Planning on breastfeeding? I’ll say it now and quickly. It’s not always a smooth ride, especially not at first but here’s a list of all the tips, solutions and facts that you’ll need to breastfeed your baby.

Nursing may be natural but it doesn’t always come easily, especially not at the beginning, and even the smoothest experiences can have its share of ups and downs.

Luckily, being prepared is half the battle. Here’s a list of tips, facts and solutions that will help you in breastfeeding your baby.

FIRST TOUCH

Try to nurse within the first hour of baby being born, preferably right along with your first touch. Having had three c-sections, I was never offered the opportunity to hold my baby as soon as they were born until this third time and I feel it made such a difference. The nurse put him straight on my breast and with her guidance he latched on within a few minutes.

COLOSTRUM

Milk comes in stages so don’t freak out thinking you’re not producing enough milk the first couple of days. Baby may want to be on your breasts for what feels like hours while you are in the hospital but it’s not because they are hungry. The first two days, baby’s stomach is the size of a marble which means that what he’s getting from you is more than enough.

Colostrum, which is very thick and yellow, is the first milk your body will produce. It helps provide antibodies and nutrients to help your baby fight off infections in the early days. A little goes a long way so if all you are producing are a few teaspoons of colostrum at a time, that is all baby needs.

A few days after giving birth, your milk will look more like a mixture of orange juice and milk, think Morir Soñando (Latinos, specifically Dominicans, will get the reference). Mature milk will come in closer to the second week. It’s white and less thick, resembling watery skim milk.

THE FAMOUS “LATCH”

Baby doesn’t always just latch on like we sometimes expect. This is all new for both you and baby and most times it takes time… and patience to get it just right. Tips to getting the latch include:

Get comfortable: whether in a glider, on your bed or anywhere you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Use a boppy pillow: a good tip to making sure baby is properly lined with you is making sure baby is tummy to tummy with you. A boppy pillow makes this easier and more comfortable for you both.

Nipple shield: if you have inverted or flat nipples, or if you’re nipples are too sore/cracked to directly nurse baby, a nipple shield will help give baby something bigger to aim for. Although some moms have no issues with nipple shields, nursing consultants do recommend shields as a temporary solution. You can read more on that here.

BREASTFEEDING IS A FULL-TIME JOB

All babies are different but newborns will feed every 2-3 hours and each feeding will last up to 40 minutes. Allow baby to finish out a feeding so he gets the hind milk which is loaded with healthy fats and also helps baby sleep longer. If baby doesn’t pull away on their own, wait until he has slowed down his sucks to four times for every swallow.

Remember that eventually feedings will become further apart making it a bit easier on you.

EATING FOR TWO

While breastfeeding, just like when you were pregnant, you have to remember that you are eating for two. Technically, you need about 300 more calories than you did during your third trimester.

DRINK UP: You may realize that you feel thirsty all the time and that’s because your body is hard at work to produce enough milk. I have made it a goal to drink at least 100 oz. of water a day which has become easier than it sounds.

PRENATAL VITAMINS: Taking your prenatals while breastfeeding is just as important as it was while you were pregnant. Don’t ditch these until you are completely done breastfeeding and/or pumping.

RELAX

Easier said than done sometimes but don’t obsess over how much milk you are producing. If baby seems content and is sleeping well, there is most likely no issue with how much milk he is getting. If baby is constantly fussy or crying after feeds, that’s something you should consult your doctor about.

increase your milk supply

If you are aware that you are not producing enough milk, the good news is there are plenty of brownies, cookies, smoothies, etc… that promise increased milk production. Mother’s Milk Tea, which is the country’s favorite lactation tea, is the only one I have used in the past and I do recommend giving it a try. My only con to this tea is that they recommend three cups a day and the taste does become a bit overwhelming and repetitive for me. The pro is I stuck to 1-2 a day and felt it helped me enough.

Many cultures have also long relied on foods and herbs to promote milk production. Dominicans are not the exception with all the women in my family swearing by by oatmeal and bacalaó for an increase in breastmilk. Other foods that may help increase your supply are fenugreek, oat milk, lean meats and poultry, garlic and fennel.

LEAKS

Too little milk is an issue and sometimes too much milk is as well. As if breastfeeding wasn’t enough work, you may also have to worry about leaky breasts. Although inconvenient at times, leaky breasts is your bodies way of telling you it’s ready to feed baby.

I didn’t know this until it happened to me but talking to baby, seeing a picture of your little one or even thinking about baby can start the let-down process before a feeding session. How freakin’ crazy is that! As amazing as this is, I don’t think you want to look like you were just part of a wet t-shirt contest so to avoid an obvious let-down publicly, always wear nursing pads and always have a stash near.

Breastfeeding can be a rollercoaster of emotions, especially at the beginning, but with some time and patience and you and baby will get it. Plus, don’t lose focus on the goal of nourishing baby as well as creating this special bonding experience between just you and your little one.

You may also enjoy: Breastfeeding Survival Kit and Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Baby and Mom.