My breastfeeding journey has not been an easy one. It was a lot of work for me to breastfeed my daughter, and I am very proud to have come this far. I had no help, so I had to figure things out on my own. I poured over tons of research and finally came out on top. Here's a little advice for breastfeeding your new baby.
The first few weeks are so hard. A newborn's stomach is teeny, and breast milk is digested quickly, so you nurse a lot. Embrace it. You are forming a wonderful bond with you new baby, and these first weeks are crucial to your breastfeeding experience. Avoid using a pacifier (if you can stand it) and absolutely avoid bottles until at least 6 weeks. I introduced a bottle at 3 weeks, and it was the cause of our downfall.
But I'm worried I'm not making enough milk. My baby constantly wants to nurse! That's good! Remember, newborns have teeny tiny stomachs, they need to nurse often. Your baby is also working on building up your milk supply. Breastfeeding is supply and demand. Your baby needs to nurse in order for you to make enough milk! If you are truly concerned, get in touch with a local lactation consultant (NOT your pediatrician), or WIC office. Ask to see someone with a baby scale. You can weigh your baby, feed them, then weigh again to see how many ounces they've taken. Reno locals, I highly recommend contacting someone at The Nurturing Nest. They are a great resource for you! (no, they didn't pay to me to say that, I just like them!)
My partner wants to bond with the baby also, so they need to give a bottle.
There are so many ways to bond with a new baby that don't involve sabotaging your nursing relationship. Have your partner take their shirt off, strip baby down to a diaper, and they can snuggle up on the comfy couch together under a blanket, basking in each other's newness. Assist your partner in a bath with the new babe: have them get in the bath first while you hand baby over. Let your partner have little squish snuggles in your carrier. All those are far more intimate than a bottle, anyway.
There are so many ways to bond with a new baby that don't involve sabotaging your nursing relationship. Have your partner take their shirt off, strip baby down to a diaper, and they can snuggle up on the comfy couch together under a blanket, basking in each other's newness. Assist your partner in a bath with the new babe: have them get in the bath first while you hand baby over. Let your partner have little squish snuggles in your carrier. All those are far more intimate than a bottle, anyway.
I'm tired! I want to sleep for a feeding during the night.
This is completely understandable. Hang in there mama. In a couple weeks, this will get so much easier. If you just stick it out a little while longer, you'll be far better off than a bottle feeding mama! Sitting up in bed to feed your little one takes far less effort than getting up to prepare a bottle in the middle of the night. You can do it! Practice side lying nursing, once your baby is a few weeks old (I felt comfortable at four weeks). You can relax when you are side lying, and you might even be able to fall asleep! Don't worry, breastfeeding moms have an acute awareness of their child. Be sure to follow the guidelines for safe co sleeping.
This is completely understandable. Hang in there mama. In a couple weeks, this will get so much easier. If you just stick it out a little while longer, you'll be far better off than a bottle feeding mama! Sitting up in bed to feed your little one takes far less effort than getting up to prepare a bottle in the middle of the night. You can do it! Practice side lying nursing, once your baby is a few weeks old (I felt comfortable at four weeks). You can relax when you are side lying, and you might even be able to fall asleep! Don't worry, breastfeeding moms have an acute awareness of their child. Be sure to follow the guidelines for safe co sleeping.
Have a basket or a bag you can easily bring with you anywhere in your house stocked with a few essentials:
- A water bottle (partner:this is your responsibility! Keep this full of icy cold water!) Breast milk is comprised almost completely of water! You should be used to drinking tons of water from your pregnancy, anyway, but staying hydrated is very important.
- Non perishable snacks (granola bars, almonds, apples, beef jerky) Breastfeeding gives you a hunger you have not known before! Eating a good, solid meal may not happen as often as you'd like, so be sure to keep your strength up with healthy snacks.
- Book/phone/tablet/eReader (and the charger!) Something to keep you entertained while you sit on your sore bum for hours on end.
- Children's books (if you have other children) Your older child(ren) will likely be feeling a bit miffed at mommy spending so much time with the new baby. Having books handy to read to them, while you're nursing the baby will help everyone settle into the new routine better.
- A pen and paper, or app on your phone, to keep track of which side you last nursed from. Keeping track of feedings themselves is not important. It's not important to nurse at a certain time for a certain number of minutes. It is important to switch back and forth between breasts (somewhat) equally, so your supply is built on both sides. It will be hard for your sleep deprived brain to remember which side was last. This paper or app would also be a good place to track wet/dirty diapers (a great way to tell if your baby is getting enough milk!)
- Unrefined coconut oil For those sore nips, coconut oil does wonders. It is safe to apply as much as you want, and does not need to be washed off before baby nurses.
- Nursing padsI recommend soft, cushy, re usable pads like these. Or, you could make them yourself, its easy! The disposable pads always stuck to my nipples when I leaked! It was like pulling off a band aid. Ouch!
Whew! That was a lot of information, but I hope that has helped you in some way.
Breastfeeding is hard work. You are an awesome mom for working so hard for your baby! Thank you for breastfeeding.
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