5 Breastfeeding Tips for New & Expectant Moms

Choosing breastfeeding or formula-feeding is an important decision for all new or expectant mothers.

“Breastmilk is a baby’s best source of nutrition, containing antibodies that can protect your baby from illnesses,” explained Dr. Faith Ighoyivwi, an obstetrician-gynecologist with Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates at Baytown. “It can also reduce the risk of developing certain health conditions, such as asthma, obesity and type 1 diabetes.

Here are five tips for navigating how to breastfeed your newborn.

1. TAKE A BREASTFEEDING CLASS

Start thinking about breastfeeding before you give birth. An early class, either in person or virtually, will show you what to expect about breastfeeding and give you all your options.

“Breastfeeding isn’t always easy and some issues may only occur after birth,” said Ighoyivwi. “Taking a class while still pregnant may help you successfully navigate those early days and weeks.”

2. LET YOUR CHILDBIRTH TEAM KNOW YOU WANT TO BREASTFEED

Be sure to let your doctor and care team know if you want to breastfeed exclusively, so they can help you receive all the instruction necessary if feedings become tricky.

“Usually, the fist feeding goes pretty well, and your baby latches on right away,” Ighoyivwi noted. “But subsequent feedings can be challenging in a busy hospital environment.”

3. HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE FIRST WEEK

Again, an early breastfeeding class helps you understand how to get through those fist few days. You’ll learn about your baby’s appetite, the number of wet diapers and feedings to expect each day, and how to feed a sleepy baby, among other things.

“Knowing what’s considered normal in your baby’s fist five days can be invaluable, though it’s okay if your baby deviates slightly from the norm,” Ighoyivwi added.

4. KNOW WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR LACTATION CONSULTANT

It may be time to reach out for help with breastfeeding after the fist week if:

■ Your baby always seems hungry

■ You’re worried about your milk supply

■ Your baby has fewer than six wet diapers or three yellow stools per day

■ You experience pain in your nipples while feeding or they are cracked and bleeding

Your early checkup with your baby’s pediatrician can also help determine how breastfeeding is going.

5. HAVE A RETURN-TO-WORK PLAN

The most important part of continuing to breastfeed when you return to work is learning the details of collecting and storing your milk, including the purchase or rental of a breast pump.

“You’ll want to begin building up your breast milk supply a few weeks beforehand,” Ighoyivwi said. “Slowly ease your baby into taking a bottle of breastmilk around week three or four.”

The fist day of being away from your baby will likely be overwhelming, so have a plan for your baby’s feedings to help relieve some of the stress. •