When you become a new parent, you have lots of decisions to make. One of the big ones: “Should I breastfeed or not?”
Breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby. It’s good for your baby’s health and can be an enjoyable time to bond with your baby. However, if you haven’t had much exposure to breastfeeding, the idea can feel intimidating. Luckily, lots of resources and support are available to help parents who want to breastfeed their babies.
Here’s what you need to know.
Breastfeeding or formula
Until your baby is about 1 year old, their main source of nutrition comes in liquid form. You have two options for feeding your baby: breast milk or formula.
There are many good reasons to give breastfeeding a try. Breast milk doesn’t cost money, and it goes wherever a nursing mother goes. What’s more, breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of health problems such as:
- Asthma
- Childhood obesity
- Ear infections
- Eczema
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Type 2 diabetes
7 things you might not know about breastfeeding
Parenting is full of surprises, but breastfeeding doesn’t have to be — and you don’t have to do it alone. Nursing is an experience that mothers have shared for thousands of years, so try talking to friends and family about their experiences with breastfeeding.
Remember, though, that sometimes well-meaning advice isn’t based in the most up-to-date science. These breastfeeding facts will help you understand what to expect.
- Babies drink a lot. Newborns need to eat 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period, both day and night. Hang in there. As they grow bigger, babies eat less often and sleep for longer periods of time.
- Breast milk takes a while to develop. After having a baby, your body makes a special type of milk called colostrum. Colostrum is extra thick and full of nutrients your newborn needs. It can take a week or so before your body starts making regular breast milk.
- Feed more often to produce more milk. Your milk supply increases over time. Typically, the more your baby nurses, the more milk you make.
- Size doesn’t matter. Your breast size has nothing to do with how much milk you make. Women with small breasts can make all the milk their baby needs.
- It’s good for you, too. You already know breast milk is good for your baby. Nursing also lowers a mother’s risk of developing health problems, including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and breast cancer.
- Nursing time is bonding time. When you breastfeed, your body releases hormones that make you feel calm. Those hormones also help you bond with your baby.
- It’s your right. All 50 states have laws allowing women to nurse in public locations. If you feel more comfortable covering up, you can use a lightweight blanket or nursing cover for some privacy.
Overcoming common breastfeeding problems
Feeding your baby is a natural activity. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it always comes easily. It’s normal to run into trouble when you’re breastfeeding, especially for the first time — but there are tricks to overcome any snags.
The problem: Sore nipples
The fix: If your nipples are very painful during nursing, it might be a sign that your baby isn’t latching (connecting) onto your breast correctly. Your pediatrician or a breastfeeding counselor can teach you how to help your baby latch.
Infections can also cause nipple pain. If you have sore nipples and notice white patches in your baby’s mouth, you might have a yeast infection in the breast. Your doctor can prescribe medication to treat it.
The problem: Breasts feel uncomfortably full (engorged)
The fix: Nurse often, letting your baby drink from each side during a feeding to prevent one breast from becoming overly full. If you’re away from your baby during the normal feeding time, pumping milk can ease the pressure. (Save the pumped milk in the fridge for a later feeding.) A cold, wet washcloth can also help ease discomfort between feedings.
The problem: Breasts are hot, red and tender — maybe with a hard lump
The fix: These are signs of a clogged milk duct or mastitis, a breast infection. People used to recommend treating clogged ducts with hot water and massaging the breast — but now we know those things can make the problem worse.
Instead, rest and apply a cold pack to your breast to reduce swelling. Keep feeding your baby often, but don’t use a pump to collect more milk than your baby needs.
You may need antibiotics to treat mastitis. Contact your doctor if you have:
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills or body aches
- Yellowish discharge from the nipple
- Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve within a day or two
The problem: You’re not sure you’re making enough milk.
The fix: While it can take time for your milk supply to develop, most mothers are eventually able to produce enough milk to feed their babies. However, that’s not always the case. If your baby isn’t gaining weight, struggles to feed or doesn’t seem content after a meal, reach out for help. A certified lactation educator can help troubleshoot and make sure your baby is getting the nutrients they need to grow.
Some moms might need to supplement their breast milk with formula. There’s no shame in that decision. Formula is a safe and healthy source of nutrition for babies.
When it comes to feeding your baby, what’s most important is doing what works best for both baby’s and mom’s health, safety and comfort.
Breastfeeding support at MLK Community Healthcare
It can take a little time to get the hang of breastfeeding. If you need a helping hand, we’ve got you covered.
The board-certified lactation experts at the MLK Community Healthcare Lactation Clinic can help your baby latch correctly, help you develop your milk supply, and offer nutrition advice and other support.
Call (424) 529-6755 to book your appointment today!