Overview: Breastfeeding is a journey. Whether you're just beginning or navigating challenges along the way, here are some breastfeeding tips to help make your journey a smooth one.
Welcoming a new baby into your family is a joyful and transformative experience. If you decide to be a breastfeeding parent, recognize that it’s more than a feeding choice. It can be a journey of connection, nourishment and support. Whether you're a nursing mom or a supportive partner, understanding the basics can make a big difference for both you and your newborn.
Breastfeeding basics
Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s also a learned skill. Newborns typically nurse 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Because breastmilk digests quickly, it’s normal to feed responsively to baby’s cues.
How do I know when my baby is hungry? Watch for hunger cues such as:
- Sucking on lips or fingers.
- Rooting toward touch.
- Increased fussiness.
Let your baby nurse as long and as often as they desire; this helps establish a strong milk supply. Try and avoid bottle supplementation unless medically necessary, as this could lower your milk supply and may affect your baby’s desire to latch to your breast.
You can monitor feeding success by tracking:
- Wet and dirty diapers (6-8 wet diapers and at least four stools per day by the end of baby's first week)
- Steady weight gain (5-7 ounces per week after initial weight loss)
- As your milk transitions from colostrum to more mature milk, your baby's stool should change color (from black meconium to olive green to yellow).
- Once your milk transitions to provide more volume, your baby's stools should be loose and seedy.
If your baby misses two feedings in a row, is experiencing less than six saturated diapers a day or is sleep and / or looks yellow, contact your baby's health care provider right away.
Tips for breastfeeding
Although every breastfeeding experience is unique, these tips can help support a healthy journey:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to support milk production.
- Take care of your nipples. Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. If it is, consult a lactation expert for help with latching and positioning.
- Watch for signs of complications. Contact your provider or a lactation consultant if you are experiencing fever, painful engorgement or red, sore spots on your breast.
- Manage engorgement. Nurse or pump to comfort and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Try to avoid excessive pumping to manage engorgement as this can lead to an oversupply of milk and increase the duration of engorgement pain.
Breastmilk storage guidelines
To ensure your baby receives safe, nutritious milk, follow these proper storage guidelines:
- Fresh breastmilk can be kept at room temperature for 4 - 8 hours.
- In the refrigerator, breastmilk can be stored for 4 - 8 days (4 days is ideal).
- In the freezer, breastmilk can be stored for 6 to 12 months.
- Thawed breastmilk should be used within 24 hours and never refrozen.
- To warm breastmilk, place the container in a cup of hot tap water and avoid microwaving.
How to support breastfeeding moms
Partners play a vital role in the breastfeeding journey. Your support can make a significant impact on both the nursing mom and the baby. Here are some ways to help:
- Attend breastfeeding classes and support sessions with the nursing parent.
- Offer encouragement and emotional support.
- Help with diaper changes, bath time and household tasks.
- Bring the nursing parent snacks, water or a book during feedings.
- Prioritize skin to skin contact with your baby.
- Be present and patient. Your support builds confidence and reduces stress.
Benefits of breastfeeding
While breastfeeding is beneficial to babies, it’s also beneficial to breastfeeding moms. Breastfeeding helps:
- Reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and breast and ovarian cancers.
- Contract the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size through the increased production of oxytocin. When your uterus contracts it decreases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
- Decrease your chances of developing postpartum depression.
Breastfeeding is a journey, whether you're just beginning or navigating challenges along the way, remember that you're not alone. MercyOne is here to walk beside you every step of the way, offering expert compassionate care. Find a MercyOne lactation Care and Breastfeeding support location near you.
This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne Lactation Consultant.
