Those first few weeks with a new baby at home trying to breastfeed made me feel like I was losing my mind. There were so many questions and a frustrating feeling; I recall crying a lot. Here’s what no one tells you: you and baby are just learning how it all works. Here are 4 Breastfeeding Tips from a Philadelphia Mom.

4 Breastfeeding Tips from a Philadelphia Mom

1. Read Before the Baby Arrives

Breastfeeding can be a hard road to navigate. So, before the baby arrives, it can be helpful to learn as much as possible about breastfeeding; this will help you feel more confident. Even though every baby is different, a class teaches you what to expect. Having more knowledge before you start can help you navigate those bumps you might hit during the first few days. A class can also be helpful in understanding when you are feeling like you are struggling and how to respond to those struggles.  

You can find breastfeeding classes at the University of Pennsylvania.

You might even contact your insurance company. They can provide a list of classes near you covered under your policy.

2. Skin-to-skin contact

Skin-to-skin contact is one of those magical human superpowers. At birth, it helps keep your baby calm and warm and creates a bonding experience. The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that practicing skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room increases the likelihood of successful breastfeeding.

3. Your First Milk: Colostrum

Many moms expect milk to be produced immediately when, in fact, your first milk is in the form of colostrum. This is a thick and very concentrated food, so your baby only needs a little per feed. Remember that if your baby appears to want to feed a lot, it’s not because you failed to make milk but because your baby is telling your body to produce milk. The more you let your baby suck those first few days, the more milk your body will produce.  

It’s important to know that your milk may not come in till day 4 or 5 after birth.

4. Frequent Feedings

Newborn babies should breastfeed between 8-12 per day for the first few weeks of birth. The more you feed, the more milk your body will produce. Many new moms stress when the baby hits that first cluster feeding window and feel that they are not producing enough milk because the baby wants to feed so much. But, during those growth spurt milestones, your baby is nursing more to tell your body to make more milk. It might feel exhausting to feed your baby constantly, but it helps produce more milk. Your milk will vary according to your baby’s needs. Each time your baby feeds, your body knows to make more milk for the next feed. The amount of milk you make will increase or decrease depending on how often your baby feeds.

4 Breastfeeding Tips

As challenging as breastfeeding may seem at times, don’t forget to give yourself some grace. Just as you are learning, so is your little baby. Remember, they were just in the comfort of your belly and did not have to work for feeds. I hope these four Breastfeeding tips from your Philadelphia mom help you prepare for your new baby.  

Don’t forget before your baby arrives to schedule your newborn photos. My studio provides both in-the-studio and in-your-home newborn photography. I am happy to help answer all of your questions; you can also visit my website to learn more at Diana Smyth Photography