Breastfeeding Tips To Make New Mummas More Comfortable

Becoming a new mother is an exciting time, but it’s also full of adjustments as you enter a new stage in your life. Your daily routine changes, your priorities change, and your body changes too. For many new mothers, breastfeeding can feel strange or unnatural at first. It’s important to be kind to yourself, and embrace ways to make breastfeeding feel more comfortable. In this article, we share our top breastfeeding tips and tricks for new mothers. From maternity bras to handling leaks, these tips can make breastfeeding easier and less stressful.

Stages of breast milk after giving birth

In your first two weeks of breastfeeding, you’ll find your breast milk will continue to change. First, you’ll produce a yellow milk called colostrum. Full of antibodies, it helps your baby fight infection. During your first week, colostrum will give way to transitional milk, which is a mix of substances your baby needs. Finally, during the second week you’ll begin to produce mature milk that will feed your baby until weaning.

Breastfeeding tips for new mothers

1. Be prepared for nursing

In the first few months, your baby may need to nurse at unexpected times. Having everything you need to be comfortable prepared and ready to go can really help. A maternity bra is a great choice to make sure you’re ready to feed at any time. These bras use magnetic clips to create dropdown cups, so you don’t have to remove your bra every time you feed. Our Gorgeous Maternity Bra provides a comfortable t-shirt option, or you can also choose our Amour Maternity Lace Bra for a maternity bra that doesn’t compromise on elegance. Along with that, it also helps to have a nearby breastfeeding pillow and some nipple cream if you find your nipples becoming sore after feeding.

2. Find the right position for you and your baby

Finding a position that is comfortable for both you and your baby is one of the most important breastfeeding tips. Every baby is different, but here are some guidelines that can help you find a comfortable position:

• Allow your breast to fall naturally
• Make sure your baby is well supported behind the neck and shoulders, with your baby’s body facing you
• Your baby’s head should be positioned so their mouth is level with your nipple, without having to turn their head, twist or stretch
• If your baby is struggling to latch on, you can support your breast using your free hand, with your fingers not too close to the nipple, and aim your nipple towards your baby’s nose.

3. Leaks are natural; here are tips for dealing with them

In the first few weeks after you start breastfeeding, it’s common for you to experience leaks. These can happen unexpectedly, and even hearing your baby’s voice can cause a leak to start! Planning ahead can help:

• Keep breast pads on hand in case you need them unexpectedly. If you use them, change them when wet to stop your nipples becoming sore.
• Wear clothes that help to hide leaks, such as nursing clothes, and patterned dresses and shirts
• During feeding, soak up extra milk with a soft cotton cloth
• At night, you may choose to wear a maternity bra to hold breast pads in place, or use a waterproof sheet protector. Our Gorgeous Mama Lace Wirefree Bra could be a good night time option.

4. Keep yourself topped up on nutrition and hydration

Your baby takes their nutrients from you, which means you need to pay special attention to your diet. Eat balanced meals to make sure you get the nutrients you need. You should also include plenty of protein, iron, and calcium. Along with that, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It’s best to avoid large amounts of caffeine, and stay clear of alcohol.

5. Take action if you find breastfeeding painful

Breastfeeding should not cause you constant pain, so if you notice continued breast or nipple pain it might be a sign that something is wrong. If your nipples become sore or cracked, apply lanolin cream, and work on adjusting your breastfeeding position to make sure your baby latches on properly. If you notice an irritated and painful spot on your breast, this could be a blocked duct. Continued breastfeeding can break through the blockage, a warm compress can also help give relief. If you find yourself experiencing ongoing pain or irritation, visit a medical professional.

Becoming a mother can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it also brings with it lots of adjustments and plenty to learn. During this time, the right maternity bra can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body. If you need help finding the right fit after changes to your breasts, visit our expert fitting guide.