Health. “However, if a mother has had a cesarean section, I encourage them to start with the underarm hold so that less pressure is placed on her incision site.” 

The most common breastfeeding positions include – 

• Cradle 
• Cross-cradle 
• Laid-back 
• Side-lying 
• Underarm (football hold) 

In any breastfeeding position it is important for the mother to bring her baby to the breast for skin-to-skin contact instead of bending over the baby. A breastfeeding support pillow can help you better achieve ergonomic positioning for the baby’s latch. 

2. Know how to increase breast milk supply.

Breast milk production is dependent on supply and demand. You need to stay on a regular schedule of feeding (or using a breast pump) at least eight times every 24 hours to maintain your milk supply.   

“The best thing a mother can do to maintain or increase her milk supply is frequent and routine breastfeeding or pumping,” Brodsho said. “If the mother is pumping, she can also increase her hormonal response during the pumping session by looking at pictures or watching videos of her baby.” 

3. Recognize signs of low milk supply. 

There are three signs of adequate milk intake in a newborn – 

• Baby weight: All babies lose weight in the first few days of life. If the baby is getting enough milk, their weight loss should be under 8% of the birth weight. 
• Diaper output: If your baby nurses enough, you should see three to four dirty diapers and at least six wet diapers every day by five to seven days of age. Output will become more frequent as your baby grows.  
• Frequent feedings: Your baby may breastfeed 8–12 times in a 24-hour period. You can also listen and watch for swallowing as they feed. 

After the newborn period, a mother should monitor their baby's weight gain and overall sense of fullness. If you are producing less milk, increasing your milk supply is crucial. Pumping more frequently can increase milk supply by increasing stimulation. 

“A mother with a healthy milk supply will be able to increase their supply naturally to cover their baby's growth spurts,” Brodsho said. “If a mother's milk supply isn't enough to meet her baby's needs, she will need to start supplementing with an alternate infant milk source to ensure her baby continues to gain weight and does not get dehydrated.” 

4. What you eat & drink matters. 

Just like when you are pregnant, everything you eat and drink gets passed to your baby when you are breastfeeding. That’s why it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet. You should also make sure to drink plenty of water. 

“A breastfeeding mother will feel thirstier due to the constant loss and creation of breastmilk, so staying hydrated is essential,” Brodsho said. “In addition to your regular fluid intake every day, we recommend drinking water equal to the amount of milk your baby consumes. For most women, this is an additional one liter of water.” 

 

5. Don’t go it alone. 

As exciting as new parenthood is, it can also feel isolating and overwhelming at times. If your baby has trouble latching or your milk supply seems low, your Essentia Health OB/GYN team and lactation consultants are here to help. 

“You are not alone in your breastfeeding journey,” Brodsho said. “Breastfeeding experts are available to offer help and answer your questions.”  

Finding a local breastfeeding group can also be a great way to get advice in a supportive atmosphere. Support groups can help build confidence in your breastfeeding ability and introduce you to other new moms facing similar challenges.