Tips for Breastfeeding: 17 Real Life Tips To Do It Successfully

Alessandra | Posted on August 5, 2024 |

As a mom of 3, I completely understand how difficult breastfeeding can be. In this blog I’m sharing 17 of my very best tips for breastfeeding so you can be successful!

Tips for breastfeeding successfully are plentiful in our modern era. Which can be both good and bad. It’s great that breastfeeding has become more acceptable and there’s better support for new moms. But also, an overload of information can make it difficult to know what’s best. That’s why I’m writing this blog! It’s for moms who are new to breastfeeding and want real-life tips to help you be successful at it, so keep reading!

_{*This is not meant to be medical advice, just tips from a my own experience. It should not be used to treat or diagnose any medical problem.}

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to provide your baby with essential nutrients. It’s also a great way to build a strong mother-child bond. However, even though it is natural, it can also be a very challenging experience for many new mothers. It can even be challenging for seasoned moms because every baby and breastfeeding journey is different! From the initial latch to navigating public breastfeeding, the journey can be filled with ups and downs. This blog from one real mom to you will provide you with 17 tips for breastfeeding successfully, along with three quick tips to make the process easier. Whether you’re a first time mom or looking to improve your breastfeeding experience, these insights will help you thrive in your motherhood and nursing journey.

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16 Tips For Breastfeeding

Real quick I just want to let you know that choosing to breastfeed your baby is so amazing! If it’s something you have your heart set on, I truly believe you should do your best to see it through so you do not regret it later. When I was a first time mom I was so set on nursing my first baby and exciting to do it. I didn’t realize how difficult it would be. Why would something natural be so hard to do, right? Well, I was very wrong. It was hard and very overwhelming. I chose not to get help because I was embarrassed, therefore I switched to formula.

While there is nothing wrong with choosing to formula-feed your baby, I didn’t truly want to do it that way and looking back I regret not seeking help. That’s why I’m writing this blog! I went on to have 2 more babies and 2 successful breastfeeding journeys, nursing well past each of my daughter’s first birthdays. But I didn’t do it without a little bit of help and even a CLC class! Anyway, let’s dive in to these tips for breastfeeding!

1. Get Educated Before Baby Arrives

I cannot stress this one enough! The more you know, the better you’ll be. Preparation is key to successful breastfeeding. Take advantage of prenatal breastfeeding classes, read books, and watch videos to familiarize yourself with breastfeeding techniques and what to expect. The more you know, the more confident you will feel when your baby arrives.

2. Establish a Comfortable Position

Finding a comfortable position for both you and your baby is crucial. You can experiment with different positions like the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position to see what works best for you. Use pillows to support your arms and back to prevent strain and discomfort. You might find that one position is easier when you have a newborn and as they grow a different position will become easier.

3. Ensure a Good Latch

A proper latch is essential for effective breastfeeding. Make sure your baby’s mouth covers a large part of the areola, not just the nipple. Their lips should be flanged out, and their chin should touch your breast. When latching your baby on to your breast, think of the way you eat a cheeseburger. The burger hits your bottom lip and then you wrap your top lip onto it. A proper latch will look similar to that. I know it sounds funny, but it’s some of the best advice I’ve ever received! Remember, a good latch helps prevent nipple soreness and ensures your baby gets enough milk, so it’s super important.

4. Feed on Demand

Newborns need to eat frequently so instead of thinking they should eat every 2-3 hours, you should feeding on demand. A strict schedule won’t work. By feeding on demand you’ll ensure your baby is getting enough nourishment and it helps you establish your milk supply. Breastfeeding is supply and demand, so the more you feed your baby, the more milk you will have. This is crucial in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Watch for hunger cues in your baby such as rooting, sucking on hands, or fussiness and make sure to latch your baby before they are crying. Once they start crying, getting that proper latch will be harder to do.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Don’t forget to take care of yourself during this postpartum time! Your body needs extra fluids and nutrients to stay healthy and create a better milk supply. Drink plenty of water throughout the day (you will be so thirsty anyway) and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Some moms find that certain foods, like oatmeal, can even help boost their milk supply! It’s definitely worth a shot if you feel like you’re not making enough.

6. Avoid Pacifiers and Bottles Initially

Many experts recommend holding off on bottles and pacifiers. That’s because introducing these items too early can cause nipple confusion and interfere with establishing breastfeeding. You might give your baby a binky to help stop their crying, when it reality it’s better to put them on your breast instead. Wait until your baby is about 4-6 weeks old and breastfeeding is well established before offering these alternatives.

It’s ok to give a bottle here and there if you need some time to yourself though. Don’t let these timelines drive you to the brink of insanity if what YOU need is a small break, mama! A bottle at 2 weeks is not going to ruin your supply or make your baby not want you, your mental health matters too.🤍

7. Use Both Breasts

Alternate breasts during feedings to ensure that both breasts are stimulated and producing milk. Start with one breast and let your baby feed until they naturally pull away, then offer the other breast. This practice helps maintain an even milk supply and prevents engorgement. If your baby does not want to feed off each breast at one feeding, that’s ok. You can either hand express if your not-used breast is uncomfortable or just use that breast the next time.

8. Take Care of Your Nipples

Nipple soreness is common in the early days of breastfeeding. Even with a good latch it can be inevitable because you’re just not use to it! The first few weeks of nursing will probably be a little uncomfortable no matter what. You may want to apply lanolin cream or breast milk to your nipples after each feeding to soothe and heal any cracks or soreness. Let your nipples air dry to prevent infection. If you are in a lot of pain, seek help from an IBCLC to correct your baby’s latch!

9. Seek Support

Breastfeeding can be [is] challenging! That’s why it’s so important to have a support system. Join a local breastfeeding support group or connect with a lactation consultant who can provide guidance and encouragement. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you’re experiencing difficulties! I can’t stress that enough, as I mentioned earlier in this blog, if you have your heart set on breastfeeding, get help when needed!

10. Be Patient

Breastfeeding is a learning process for both you AND your baby. Don’t forget that! It may take time for both of you to get the hang of it. Someone once told me “Breastfeeding is the most unnatural, natural thing you will ever do.” And it’s true. Be patient and give yourself grace. Each feeding session is an opportunity to learn and improve.

11. Recognize Growth Spurts

Babies go through growth spurts where they may want to feed more frequently. It will happen A LOT in the first 3 to 4 months. These periods can be extremely demanding, but they are temporary. Recognizing growth spurts can help you understand why your baby might be fussier or hungrier than usual and reassure you that your milk supply is sufficient. They might be eating for frequently to tell your body to make them more milk. When you think of it that way, isn’t it truly amazing what our bodies do?!

12. Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for both you and your baby beyond that hospital stay. It helps regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, breathing, and so much more. It also promotes bonding and can help stimulate your milk supply! Try to spend as much time as possible holding your baby skin-to-skin, especially in the early days.

13. Be Flexible

Every baby is different and their feeding needs can vary. Pay attention to your baby’s cues rather than sticking to a strict feeding schedule. If your baby seems hungry before their next “scheduled feeding time,” go ahead and nurse them. Flexibility is key to successful breastfeeding.

14. Use Breast Compression

Breast compression can help increase milk flow and encourage your baby to feed more effectively. Gently squeeze your breast while your baby is nursing to help milk flow a bit faster. This technique can be especially helpful if your baby is sleepy or not actively sucking. Or if your baby seems hungry and fussy still after a nursing session, breast compression can help them get a bit more milk!

15. Manage Engorgement

Engorgement can be painful and make it difficult for your baby to latch. There are many ways to manage engorgement, the best one being to nurse your baby on demand. If for some reason you’ve been away from your baby, you can apply warm compresses to your breasts before feeding so your breast is not as hard, this can help your baby latch better. You can also hand express or pump a small amount of milk to soften your breasts and make latching easier.

16. You Don’t Need A Freezer Stash

Sometimes people make it seem like women must have a freezer full of breastmilk to be successful. While pumping as much as you can to build a freezer stash seems like a good idea, it’s not needed. So don’t stress yourself out about needing one if you are going away for the night or going back to work. If you’re going to be away you can pump the week leading up to your time away. If you’re going back to work, the milk you pump the day before will be your baby’s milk for the next day.

17. Take Care of Yourself

This is the ultimate tip! Taking care of yourself is crucial for successful breastfeeding and just being a great mom in general. Make sure to eat well, get plenty of rest (even just relaxing on the couch watching tv can be restful), manage stress, and take time for yourself. Just 5 minutes for you can be helpful! Remember that your well-being directly impacts your ability to care for your baby, so you should never feel guilty about it.

Tips for Breastfeeding: How Can I Make Breastfeeding Easier?

Now that you have 16 clear ways to be successful at breastfeeding, here are a few quick tips to make it easier from day-to-day. Breastfeeding is like a full time job, so in order to be successful, you will definitely want to make it as easy as possible!

1. Invest in a Good Nursing Bra:

A comfortable and supportive nursing bra can make a big difference in your breastfeeding experience. Look for bras with easy access and good support. I always liked the bras that didn’t have clips, they just pulled right down. Those made breastfeeding a breeze! The Lunnie Nursing Bras are also great too — Honestly, I never got a chance to wear one and I’m sad about it, but I’ve talked to the founder and follow her on Instagram and they seem like a really great bra.

2. Use Breastfeeding Accessories

Breastfeeding pillows, nursing tops, and nursing pads can help make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient. Find what works best for you and your baby.

3. Create a Breastfeeding Station

Set up a dedicated breastfeeding station with everything you need is within reach! In the very early days of breastfeeding you will find yourself sitting for most of the days and you won’t be able to get up. Included in your nursing station should be a big water bottle (the second your baby latches you will suddenly feel thirst like no other haha!), some snacks, burp cloths, a boppy pillow, blanket and entertainment. Having a comfortable and organized space can make breastfeeding more enjoyable.

Tips For Breastfeeding: Items and Supplies

Here’s a quick list of breastfeeding items you might need to make nursing easier and more comfortable:

Boppy pillow
Nursing cover
Breastpump
Haaka
Nursing pads
Nipple cream
Nursing tops/bra
Baby carrier

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding is a unique and rewarding journey that comes with its own set of challenges and triumphs. By educating yourself before your baby arrives, seeking support when needed, and practicing a bit of self care, you can navigate this journey successfully! Remember that every breastfeeding experience is different, and it’s okay to seek help and make adjustments as needed. Be easy with yourself and take it one day at a time. Celebrate this special bond you’re building with your baby, and trust in your ability to provide them with the best start in life. You’ve got this, mama!

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