Tips to ensure you have a successful breastfeeding start.

Hi there, I’m Amanda. A Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Welcome to our very first blog post. You can trust that our blog is going to share evidence based, helpful, and practical tips to help you have the most successful breastfeeding journey. I am so happy to have you here, learning about the beautiful art of breastfeeding. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a more official call or visit, please reach out through the contact form and I would be happy to talk. Now let’s get into it.

Follow these three simple and key steps to set yourself and your baby up for a successful breastfeeding journey.

Number One:

Breastfeed early, as soon as possible after birth, latch your baby. Keep them skin to skin, and close to the breast for as long and as often as possible.

If your baby is sleepy or you are having trouble latching, use hand expression and collect the colostrum in a clean cup to feed at a later time. (Ask your nurse or an experienced lactation professional how to safely offer expressed milk at a later time)

Number Two:

Breastfeed often, The frequency that your baby feeds in the first days and weeks of life has a significant impact on long term milk supply.

A newborn baby should feed at least 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. Any time your baby shows a hunger cue, put them to the breast regardless of the last time they fed.

Number Three:

Remove milk effectively, your baby should have a deep and comfortable latch. Ineffective milk removal can lead to inadequate milk production.

If you have questions about your latch or effective milk removal, speak with your nurse or a professional right away to help correct the issue.

It really can be this simple. Of course, things can and do happen that may interrupt or complicate these steps, in which case seeking support from an expert is crucial. But at the end of the day, even if you are separated from your baby, you can protect your milk supply by starting hand expression as soon after delivery as possible. After 24 hours, if your baby is still unable to latch, or you remain separated (for example your baby is in the NICU), starting a regular pumping schedule with a double electric hospital grade pump is essential. Your milk expression schedule should mimic your baby’s feeding schedule.