Breastfeeding isn't always easy, so here are some tips for early success. I always like to remind parents that the first 24 hours are the hardest for the breastfeeding journey! Babies are biologically very tired after birth. They may have 1 or 2 really good feeds, and then they become very sleepy, and sometimes difficult to wake.
Skin to Skin
Skin to skin is an amazing thing for parents and babies! For the breastfeeding parent, it promotes bonding with the baby and releases necessary hormones for milk making! For the baby, skin to skin helps to regulate blood sugar, heart rate, temperature, and breathing. Skin to skin is great for both parents. For the non-breastfeeding parent, it promotes bonding and still helps baby to regulate. I encourage parents to feed skin to skin every feed-especially in the first few days. I also encourage skin to skin about 20-30 minutes prior to a feed if your baby is too sleepy and difficult to wake. Skin to skin is always my first go-to!
Alternate Feeds
If skin to skin and stimulation do not help to wake baby up, I encourage alternative feeding methods. This does not automatically mean the bottle/formula. By this I mean, hand express and offer your milk via spoon, syringe, cup, or bottle if you prefer. Hand expression is a wonderful tool to have in your back pocket! Not only does it help with providing your milk to your baby; but also, it helps to relieve engorgement prior to latching baby or pumping. Sometimes, if your breasts are very engorged, your baby can not latch well; in this case, you would hand express enough to make it easier for your baby to latch. Hand expression is simple, start with a good massage all around and down towards the nipple, then place your fingers in a C or U shape outside your areola (the dark part around your nipple), push your fingers back toward your chest wall, then compress your fingers together; without sliding down the tissue. Don't squeeze the nipple, and make your finger placement comfortable; if there is pain, adjust your fingers and make sure you aren't compressing too hard!
Give Yourself Grace
Remember that you and your baby are learning. Even if this is not your first baby, breastfeeding is a learning curve. So, give yourself grace. Give your baby grace. Your baby is having to learn how to suck, swallow, and breathe all by themselves. It takes time! You also just had a baby, there is a lot going on with your body. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, but remember that you are not alone. There are people out there for support. Ask your partner, your nurse, your baby's nurse, or any other support system you have; and they will be there for you! You're not alone in this journey!
You've Got This!
Final reminder: you're an amazing person who just brought a baby into this world (or are about to bring a baby into this world)! Your body is already doing incredible things. It will do this as well. Remember supply and demand for your supply. Your milk is made by stimulation to the breasts and nipples. Ask for help. Do not stress yourself out over breastfeeding! You've got this!
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