Breastfeeding 101: How to get started and top tips

Getting started with breastfeeding is exciting, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Learn about what to expect, common challenges, and tips for success.

An overview of breastfeeding

If you're a new parent, you've probably heard that it's a good idea to breastfeed your baby for the first six months exclusively. But, with so many changes happening in your life, you might feel overwhelmed. It's common to run into challenges when you start nursing, so it's important to know that you're not alone and there's plenty of support available.

In the first few days postpartum, your breasts will produce a thick, sticky, yellowish substance called colostrum. After that, mature milk will start to come in, and your breasts might feel firm and sore.

You'll likely need to feed your newborn every two to three hours. Over time, feedings will become less frequent. Many new mothers have questions and concerns about breastfeeding, but you are not alone.

The benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both you and your baby. However, it's important to bear in mind that breastfeeding isn't for everyone. Switching to formula doesn't mean your infant won't be healthy and thriving. Remember: fed is best.

If you are able to breastfeed, you'll have some immediate benefits that can help you during postpartum recovery. Nursing releases oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in bonding, love, and reproduction. In addition, the increase in oxytocin levels helps to shrink your uterus back to its original size.

Nursing your baby also helps you bond with them and learn their behaviours and cues. It's also linked to lower rates of postpartum depression. Research has also shown that breastfeeding can reduce your lifelong risk of breast cancer.

Breastmilk has numerous benefits for your baby, too. It's a perfectly formulated blend of carbs, proteins, and fats that gives your baby exactly what it needs to grow and develop - in fact, your milk changes over time to adapt to your baby's shifting needs. Your milk also contains antibodies that support the baby's immune system and white blood cells to fight possible infections.

According to research, breastfed babies have lower rates of certain diseases and health conditions, including:

• asthma
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• ear infections
• respiratory infections
• type 1 diabetes
• obesity
• sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Breastfeeding isn't for everyone

While breastfeeding does have many benefits, it's important to know that you shouldn't feel any shame if it doesn't work for you. Your baby doesn't need breast milk to stay healthy.

Many people have difficulty nursing and producing enough milk. If you have certain health conditions, take medication, or have a busy schedule, it might be particularly hard for you. Some people choose to supplement milk with formula, and others decide to feed their baby with formula alone. It's a good idea to speak with your doctor if you decide to go this route.

What happens when you start breastfeeding?

In the hours immediately after giving birth, your breasts will start to produce a thick, yellow substance called colostrum. It's very rich and concentrated, so your baby only needs a tiny amount.

After a few days, your mature milk will start to come in. You'll likely notice that your breasts feel firmer, fuller, and a bit sore. Your nipples might leak if your breasts are too full with milk, and they might also feel sore and cracked. In the early stages of nursing, it's useful to work with a lactation consultant who can help guide you through the process.

To start feeding your baby, a midwife or consultant can help you bring your baby's mouth to your nipple. Hold them very close, and let their head tip back slightly, aligning their top lip with your nipple.

They should naturally open their mouth wider and bring their chin to your breast. When they latch, you might feel a tugging sensation, but it shouldn't be painful. As the baby feeds, you'll see them respond with deep swallows and fuller cheeks.

It's generally a good idea to learn how to help your baby latch before leaving the hospital. If you have any difficulty with it, a midwife or lactation consultant can help you.

Tips and strategies for successful breastfeeding

Learn the right way to hold your baby

There are a few ways to hold your little one during feeding. Choose whatever is most comfortable for you, and play around with different positions to see which position you prefer. Some common options include:

• Cradle: sit upright in a comfortable chair and hold your baby on your lap with their back on your forearm
• Football: hold your baby at your side with their back on your forearm and head in your hand.
• Cross cradle: place baby across your stomach, skin to skin, holding their body in one arm with their mouth on the opposite breast. This position is particularly useful for babies who have a hard time latching.
• Side lying: lie on your side and place the baby in front of you, facing your breast. This position is a good option for night feedings.
• Laid back: lean back, with your back and head propped up on pillows, and place the baby on top of you. If you produce a lot of milk and have trouble with your breasts leaking, this is a good choice.

Feed often enough

In the first couple of months, you'll need to feed your baby every two to three hours. As they grow, this will gradually reduce in frequency.

In general, try to practice feeding your baby when they indicate that they're hungry. You can look out for signs like:

• licking their lips
• opening their mouth
• sucking
• rooting (moving their jaw and mouth)
• crying and fussiness

Feed your baby on demand

Aim to breastfeed 12 times within 24 hours.

Keep an eye on how much milk you're producing

It can be tricky to know if you have enough milk. Some signs that your milk supply may be decreasing include:

• Baby not producing enough nappies: in general, your little one should have six to eight wet or dirty nappies per day.
• Lack of weight gain: it's normal for your baby's weight to fluctuate a bit, but you should make sure it's steadily increasing over time.
• Dehydration: signs of dehydration to look for include sleepiness, lack of tears, sunken eyes, and a sunken soft spot on top of their head.

If you think your milk supply is low, you can increase it by:

• staying hydrated, especially if you're drinking caffeinated beverages
• pumping more often
• getting enough sleep
• eating a healthy, balanced diet
• offering both breasts during each feeding
• signs of adequate milk production
• how to increase milk supply if needed

Pump and store milk so you have enough

If you're working or have a busy schedule, it can be useful to pump and store your milk. It's also helpful if your breasts feel uncomfortably full.

You can express milk by hand or with a breast pump. Make sure you have a clean container ready. Store the milk in the fridge for up to eight days and in the freezer for up to six months.

Potential challenges and complications

Most new parents experience some difficulties when breastfeeding, so you're not alone. While it can be tricky at first, it gets easier with time. Lactation consultants and midwives are excellent resources if you need support.

Some common challenges include:

• Tongue tie: this is when a band of tissue connects the baby's tongue to the bottom of their mouth, making it hard to latch. If it's making it difficult for them to feed, contact your doctor. A simple procedure to cut the band can help.
• Latching: if your baby doesn't seem satisfied after feedings or you find it painful, they may not be latching properly. A lactation consultant can help with this.
• Mastitis: when a milk duct becomes blocked, it can cause pain, swelling, and redness. It's important to keep breastfeeding, but if it doesn't improve, contact your doctor.
• Engorgement: this happens when your breasts are too full, making them hard and painful. While this is common when your baby first starts feeding, it can be very uncomfortable. Your breasts should adjust to the baby's needs with time, but you can try expressing more milk to make your breasts more comfortable.

Clinical review and sources

About breastfeeding and breast milk, NIH
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer: A call for action in high‐income countries with low rates of breastfeeding, PubMed
Dehydration, NHS
Expressing and storing breast milk, NHS
Recommendations and benefits, CDC