18 Most Useful Breastfeeding Tips and Tricks
Breastfeeding brings many excellent benefits for you and your bub. However, being a mum never comes easy. Here are 18 breastfeeding tips and tricks to make your breastfeeding journey easier and smoother like never before.
If you’re pregnant with your first baby, it is a good idea to get more information and instruction on how to breastfeed from experts. Mums who learn to breastfeed beforehand are more likely to succeed on this new routine than those who do not. Healthcare providers and lactation consultants point you in the best direction in motherhood.
Nowadays, there is a lot of nursing equipment that helps make breastfeeding simpler and more comfortable. A nursing bra, breast pads, breast pump, bottles, milk storage bags, and nursing pillow are a few examples of these supplies. Eonian Care offers a range of supplies you can store in your homes such as the Smart Double Electric Breast Pumps, Electric Steriliser, Dryer and Baby Bottle Warmer 3 in 1, Pumping Bra, Baby Bottles & Feeding Solutions Value Set, and other breastfeeding accessories.
Update your buying list and check out What Every Newborn Mum Must Have – Best Essential Checklist to see what you’ve missed!
Giving your consultant or healthcare provider a heads up that you’re into breastfeeding is a good idea. With that, your provider can give you the essential information, tips, and resources you need. Your consultant may also check with your medications (if you have any) in advance to know if it is okay for breastfeeding or not.
Most newborns are ready to nurse within the first hour after birth. During the first few days, milk that comes through is packed with antibodies, proteins, and other nutrients for your bub’s growth and development. A breastfeeding position’s skin-to-skin contact also helps stabilise your precious one’s body temperature, breathing, and heart rate.
For more breastfeeding trivia, check out 9 Fun Facts About Breastfeeding You Might Not Know!
Latching or also called “latch on,” is a position where your baby is correctly attached to your breast. This is when your baby’s mouth is wide open over your nipple with his lips, nose, and chin close to your chest.
There are two ways to latch your baby on properly. First is getting into a comfortable breastfeeding position, cupping your breast with your hand, and guiding the nipple to your baby’s lip. This stimulates your baby’s reflex to open his mouth and suckle. Another thing is “baby-led” or “laid-back” breastfeeding. This is done by lying on your back and positioning your baby’s cheek close to your chest. A baby’s instinct will kick in, and he or she will naturally explore the surroundings to find a milk source.
There are plenty of breastfeeding positions for your little one. You can try them all out and see which manner latches your baby more effectively. Some examples are the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position.
Babies most likely have a preference for one breast. Even if this happens, it still is a good idea to offer him the other one for the next feeding session. Empty your breast equally to make your breasts less sore and avoid any discomfort.
If this doesn’t work, you could pump the other breast with an Eonian Care Breast Pump to help relieve pressure and secure your milk supply.
Engorgement happens when your breasts’ blood vessels are swollen, and ducts are overfilled with milk. This causes discomfort and can sometimes be painful. It usually occurs when your baby doesn’t breastfeed often.
You can prevent this by feeding your baby whenever he’s hungry. Other than that, you can express breast milk with an Eonian Care Breast Pump to excess milk and ease discomfort. You could also take a warm shower and warm compress to help with your milk flow.
Mastitis is a condition wherein a clogged milk duct gets infected. Its symptoms include swollen and painful breasts, fever and flu-like symptoms, and red streaks or hard lumps on your breasts. You can deal with this by applying a warm compress or offering your baby a blocked duct that is safe for the baby. You can also try to pump it with an Eonian Care Breast Pump to help drain this blocked duct. If these home remedies do not work, you can call your healthcare provider so she can prescribe an antibiotic that is safe for you and your baby.
Tender nipples are expected during the first weeks of breastfeeding but will eventually go away. To reduce discomfort, make sure that your bub is appropriately latched on and try out different positions. You can also let some breast milk dry on your nipples for a moisturizing and soothing effect and avoid using harsh soap and products. If your breasts tend to leak, you can opt for bra pads or the Eonian Care Breast Milk Collector Nipple Shield.
Feeding schedules may be unique for every bub. To know when to breastfeed, pay close attention to your little one’s hunger cues. Your baby’s signs might be hungry when he is alert, puts hands on lips, such fingers, flexes arms, hands form a fist, whimpers, or nuzzles in your chest. Do not wait for your baby to cry, as it is usually a late sign of hunger.
Make sure that your baby is getting a sufficient amount of breastmilk. There are easy ways to check, such as listening to your baby swallow milk and checking on your little one’s steady growth. When you are feeding, you can also spot that your baby is happy when his palm are open and relaxed. Nappies and bowel movements also reveal a lot of your baby’s diet.
Breastfeeding often, drinking plenty of water, and eating a nutritious diet are ways for mums to produce more milk. You also need to reduce stress and relax. Other than that, using breast pumps, such as the Eonian Care Smart Double Electric Breast Pump, stimulate your breasts to produce more milk.
There are many benefits to using breast pumps, especially if you experience circumstances that make it difficult to feed your newborn. Owning breast pumps such as the Eonian Care Smart Double Electric Breast Pump lets you excess and store milk and keeps you comfortable and your baby well-fed.
Select the right accessories for your pumps and read Pumping 101: Choosing the Right Flange Size for Breast Pump to see how it’s done.
You may find yourself having a hungry crying baby in a public place. Don’t fret. It is not as scary as you think it is. All you need to do is have the right loose clothing with easy access to your breast. Scarves, nursing covers, and light blankets can also be used to cover your chest. You can practice this routine at home so you can get used to it when such circumstances arise.
What you eat affects your baby. That’s why maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet contributes to your little one’s well-being. Make sure to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein while drinking plenty of water. Breastfeeding uses lots of your body liquids, so it is vital to stay hydrated. Stay away from sugary beverages and get as much rest as you can.
Always remember that when you’re breastfeeding, you are passing what you consume to your baby. That’s why it is essential to note to limit your coffee as it can affect your baby’s sleep. Smoking also affects your baby and may cause respiratory illnesses in the future. Avoid drinking alcohol but if it does happen, drink lots of water and wait for three or more hours before breastfeeding your little one.
Motherhood and breastfeeding can be challenging. Always remember that you are not alone. Reach out when needed. There are many people and resources you can turn to whenever you feel a bit lost. Make sure to connect with mothers who may have the same experience. For professional help, always seek out a licensed lactation consultant.
1. Try out breastfeeding classes or take online lessons from healthcare professionals.
If you’re pregnant with your first baby, it is a good idea to get more information and instruction on how to breastfeed from experts. Mums who learn to breastfeed beforehand are more likely to succeed on this new routine than those who do not. Healthcare providers and lactation consultants point you in the best direction in motherhood.
2. Get the right nursing supplies.
Nowadays, there is a lot of nursing equipment that helps make breastfeeding simpler and more comfortable. A nursing bra, breast pads, breast pump, bottles, milk storage bags, and nursing pillow are a few examples of these supplies. Eonian Care offers a range of supplies you can store in your homes such as the Smart Double Electric Breast Pumps, Electric Steriliser, Dryer and Baby Bottle Warmer 3 in 1, Pumping Bra, Baby Bottles & Feeding Solutions Value Set, and other breastfeeding accessories.
Update your buying list and check out What Every Newborn Mum Must Have – Best Essential Checklist to see what you’ve missed!
3. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you’re planning to breastfeed.
Giving your consultant or healthcare provider a heads up that you’re into breastfeeding is a good idea. With that, your provider can give you the essential information, tips, and resources you need. Your consultant may also check with your medications (if you have any) in advance to know if it is okay for breastfeeding or not.
4. Breastfeed within hours after birth.
Most newborns are ready to nurse within the first hour after birth. During the first few days, milk that comes through is packed with antibodies, proteins, and other nutrients for your bub’s growth and development. A breastfeeding position’s skin-to-skin contact also helps stabilise your precious one’s body temperature, breathing, and heart rate.
For more breastfeeding trivia, check out 9 Fun Facts About Breastfeeding You Might Not Know!
5. Learn different ways of latching.
Latching or also called “latch on,” is a position where your baby is correctly attached to your breast. This is when your baby’s mouth is wide open over your nipple with his lips, nose, and chin close to your chest.
Breastfeeding Tips on Latching
There are two ways to latch your baby on properly. First is getting into a comfortable breastfeeding position, cupping your breast with your hand, and guiding the nipple to your baby’s lip. This stimulates your baby’s reflex to open his mouth and suckle. Another thing is “baby-led” or “laid-back” breastfeeding. This is done by lying on your back and positioning your baby’s cheek close to your chest. A baby’s instinct will kick in, and he or she will naturally explore the surroundings to find a milk source.
6. Try out different breastfeeding positions and see what works best.
There are plenty of breastfeeding positions for your little one. You can try them all out and see which manner latches your baby more effectively. Some examples are the cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and side-lying position.
7. Excess milk from both breasts equally.
Babies most likely have a preference for one breast. Even if this happens, it still is a good idea to offer him the other one for the next feeding session. Empty your breast equally to make your breasts less sore and avoid any discomfort.
If this doesn’t work, you could pump the other breast with an Eonian Care Breast Pump to help relieve pressure and secure your milk supply.
8. Deal with painful engorgement.
Engorgement happens when your breasts’ blood vessels are swollen, and ducts are overfilled with milk. This causes discomfort and can sometimes be painful. It usually occurs when your baby doesn’t breastfeed often.
You can prevent this by feeding your baby whenever he’s hungry. Other than that, you can express breast milk with an Eonian Care Breast Pump to excess milk and ease discomfort. You could also take a warm shower and warm compress to help with your milk flow.
9. Deal with mastitis.
Mastitis is a condition wherein a clogged milk duct gets infected. Its symptoms include swollen and painful breasts, fever and flu-like symptoms, and red streaks or hard lumps on your breasts. You can deal with this by applying a warm compress or offering your baby a blocked duct that is safe for the baby. You can also try to pump it with an Eonian Care Breast Pump to help drain this blocked duct. If these home remedies do not work, you can call your healthcare provider so she can prescribe an antibiotic that is safe for you and your baby.
10. Take care of your nipples.
Tender nipples are expected during the first weeks of breastfeeding but will eventually go away. To reduce discomfort, make sure that your bub is appropriately latched on and try out different positions. You can also let some breast milk dry on your nipples for a moisturizing and soothing effect and avoid using harsh soap and products. If your breasts tend to leak, you can opt for bra pads or the Eonian Care Breast Milk Collector Nipple Shield.
11. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger signals.
Feeding schedules may be unique for every bub. To know when to breastfeed, pay close attention to your little one’s hunger cues. Your baby’s signs might be hungry when he is alert, puts hands on lips, such fingers, flexes arms, hands form a fist, whimpers, or nuzzles in your chest. Do not wait for your baby to cry, as it is usually a late sign of hunger.
Breastfeeding Tips on Milk Supply
12. Always check for enough breastmilk.
Make sure that your baby is getting a sufficient amount of breastmilk. There are easy ways to check, such as listening to your baby swallow milk and checking on your little one’s steady growth. When you are feeding, you can also spot that your baby is happy when his palm are open and relaxed. Nappies and bowel movements also reveal a lot of your baby’s diet.
13. Increase your milk supply if it is running low.
Breastfeeding often, drinking plenty of water, and eating a nutritious diet are ways for mums to produce more milk. You also need to reduce stress and relax. Other than that, using breast pumps, such as the Eonian Care Smart Double Electric Breast Pump, stimulate your breasts to produce more milk.
14. Breast pumps are every mum’s best friend.
There are many benefits to using breast pumps, especially if you experience circumstances that make it difficult to feed your newborn. Owning breast pumps such as the Eonian Care Smart Double Electric Breast Pump lets you excess and store milk and keeps you comfortable and your baby well-fed.
Select the right accessories for your pumps and read Pumping 101: Choosing the Right Flange Size for Breast Pump to see how it’s done.
15. Don’t be scared of breastfeeding in public.
You may find yourself having a hungry crying baby in a public place. Don’t fret. It is not as scary as you think it is. All you need to do is have the right loose clothing with easy access to your breast. Scarves, nursing covers, and light blankets can also be used to cover your chest. You can practice this routine at home so you can get used to it when such circumstances arise.
Breastfeeding Tips on Nutrition and Well-Being
16. Your nutrition and well-being matter.
What you eat affects your baby. That’s why maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet contributes to your little one’s well-being. Make sure to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein while drinking plenty of water. Breastfeeding uses lots of your body liquids, so it is vital to stay hydrated. Stay away from sugary beverages and get as much rest as you can.
17. Avoid alcohol and smoking and limit your caffeine.
Always remember that when you’re breastfeeding, you are passing what you consume to your baby. That’s why it is essential to note to limit your coffee as it can affect your baby’s sleep. Smoking also affects your baby and may cause respiratory illnesses in the future. Avoid drinking alcohol but if it does happen, drink lots of water and wait for three or more hours before breastfeeding your little one.
18. Seek help when needed.
Motherhood and breastfeeding can be challenging. Always remember that you are not alone. Reach out when needed. There are many people and resources you can turn to whenever you feel a bit lost. Make sure to connect with mothers who may have the same experience. For professional help, always seek out a licensed lactation consultant.