Breaking down Breastfeeding
To celebrate National Breastfeeding Month, we’re offering tips for new families!
Breastfeeding is a skill that is new to both you and your baby. It is a natural process but takes time and patience and can leave new families stressed about providing the proper nutrients to their newborns. If you want to give breastfeeding a try, our best advice is to relax and be assured that with a little bit of patience, lactation support, some smart planning and a firm resolution you and your baby will get a hang of it eventually.
The first few hours after the birth offer the best opportunity for a new parent and the baby to learn how to feed. Keeping your baby close to you will promote a strong hormonal response and a feeling of closeness that can make breastfeeding a success.
We recommend these two positions for a comfortable breastfeeding experience:
Sitting in a reclined position with your baby lying in your arms
Lying on your side with your baby facing you
Getting ready to breastfeed
Starting with how to position the baby and making sure they are latching properly, the maternity care or a lactation support team can offer useful breastfeeding tips at the hospital. The goal is to start breastfeeding your baby within the first hour after birth. It may seem like you are producing very little at first but a few drops of colostrum are enough for a 1 or 2 day old baby because their stomach is only the size of a marble.
Donate to help others
Many families have been affected by COVIInvest in a nursing pillow and a high-quality electrical breast pump with dual attachments for feeding support so you can pump both breasts at the same time. A good nursing pillow can wrap around your body and helps with positioning and cradling your baby close to your breasts rather than leaning forward and putting stress on your back, neck muscles and shoulders.
Breastfeeding diet and nutrition
Breast milk is loaded with nourishing nutrients that will promote health and growth and provide protective compounds essential for your baby’s development. Breast milk is often referred to as liquid gold because it is nutrient dense for infants. Not surprising, it takes a lot of strength to produce this liquid gold that is why new mothers need to focus on making healthy choices to help fuel their milk production and support lactation.
Opt for protein, iron and calcium rich foods, beans, lentils, seafood, eggs, dairy, lean meat, fiber rich starches, nuts and seeds, healthy fats as well as fruits and vegetables
Choosing a variety of foods rich in all the macro and micro nutrients will change the flavor of your breast milk and expose your baby to different tastes.
Tips for breastfeeding:
Nose to nipple, belly to belly: your baby’s stomach should always be touching yours. Elevate your baby with pillows to reach the nipple height so she does not have to turn her head to latch
Let your baby set the timing of the feed: during the first few weeks, most newborns breastfeed every two to three hours. Feed from one breast until it feels soft and the offer the second breast in the next breast feeding session
Feed on demand: frequent and effective feeding will help your milk supply and produce enough milk for the baby
CDC Recommendations for breastfeeding
Get vaccinated to keep you and your baby safe: If you have received the covid-19 vaccine you don’t have to take special precautions when breastfeeding your baby.
If you are not vaccinated you should take precautionary measures to keep yourself and your breastfed child safe if you have been in close contact with someone who has covid-19.
Learn more about the CDC's recommendations
Line up help:
Remember, support is always nearby! If you are curious about the breastfeeding journey or are looking for a customized feeding plan for your baby, connect with an Oregon Pediatrics Provider today!