10 Tips for Breastfeeding
La Leche League London
Ever notice how much easier it is to learn something new with a friend or family member beside you who has
done it before? Just their presence is reassuring and puts you at ease. Breastfeeding is similar. Simply
being around other women who are breastfeeding will give you the support you need to start and continue
breastfeeding. Being able to share your experiences and ask questions will help you get through most problems you may encounter while nursing your baby. The goal of peer support is to support pregnant and
breastfeeding women. It’s all about moms helping other moms. Here are our top breastfeeding tips for you!
1. Skin-to-Skin: You can get breastfeeding off to a great start by breastfeeding as soon after birth as
possible (within the first hour after birth makes things easier). You can lay baby on you skin-to-skin, while
supporting his body and guide him to your breast. This will help him get colostrum, stimulate milk production,
and it’s a great way to get some snuggles and bonding time together! Some mothers find it helpful to use
slings and carriers to maintain this close contact. Holding baby close also means he will cry less.
2. The Nest on Your Chest: Your breast is your baby’s home. So if your baby falls asleep at the breast,
don’t move him – just snuggle with him. Continuing to hold him won’t create a bad habit like everyone warns
you about. Nature has designed it this way, so that your baby can fall asleep anywhere. If you’re concerned
about your newborn’s weight gain, keeping him close means that when he wakes up, he can easily root
around and find your breast to start nursing again.
3. Limit Visitors in the Early Days: Having friends and family around to help is wonderful, but feeling like
you need to be a hostess is stressful, and It can also interfere with establishing breastfeeding. You might
consider limiting visitors to the hospital, and if you’re home, post short visiting hours on your door. If your
visitors offer to help, have them pick-up groceries, bring over meals, run errands, and do household chores.
4. Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps: The first few nights with your baby can be tough, so take plenty of naps
when you can, even in the evening. Keeping a glass of water and a snack by your beside can help keep your
energy up. As your baby gets older, you might be tempted to use nap time to catch-up on housework
or email, but sleeping when your baby sleeps, even for just 30 minutes, can keep you feeling well-rested,
even if your nights are interrupted.
5. Create Nursing Stations Everywhere: In the early days, you might feel confined to the couch or a particular chair to do all your nursing. Try changing it up by creating several places to nurse, sleep, and eat
around your home. Soon you will become comfortable enough to try other nursing positions. Once you’ve
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