How to start nursing
New birth parents might hear (or assume) that because body feeding is “natural,” that it’s easy. But for many, it’s difficult, and when they struggle, they feel guilty that they can’t do something that is “supposed” to happen naturally. This post will give tips to get started establishing your milk supply.
rest and nourish yourself
When you stay rested, hydrated, and nourished, you’re healing from birth and bonding with your baby. And holding your baby will actually increase your milk supply (and have lots of benefits.) Mature milk is 90% water. That means you need to be constantly drinking to hydrate yourself and make milk. (You can add a large water bottle to your nursing basket.) Staying in bed will be good for you, your milk supply, and your baby.
feed on demand
For the first few weeks, you should feed on-demand. That means that you nurse every time your baby is hungry unless a medical professional tells you differently. It’s tiring when baby is waking every 2 - 3 hours to eat, but every time you nurse, you tell your body to make more milk and your supply grows. Slowly, your baby eat more efficiently and less often.
Latch on early hunger cues
One benefit of staying in bed and resting the first few weeks with baby is that you can learn their cues. You’ll start to recognize when they’re hungry and can get them to latch early. This is important because it’s almost impossible to get a screaming and upset baby to latch. So, you should try to get baby to feed when you first see that they’re hungry.
get your latch checked
If possible, have a trained professional check your latch. This can be in the hospital or birthing center or at home; have a Lactation Consultant or Educator look at your latch and help you feel confident.
work on your position
So often, birth parents bend forward to get their baby to latch on. But this makes the parent lose control (and causes back and shoulder pain.) Instead, lean back on pillows and bring baby up to you in whichever position feels more comfortable. (Use this guide to check your latch!)
get support
Body feeding is such a beautiful and important way to nourish a baby, but it can often cause stress and take a toll on a birth parent’s mental health. If you’re struggling to nurse, reach out to a professional that makes you feel supported and respected. If you’re struggling to latch, if you’re worried about something, if it’s very painful when your baby latches, or if your nipples are sore or injured, get support.
Want more ideas about how to set yourself up to succeed postpartum? Learn more about my prenatal meetings and my VIP Intensive, Ready for Baby in a Day!
Hi! I'm Gigi; I'm a postpartum doula, mother to three toddlers, including twins, and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I’m a #swiftie who loves cheesy novels.
As a former teacher, I bring realistic, evidence-based, and actionable advice (and LOTS of handouts.) I help families get the tools they need to prepare, so once baby arrives, they can focus on resting and bonding instead of researching or stressing. I’m here to streamline the newborn learning curve and help birth parents, partners, and other family members. There isn’t ONE way to have and raise a little human. I’m here to guide parents to find THEIR way so that they can thrive in the fourth trimester and beyond.
Ready to learn how to create an actionable postpartum plan?
Ready to get the support you need in the fourth trimester?
Then learn about my prenatal planning services here!
