Top 10 Breastfeeding Tips to Mom

Make sure you breastfeed regularly

Offering your baby regular breastfeeds when they’re hungry ensures your milk supply will grow to match your baby’s needs. The more baby feeds, the more milk you will produce for them.

Your baby should latch correctly

Your baby should have a wide-open mouth to latch onto the breast correctly. They should take lots of breast tissue into their mouth to help them feed well and efficiently – not just the nipple.

If it’s hurting you, something is wrong

Breastfeeding should not be painful if you and your baby are doing it correctly. Check the shape of your nipple when your baby comes off the breast. It should be round and look normal, and not be "pinched" or misshapen.

There’s a quick fix for engorged breasts

Cold, green cabbage leaves are great at soothing hard engorged breasts when your milk comes in. Pop a couple into your bra for half an hour or so after each feed.

Empty one breast at a time

Encourage your baby to empty one breast at each feed. This way they’ll get both the thirst-quenching foremilk, and the richer hindmilk each time.

Feed your child every few hours

On average, a breastfed baby will want to feed every 2-4 hrs. A feed can last anywhere from 10 mins to over an hour at first. Every mum and baby are unique and will have their own pattern of feeds.

Find someone who can help out

Accept any help you can get from those around you in the early weeks, so you can concentrate on establishing breastfeeding and looking after yourself and your baby.

Make sure your baby burps

For first-month tummy gripes and wind, try holding baby upright over your shoulder after feeds, rubbing and patting his back. Pick them up for soothing cuddles – you can’t spoil them at this age.

Nipple cream is a boon

Using a lanolin nipple cream can help soothe your nipples in the early weeks of feeding. Use a small amount on the nipple only after a feed.

Is my baby getting enough milk?

Signs your baby is getting enough milk are if he is settling between feeds, waking at regular intervals to be fed, has yellow runny stools and lots of wet nappies, and is gaining weight steadily.

Please be aware that the information given in these articles is only intended as general advice and should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or your family or your child is suffering from symptoms or conditions which are severe or persistent or you need specific medical advice, please seek professional medical assistance. Philips AVENT cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website.