Breastfeeding Top Tips For New & Expectant Moms

Breastfeeding is a new skill that takes time and patience. It’s likely to be one of the first nurturing acts you’ll do as a new mother.

As natural as breastfeeding is, you may still worry and stress about providing the proper nutrients for your baby. And you probably have a million questions about how it all works and how to do it correctly.

Remember we are only human we all need help from others at times so if you are finding this part of your journey difficult reach out, get some practical advice from a Midwife, PHN or lactation consultant, we are all here to help you and nobody expects you to go it alone

We’ve put together our best advice for new mothers to help ease the process:  

• Relax: You and your baby will get the hang of it eventually. Before you start a feed, make yourself comfortable first, sit on a comfy chair with support, have a glass of water next to you and your phone or book to read
• Tummy to mummy: Babies stomach no matter what position you use should be facing their mummy
• Nose to nipple: Your baby’s nose should be in line with the nipple for a good latch
• Wide-open mouth: Baby needs to have a wide-open mouth to be able to latch effectively onto the breast, a narrow mouth will mean you have a shallow latch and that is not sustainable for you or your milk supply
• The latch is key: If it feels wrong or sore it’s not correct, take baby off and try to relatch baby 
• Lips flanged out: Babies’ lips need to be flanged out ie top lip up and bottom lip down.

We know breastfeeding can be overwhelming at times, but putting the tips above into practice will help you make the most of your time with your little one while breastfeeding. So pay close attention to your little one’s needs, get comfortable, and relax. Evaluate the signs that breastfeeding is going well, and make sure you’re staying hydrated.

How We Can Help

We have a range of live online classes which you can attend from the comfort of your own home where you will get the chance to ask a midwife any questions you have throughout the class making you well-prepared for labour birth and more. You can see our range of available classes by clicking the button below.