Start Your Breastfeeding Journey
Breastfeeding itself is a journey of highs, lows, and just about everything in between. And regardless of whether you’re a first-time mom or an experienced parent, every experience is going to be unique.
While navigating this journey can feel challenging at times, a little bit of preparation and a lot of compassion can make things a lot smoother. As Women’s Health points out, these two elements are just one of a few keys to building confidence and achieving success. With that in mind, here are 5 tips to help you embrace and maybe even enjoy your breastfeeding journey in 2025!
1. Start Preparing Before Your Baby Arrives
They say that preparation is half the battle, and breastfeeding is no exception to the rule! According to Johns Hopkins Medical, understanding basic breastfeeding techniques before birth can make parents a lot more confident when the time comes. And plenty of options are available to you, from finding a breastfeeding class or workshop to connecting with a lactation consultant. These resources can provide you with hands-on lessons and help you troubleshoot some common challenges. And don’t forget to stock up on postpartum essentials ahead of time! Things like cozy postpartum underwear, soothing lactation teas, and other little comforts can make such a difference. Plus, having them ready to go will give you one less thing to worry about and help you focus on what matters most–taking care of yourself and your little one.
2. Focus on Finding a Comfortable Latch
A good latch isn’t just about your baby getting enough milk; it’s also about your comfort! Now, while the latching process does happen after birth, you can still get yourself ready for a smoother breastfeeding experience before your baby arrives–namely, by talking to a lactation consultant. The signs of a good latch include your baby’s lips being flanged outwards and minimal pain while nursing. This is important because if you’re feeling pain while feeding, you’re naturally not going to be as excited to continue. If you’re having a hard time getting a good latch,, you can always reach out to a licensed lactation consultant for some help.
3. Don’t Skip Skin to Skin
Spending quiet, uninterrupted moments skin-to-skin with your baby immediately after birth is a beautiful and meaningful way to nurture a strong breastfeeding connection. These first moments together play a key role in building trust, comfort, and a lasting bond between you and your little one. According to a study published in the Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, skin-to-skin contact stabilizes the newborn’s temperature, heartbeat, and breathing, increasing the success and duration of the first latch. Even after the newborn phase, making time for skin-to-skin contact supports your milk supply and strengthens your connection with your baby.
4. Routines Are Nice–But Stay Flexible
Newborns need to eat and eat often–every 1 to 3 hours, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. That means it is important for you to find a rhythm that works for you. By maintaining a flexible routine, you can meet your baby’s needs while still making time to care for yourself as well. Apps or feeding logs can be a wonderful way to keep track of nursing sessions, helping you anticipate your baby’s feeding times. With this simple habit, you’ll feel more prepared and confident when it’s time to meet your little one’s hunger needs.
5. Hydrate (and Eat) Like a Champ
Breastfeeding is hard on your body, sort of like running a marathon. And that sort of workout requires proper nutrition and hydration. As per UCSF Health, nursing moms should consume about 500 extra calories a day and drink plenty of water to keep up their energy levels and support milk production. Treat yourself to nourishing snacks like crunchy nuts, hearty oatmeal, and crisp, fresh veggies, and keep a water bottle close to stay hydrated and refreshed. For even more ideas on foods that support you and your little one, take a look at these wonderful options for breastfeeding moms.
Final Thoughts
In the end, breastfeeding may be natural, but that does not mean that it is easy! So be sure to surround yourself with a supportive village and reach out to local organizations like La Leche League or Wic for free or low-cost breastfeeding resources.
Remember, every breastfeeding journey is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all definition of success. So take it one day at a time, celebrate small victories, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. With the right tools and support, you can find your groove in this incredible bonding experience with your baby. We hope you found this article informative. Please don’t forget to like, comment, and share so other parents can discover the same valuable insights and tips! You may also be interested in a previous article with 5 essential tips for pumping while breastfeeding.
Sources
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2001). Breastfeeding: Overview and Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). 6 Breastfeeding Tips Before Baby Is Born. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2019). The effect of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact on success and duration of first breastfeeding. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1028455918302766
American Family Physician. (2001). Tips for Breastfeeding Success. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2001/0915/p991.html
UCSF Health. (n.d.) Nutrition Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers. Retrieved from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/nutrition-tips-for-breastfeeding-mothers
