Sharing is caring!

Breastfeeding rates are on the rise in the United States, and over 80 percent (81.1) of infants start out breastfeeding.

Although the majority of babies start out breastfeeding, only a little over 50 percent (51.8) are still breastfeeding at 6 months. Clearly, most mothers want to nurse their babies, but not all are able to for as long as they’d like. There are many reasons for this, including issues with milk supply, trouble latching or time constraints.

If you’re a new mom (or are about to be) and want to try and breastfeed your baby long-term, these six simple breastfeeding tips can help you make that goal a reality.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

For mothers who are on the fence about breastfeeding, it’s important to emphasize the benefits that it provides for them and their babies. Some of the main benefits of breastfeeding include:

• Provides the baby with important antibodies needed to develop a strong immune system

• Helps the uterus return to pre-pregnancy size

• Reduces post-delivery bleeding

• Increases calorie burn to help shed pregnancy weight faster

• Reduces risk of postpartum depression

• Reduces risk of breast and ovarian cancer

• Saves money

Even if you’re only able to breastfeed for a few weeks, you’ll still see some of these benefits — especially the benefits to your baby’s immune system.

Breastfeeding Tips for First-time Moms

They make breastfeeding look easy on TV and in movies, but it can be quite challenging, especially for first-time moms. Some tips to simplify the process include:

1. Anticipate Feeding Your Baby Often

Some new moms are surprised by how often their baby is hungry. The need for frequent feedings shouldn’t be cause for alarm, though. After all, a newborn’s stomach is only about the size of an egg.

Frequent nursing is a good thing, too, because it helps increase your milk supply. The more frequently your baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce to compensate.

To make nursing as enjoyable as possible, make sure you’re in a comfortable position when you do it. Try nursing with a body pillow to give your baby support and help you avoid leaning to one side.

2. Don’t Worry About Cluster Feeding

The need for cluster feeding (feeding your baby several times with very little rest in between) can be stressful, but rest assured knowing that it is a normal part of nursing.

Cluster feedings are most necessary when your baby goes through a growth spurt. These typically occur around the time they turn 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks old. Babies also typically experience growth spurts around the 3, 4, 6, and 9-month mark.

3. Use Lanolin to Reduce Nipple Dryness

Dry, chapped nipples are an unpleasant side effect of breastfeeding. There’s not much you can do to totally eliminate this issue, but you can reduce your symptoms and prevent excessive dryness.

Lanolin oil works very well at preventing chafing and dryness. Apply some to your nipples after each nursing session.

You can also use warm (not hot) tea bags to treat cracks and blisters. The tannins found in tea have a wide range of healing properties.

4. Stay Hydrated

If you’re dehydrated, you’re going to have a hard time producing the amount of milk your baby needs. Breastfeeding also takes a lot out of you and can cause you to feel thirstier than normal. To stay hydrated, be sure to keep a large reusable water bottle on hand and drink from it often.

Over time, your body will begin to regulate itself and you won’t need quite as much water as you do in the beginning. Until that time comes, though, drink up!

5. Nurse in a Calm Environment as Much as Possible

Nursing in a calm, quiet environment can help your milk to let down more easily. This is especially true in the beginning when you’re first getting the hang of breastfeeding.

When you’ve been breastfeeding for a while, you’ll likely be able to nurse anywhere without any issues. But, when you’re first getting started, a quiet, stress-free area will make the process a lot easier.

6. Avoid Pacifiers and Bottles at the Beginning

Finally, avoid introducing bottles, pacifiers, and other nipples until your baby is breastfeeding easily. A different motion is required for bottles and pacifiers than is required for nursing, and it’s easy for your baby to get confused in the beginning.

Courtney P.

I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!

Sharing is caring!