It’s a continuous learning process; even as a mother that has breastfed three boys over five years, there is always more to discover.
Is breastfeeding something you’d like to experience with your new baby? Preparing yourself by knowing what to expect is crucial for enjoying the process.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of essential and lesser-known tips, shared by Ms. Yvonne Lim, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) from Madam Partum.
1. Skin-to-skin contact for the first hour
With more research readily available, we now understand that skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby at birth is crucial for kick-starting milk production, among other amazing health benefits.
This contact also primes the baby to feed better at the breast, as it stimulates the release of hormones that enhance the infant's feeding instincts.
In those first few moments of resting on mummy's chest, you’ll see the baby’s head naturally moving in search of the breast. It's an incredible moment that marks the beginning of the breastfeeding journey.
What if mummy can't do skin-to-skin contact?
If you are unable to do skin-to-skin contact due to a difficult birth or C-section, the daddy can step in.
This helps regulate the baby’s heart rate, body temperature, and blood sugar, and reduces their stress from being separated from the mother.
2. Treasure your colostrum, but don't stress about it
Before the mother produces mature breast milk, they produce the most nutritious substance called colostrum first, often referred to as "liquid gold," for 2 to 5 days after birth.
Highly praised in mummy communities, collecting and storing colostrum as much as possible to feed the baby when the mother's milk supply drops or when the baby is unwell can create pressure to the mothers.
In reality, many new mothers might not see much of it, as production is only about half a teaspoon per feed on the first day. So don’t worry; as long as you are latching every 1.5 to 3 hours, the baby should be well-nourished.
The hospital should be able to guide you on how well the baby is feeding by tracking the frequency of the baby’s pee and poo during your stay.
What if I am already leaking colostrum in my third trimester?
Amazing! However, before using a syringe to start hand-expressing the colostrum, please seek medical advice or speak to your gynaecologist.
Expressing colostrum is known to induce contractions, so you likely don’t want to encourage labour prematurely.
3. Going back home: Don't skip your feeding or pumping sessions
For most of us giving birth in hospitals, the first few days are more manageable with the help of nurses and access to a baby nursery.
However, the real challenges often begin when transitioning back home and adjusting to a new environment and dynamic.
At this point, many mothers experience a drop in breast milk supply if they are slightly stressed or miss regular feeding intervals to catch up on rest.
This is completely normal! If you’d like to increase your milk supply, be sure to feed the baby or pump more regularly. Taking milk-boosting supplements like fenugreek tablets or Milk Saver Boost can also help.
To store breast milk, use clean, labelled containers and follow guidelines: up to 4 hours at room temperature, 4 days in the refrigerator, and up to 6 months in the freezer.
Heating breast milk in the microwave is a no-no; instead use a warm water bath or bottle warmer and ensure it's lukewarm before feeding, discarding any unused milk after 2 hours.
How do I know if I'm breastfeeding correctly?
A good latch should be pain-free. Initial tenderness is expected when expressing breast milk, especially for first-time mums. However, if you experience pain throughout the session, even after 30 minutes, stop and try to find the right latch.
How to find the right latch for a successful breastfeeding
- Ensure Baby Isn’t Swaddled: This reduces the chance of the baby falling asleep at the breast before drinking enough.
- Tickle Baby’s Cheek: Use your finger to tickle their cheek until their mouth is wide open, like a Pac-Man, before offering your nipple. If latched correctly, with the nipple touching the baby’s soft palate, you shouldn’t feel any pain.
- Calm a Crying Baby First: If your baby starts crying, soothe them before offering the breast to achieve a better latch. If your baby regurgitates easily or has a sensitive stomach, try feeding with their stomach resting upright.
- Maintain Good Posture: To take care of your shoulders and neck, avoid bending down to offer the breast to the baby.
Make sure to ask a lactation consultant or the nurses for help and get all the practice you need while still in the hospital.
How do I choose the right breast pump?
Here's expert advice from Marian, the founder of Marian Lactation Boost. For more information, visit Marian Lactation Boost.
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Assess Your Pumping Environment
Where will you be pumping? Consider the location and whether it will be at home, work, or on-the-go. Your environment can influence your choice between a portable or stationary pump. -
Determine Your Pumping Frequency
How often will you pump? Decide the number of times per day you plan to pump. This will help determine whether you need a manual or electric pump and if you require a high-capacity model. -
Find the Right Flange Size
Measure and Adjust: Add 2-4mm to your nipple size to find your ideal flange size. During pumping, your nipple will expand, so it needs enough friction to extract milk effectively.
Check Fit: A well-fitting flange allows your nipple to expand and move freely, making contact with the flange sides without discomfort. -
Start Measuring Early
Timing: Begin measuring your flange size around the 38th week of pregnancy to ensure a comfortable fit when you start pumping. -
Avoid Second-Hand Pumps
Health and Hygiene: Avoid purchasing second-hand pumps as they may have trapped fluids in the tubes, which can lead to mould and contamination.
Personal-use pumps can degenerate over time, and there's no guarantee that all parts can be completely sterilised. Even if the pump appears clean, the motor could harbour infectious particles, making it a risky choice. -
Consider Pump Type and Quality
Wearable vs. Hospital-Grade: Wearable pumps are convenient but may not be as effective as hospital-grade pumps for mothers with a high milk supply.
Compare motor capacities and consider recommendations from friends, lactation consultants, and reviews from baby fairs and stores. -
Seek Professional Advice
Consult Experts: Speak to lactation consultants and gather recommendations from other mothers to ensure you select a pump that suits your specific needs and preferences.
4. Balance self-care and know your limits
The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the baby's first 6 months of life.
A breastfed baby has fewer trips to the paediatrician for common childhood illnesses, fewer allergies, a lower risk of obesity and diabetes, and a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Yes, the dedication and sacrifice required can pose a great challenge even to the best of us, especially with the lack of sleep.
Ms. Lim tells us, "The golden hours are truly in the first month. You will have to work the hardest here, but it gets better!"
Technology has advanced, allowing others to feed breast milk to your baby with various options for pumping and storing expressed breast milk.
It’s your choice, so don’t let others dictate how you should feed your baby.
From 6 months onward, breast milk still plays an important role in your child's nutrition, but you can begin to introduce solids, with breast milk gradually becoming a supplement.
What do I do when I'm engorged?
With changing factors or stressors along the way, such as falling ill or transitioning back to work, some of us may encounter breast engorgement or blocked milk ducts, leading to inflammation due to milk not being cleared regularly.
When this happens, try the following:
- Use Nipple Shields: Protect the nipples when not nursing. Many are made of 925 silver, which is antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial. They help heal and prevent cuts, wounds, cracks, soreness, and infections.
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Tight clothing can encourage engorgement. Opt for something like Olive Basics' Esther Easy Latch Tank, which provides support without requiring a bra.
- Warm Shower and Massage: Take a warm shower and massage the breast from the engorged point to the centre. Repeat until you feel a letdown of milk, but avoid massaging too hard to prevent bruising. You could also try the reverse pressure softening method.
- Warm Compress: If you still feel pain after clearing the clogged duct, continue using a warm compress.
- Cold Compress: If the pain becomes unbearable, switch to cold compression or place a piece of cold cabbage onto the breast for up to 20 minutes, three times per day.
According to Ms. Lim, cabbage is a natural milk killer, so use it sparingly. Some mums use this method to wean off their baby.
Each mother and child’s journey is unique. In light of everything we need to learn and prepare for, breastfeeding should never be seen as something to achieve or perform at.
Instead, it should be an experience that connects mother and child, deepening the experience of motherhood through every hurdle, challenge, and joy.
For those experiencing difficulty producing enough milk, don't let it define you. You are more than enough! Many of us have chosen to feed our babies formula milk with no regrets.
At the end of the day, as long as both mother and baby are healthy, that is what matters most.
Which Breastfeeding Tip Were You Most Surprised to Learn About?
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal and rewarding journey that demands patience, adaptability, and support.
From using breast pads to absorb leakages, nipple shields to alleviate discomfort, to understanding the importance of warm and cold compresses, each tip can make a significant difference.
By understanding the process, utilising the right techniques, and seeking help when needed, you can create a nurturing and enriching experience for both you and your baby.
Remember, every mother’s journey is unique, and what matters most is the health and well-being of both mother and child.
Did you find these tips helpful? Be sure to check back for more insights and advice to support you on your breastfeeding journey!