6 Tips for Breastfeeding Your Newborn

Nursing your newborn baby is no easy feat. So we've rounded up some breastfeeding advice from experts and moms who've been there as well as some additional resources to help you master nursing your little one!

Ask for help right away

Don't watch the clock

"Don't watch the clock to see how often or how long your baby is nursing. Instead, go with your instincts. If your baby is rooting around or crying, then feed him or her — even if you just did." The babycenter.

Focus on those little feet.

"Babies always seem to nurse better when their feet are touching something, like your leg, the arm of the chair, or a pillow tucked next to you. It makes them feel more secure." --Veronica Jacobsen, a doula and lactation counselor in Richfield, Minnesota

Avoid pacifiers at first.

"The AAP recommends delaying the pacifier for the first month because it can suppress hunger cues and steal time from the breast during a critical period. After that, offering a pacifier shouldn't hurt." --Dr. Jones

Don't push the back of your baby's head.

"That triggers his instinct to resist and chomp down. Instead, put your hands at the nape of your baby's neck, and bring him swiftly to your breast." --Leigh Anne O'Connor, IBCLC, lactation consultant in New York City

Try "Laid Back Breastfeeding" 

"Some lactation consultants are embracing a different technique called laid-back breastfeeding, or "biological nurturing." A few early studies have found it can make breastfeeding easier. To try it, lean back or recline slightly, and then bring your naked baby skin-to-skin and facedown on your chest. Use your hands to gently guide your baby's mouth to your nipple, then let gravity and his instincts take over. Most babies will bob over and self-attach with a great deep latch. It's a little more relaxing for you and can really help if you've been having pain." -- Lactation consultant Jessica Claire. 

For information, visit these general breastfeeding sites

• www.llli.org The international La Leche League website, a phenomenal resource for breastfeeding families.
• www.bfmed.org The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is a worldwide organization of physicians dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation.
• www.kellymom.com Awesome site. Created by a lactation consultant and mother of three, this site provides evidence-based information on breastfeeding, sleep and parenting.
• www.breastfeeding.com This site has a ton of resources including videos, forums, etc.
• www.drjacknewman.com A great advocate for breastfeeding, Dr. Jack Newman’s site has tons of breastfeeding information including videos, articles and troubleshooting information.

Now that you've got the hang of it, feel fabulous in some of our favourite new nursing items!

THE BAMBOO SLEEP BRA | By Belabumbum

Why we love it: This silky soft bamboo and spandex blend is a seriously comfortable bra to keep you comfy and dry during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. It has a racer back, and offers light support with a delicate lace trim so it looks as good as it feels. The cups are easy to pull aside for easy nursing access and the fabric is moisture wicking and naturally anti bacterial. One of our newest must haves for anyone looking for a comfy, light support bra to sleep or lounge in!

THE B WARMER NURSING HOODY | by Boob

Why we love it: This hoody is a well loved piece by pregnant and nursing moms season after season. Its made in super soft organic cotton and a warm fleece panel over the bust that is easy to lift for quick nursing access, and comes in cheerful bright new colours for spring! We love to wear it with leggings for walks or lounging or a cute pair of jeans for an errand out!

THE REIKA ROBE | by Bellabumbum

Why we love it: Every new nursing mom needs some comfy loungewear for recovering and staying home to bond with baby. We love the kimono style Reika Robe because it is super chic, but also super easy to pull on top of anything! Every new mom needs a fabulous robe, and this one is great for the delivery room too!

 If you liked this article: check out our 5 Essentials for Nursing Moms!

All content on this Web site, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.