Breastfeeding Tips and Support for Moms
National Breastfeeding Week is observed every August, so it’s a perfect time to offer some breastfeeding tips and support for moms. Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, help us normalize breastfeeding.
It seems like something as natural as breastfeeding your baby should be easy, but that’s not always the case. Every mom, and every baby, is different. You may find that breastfeeding one child is a breeze, but it’s a real struggle with another of your kids. Here, we’ll share some tips, some common problems to look for, and some local resources to help you and your baby with breastfeeding.
Tips for Moms
Get help early
Often, hospitals and birthing centers have lactation consultants on staff, so you can get guidance from an expert the very first time you nurse your infant - or at least before you head home with your baby. The nurse or lactation consultant can show you different nursing positions, check to see if your baby is latching properly, and answer your breastfeeding questions.
Related: Why Work with a Lactation Consultant?
Let your baby set the pace
Most newborns feed every 2-3 hours, round-the-clock. Your little one will show signs of hunger when it’s time to eat, so look for cues like restlessness, lip movements, and sucking motions. Then, let your baby nurse for 15-20 minutes on one breast, or until your breast feels soft, then burp your baby and switch to the other breast. (You may find it helpful to keep a notebook where you can jot down feeding times, and which breast you started on.)
Let your baby sleep in your room
One of the best ways to sense those hunger cues in the middle of the night is to have your baby sleep in your room. Having the crib or bassinet nearby also makes those nighttime feedings more convenient and may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Stay hydrated
This is so important for milk production. Try to drink a glass of water each time you breastfeed. Milk, juice, and water can all help keep you hydrated throughout the day, so your body will have the fluid it needs to work efficiently and to produce plenty of milk.
Eat well
Fueling your body with good nutrition is always a good idea! A healthy diet can also help you keep up your energy.
Get comfortable
Find the best position for you and your baby, so the only focus is breastfeeding. You’re going to be there for half an hour or so, so find.a position that’s comfortable. Your pediatrician or lactation consultant can show you different breastfeeding positions to help you find the ones you like best.
Relax
We know. It’s hard to relax when you’re feeling worried. But try your best to relax. Your baby can’t relax if you’re not relaxed. He or she can sense if you’re tense and nervous about breastfeeding and may not latch on correctly. Again, you’ll be here awhile! If you need help relaxing, play some quiet music that you enjoy, bring a book, or simply enjoy the quiet time with your baby.
Give it time
If you feel that something isn’t right, reach out to a lactation consultant and/or a chiropractor. If breast-feeding is tougher than you expected, try not to get discouraged. Feeding a newborn every few hours can be tiring.
Just remember that the more often you breastfeed your baby, the more milk your breasts will produce — and the more natural breastfeeding is likely to feel.
Improve Your Breastfeeding Success
Especially if you’re new to breastfeeding, you may not know when something isn’t working as it should. Pinching while feeding, favoring one side, and being gassy are not normal for babies. Other signs of trouble to look out for include:
Baby feeds better on one side
Baby turns head to one side
Pain with feeding
Shallow latch
Poor suckle
Latches on then slips off
Lip tie/ tongue tie
As pediatric chiropractors, we look for subtle misalignments and tension in the neck and cranium that may cause the inability for a baby to turn his or head head, which in turn, prevents proper positioning for feeding, a tight jaw that prevent baby from opening their mouth, and a decreased rooting reflex needed for suckling. Chiropractic care may improve latching, milk production, and overall wellness!
Chiropractic care is a safe, gentle, and natural way to potentially improve breastfeeding success.
Schedule a consultation with us to see how we may be able to help!
We also recommend these local IBCLC lactation consultants, for additional help with breastfeeding:
Christine Sneed, Life Circle Women’s Healthcare (Cleveland, TN)
Ashley Lucas, Chattanooga Lactation
Want to learn more about breastfeeding? You may also be interested in Chiropractic as a Solution for Torticollis & Breastfeeding Problems.