Breastfeeding a newborn in the first few weeks – you are not alone!

Whether you’re a first-time mom who is beginning to breastfeed her newborn or a mother who has breastfed multiple times, there is always more to learn throughout the journey of motherhood. If you’re struggling to breastfeed, it’s important to know you are not alone. In this blog we’ll share some great tips and trick on breastfeeding your newborn baby!

Almost every new mother has the same challenges. If you’re struggling with a rhythm and sleep read more here.

Is there a “good” breastfeeding diet? What should I eat when breastfeeding an infant?

An optimum breastfeeding diet will provide your child with vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 fatty acids required for good development.  

Some important things to keep in mind:

• CALORIES:  Breastfeeding requires extra calories.  It’s normal to feel hungry ALL THE TIME!  Now is not the time to try and lose weight.  Instead, focus on eating a well-balanced diet 
• CAFFEINE:  Newborns may be more sensitive to caffeine than older babies.  You may want to slowly reintroduce it as part as of your diet as baby gets older
• WHOLE GRAINS:  They contain folic acid and omega 3 fatty acids which is critical for your baby’s development.  
• FRUITS & VEGGIES:  Aim for at least three servings of fruits and vegetables each day.  
• DAIRY:  It’s an important source of calcium, which promotes healthy nerve and muscle function.  If you have a dairy allergy, supplement your diet with other sources of calcium.
• PROTEIN:  Protein is a good source of iron which helps to repair the tissue in your body.

How will I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

With breastfeeding it can be particularly hard to measure how much your baby is drinking with each session.  

Signs that your baby is getting enough milk:

• You feed your baby 8 to 12 times in 24 hours
• Baby is active and alert when awake and content after a feed
• Good weight gain
• Frequent urine nappies
• Listen for audible swallowing
• The baby takes slow, deep sucks, sometimes pausing for a short time

Some women may find breastfeeding easy from the start, but others find that like any skill, it has to be learned – and may take some practice to succeed.

Breastfeeding hurts, what now!?

Check your baby’s latch:

Incorrect latch is most likely the cause of the breastfeeding pain.  Your baby should:

1. have a large area of the lower part of the areola in her mouth when she feeds,
2. your nipple against the roof of her mouth, cupped gently underneath by her tongue.

You can download our free guide to pain-free breastfeeding here.

See a lactation consultant:

Consult a lactation consultant for a proper feeding assessment  for other latching problems.  They can check your baby’s mouth to see if there are physical problems.

Try different feeding positions:

Different positions may take the pressure off the most painful areas of your breasts.

Air-dry nipples:

Risk of yeast infections increase in damp conditions.  Use either disposable or washable nursing pads to absorb any milk leakage.  Remember to change them regularly.

Soothe your nipples:

Apply a nipple ointment such as Lansinoh on your nipples or even a few drops of you breastmilk after breastfeeding.

Be patient:

Soreness normally settles down after a few days as your body gets used to breastfeeding and your baby’s sucking becomes more efficient.

If the pain while breastfeeding doesn’t go away after a few days, consider consulting a lactation consultant for further assessments. 

Getting into breastfeeding can be a stressful experience, but it’s ultimately rewarding.  While you might experience pain and frustration in the short term, you can take pride in your accomplishments in the long term.