How to Successfully Breastfeed Your Baby

Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby will gradually learn, it takes time to find the right position, pace and process that works for both of you. Be patient and above all don't lose heart as all new moms go through this phase and what may work for one may not for the other so take your time to settle into a rhythm with your baby.

Let us look at how to breastfeed a baby step by step using our expert breastfeeding techniques and tips to help you and your baby master this skill in no time.

Comfortable Position

Ensure both you and your baby are in a comfortable position so you don't have to keep moving or readjusting during the feed. You can use pillows, cushions or any support that will help you relax and comfortable.

Skin to Skin

The first few weeks are crucial as both you and your baby have gone through so much and birthing is equally stressful for the baby. Skin to skin helps both of you relax, bond, breastfeed and makes your baby feel safe and warm. It helps both of you recover.

Latching

Learn how to successfully breastfeed a newborn using our latching techniques that are sure to work every time, start these good practices from day 1 so both of you get a hand of it in the days to come.

Once you are comfortable and ready, lay your baby in a horizontal position with body and head in one line along your chest. The baby's tummy should touch yours, chin rest on the breast and nose lined with your nipple. Don't hold the baby's head tight as they would want to tilt it back after latch to suckle and swallow comfortably.

Express a few drops of milk
Brush your nipple against baby's lips so they open wide in response.
Babies have a rooting reflex and naturally look for food source and open their mouth wide open in response.
If they have only latched on to the nipple, try again so they take in more till the areola
Support your breast with 2 fingers so your baby can take a big mouthful of your breast in.
Ensure fingers are away from areola so it doesn't come in the way of your baby.
You should notice your baby sucking at your nipple gently and gradually with more suction
You will feel the baby swallowing and suckling in a rhythmic fashion
Let your baby feed for as long as they need to and feed on demand
Don't time the feeds as both of you are still learning and will need time.
To break the latch use your finger release gently at the corner of the lip.

If you are in pain or your baby has let go off the breast too soon then take them off the breast, burp the baby if you find them uneasy and try on the other breast.

Number of Feeds:

In the beginning, the baby feeds often as their stomach is still very small about the size of a chickpea and constantly expanding with each passing day. They feed anywhere between 8 to 12 times a day and it differs baby to baby, some may feed more. Don't go by a fixed number of feeds rather feed on demand or when you notice hunger cues (lip smacking, hand to mouth, turning, opening mouth, seeking, rooting). Don't wait till they start to cry as this causes them a lot of stress and they may be harder to calm down.

How to tell if the baby is getting enough

Listed below are some of the signs of successful breastfeeding:

Your baby should look relaxed and content after feeds.
When awake should be active and alert
Has 6 or more wet nappies each day after the first 24 hours has passed.
Has yellow runny poops at least once a day after the meconium phase has passed (dark green black poops in the first 24 to 48 hours)
Gaining weight every week after the first 2 weeks (Babies lose about 5 - 10% of birth weight in the first 3-4 days and regain by 2 weeks)

Rest, Hydration and Nutrition

Breastfeeding is not just about the baby but a lot to do with the mother as well. Remember you need to take care of yourself first in order to be able to care for your baby. Get rest whenever possible as first few months you are constantly up every other hour to feed and tend to your baby. If possible someone to watch over your baby while you get some much needed sleep or pay someone for few days to do the house hold chores and other things like cleaning, groceries, etc. As much as it could be expensive you need to rest recoup and rejuvenate.

Proper hydration is very important as breastmilk supply is directly impacted by how much water you intake. 90% of breastmilk is made up of water and it is the only source of hydration for your baby till they turn 6months of age. Needless to say you need to be properly hydrated for your own recovery so your body functions well and also for your baby's daily needs.

Lastly, nutrition as all know plays the vital role to keep you energised and going, also it should provide enough calories for you and your baby with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, carbs, fats and all the essentials needed to make breastmilk. Choose different food groups and eat well balanced foods and never skip meals while breastfeeding. As much as possible try to avoid take out food, have home cooked meals or get someone like friends, family or husband to cook for you.

Related - Foods to help boost breastmilk Supply for more details on right nutrition

Breastmilk Supply

Based on your baby's need and growth your body responds and produces more milk to satiate the baby's hunger. The milk supply will gradually increase over the weeks post partum and you can also aid the process by having good nutritious meals and staying hydrated. Try to exercise whenever you get a nod from your doctor so start to feel better and healthier soon.

Expressing or Pumping

Expressing or pumping is also a great way to ensure you increase the breastmilk production, keep emptying your breast so you feel better and also it helps give others in the family a chance to bond with the baby while feeding. Whatever your reason for pumping, working mom, health issues, breast engorgement, inverted nipples or anything else don't feel guilty for not breastfeeding as even bottle feeding pumped milk is as good. Not everyone is in a position to breastfeed and shouldn't feel any less or guilty for not being able to do so.

While breastfeeding is best as body responds to the baby's saliva and changes the milk to provide antibodies, WBC's, more fat, nutrition and everything else based on baby's need. Pumping is good alternative too and can be even mixed with breastfeeding after a few months so the baby won't have issues with latching on to breast.

What really matters at the end of the day is your baby is fed well and cared for not how you do it, if you are not in a position to breast feed or pump talk to your doctor about formula feeding so the baby gets all the necessary nutrition. Every mother is different so don't beat yourself up or compare.

All in all breastfeeding is a process that will take time for both of you. Don't be in a hurry, enjoy the bonding and the time together as soon your baby will outgrow this phase. It takes time, effort and practice for both you and your baby but eventually over the days or weeks you both will find the rhythm that works for you.