Breastfeeding 101

8 tips that explain how breastfeeding works

We’ve created this list of generally applicable tips on how breastfeeding works that can help make nursing your baby easier. Here are a few tried and true suggestions:

1. How to prepare for breastfeeding

Reading books and asking for advice from people who are currently breastfeeding are great ways to prepare to start breastfeeding your own baby. Taking a breastfeeding class, either online or in person, is also a great way to prepare and know what to expect.

2. How to stop breastfeeding

Phasing out of breastfeeding gradually, and incorporating more and more solid food over time, can help your body and your baby adjust to the change. Babies breastfeed for nutrition, but also for comfort, and many people find that dropping one of your daily feeds at a time can help make this process easier.

3. How to keep a baby awake during breastfeeding

Keeping the room light and bright, playing music, blowing lightly on your baby’s face, or stroking their hands and feet are all great ways to keep your baby awake while you’re breastfeeding them. If small movements and noises don’t do the trick, switching sides almost always helps wake them up.

4. How to correct a shallow latch when breastfeeding

A shallow latch can mean discomfort or pain for you and not enough milk for your little one. The goal is to make sure your baby’s mouth is open as wide as possible before you offer your breast to them. A good trick is to hold your nipple to their lips softly and wait for them to instinctively open their mouth wide before you fully offer your breast.

5. Why you might hear a clicking sound when breastfeeding

A clicking noise during breastfeeding means your baby is repeatedly breaking suction. This can be caused by a shallow latch, oversupply of breastmilk, engorgement, and teething. If you notice this happening regularly, try correcting their latch, and if that doesn’t work, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.

6. How to gain weight while breastfeeding

Adding nutrient-dense, high-calorie foods to your diet can help you gain weight while breastfeeding. Examples include whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, red meat, salmon, potatoes, eggs, olive oil, nuts, avocados, yogurt, and dried fruits.

7. Breastfeeding when sick

Breastfeeding while you have a cold or flu, fever, digestive pain, diarrhea, or nausea is perfectly safe. You can continue to breastfeed as normal. Your baby won’t catch the illness through your breastmilk; the only reason to change your nursing schedule is to make sure you get adequate rest while you’re sick.

8. How do I know my baby is full when breastfeeding

It can be difficult to tell when your baby is full, but you’ll learn their signals over time. Generally, a baby that appears very relaxed or begins to dose off during breastfeeding has had their fill. If your baby has open palms, floppy arms, and a soft belly, they’re probably full. They might also begin to hiccup or snore.

Breastfeeding basics

Breastfeeding is like pregnancy in the sense that everyone has their own unique experience. Some people find it easy and intuitive, while others face challenges and frustrations. So why is breastfeeding so hard for some new parents and easy for others?

Many of the common breastfeeding challenges are out of your control. Sore nipples, difficulty latching, busy schedules, and over- or undersupply are just some of the many issues you may encounter. Thankfully, understanding some breastfeeding basics can help you feel more comfortable, alleviate any worries you may have, and make the process of feeding your baby easier and more enjoyable.

Benefits of breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding are abundant, and medical experts recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of your baby’s life. Breast milk contains all the nutrition your infant needs to grow, and its composition even changes over time according to your baby’s needs.

Here are some key breastfeeding benefits:

• It provides the perfect combination of vitamins, proteins, and fat.

• It contains antibodies that help fight off viruses and bacteria.

• It can reduce the risk of many illnesses and diseases.

• It promotes a healthy weight.

• It has been linked to higher IQs and improved brain development.

• It promotes natural bonding between you and your baby.

How to breastfeed

Learning to breastfeed in the way that works best for you and your baby can be a process, and you’ll likely get better at it over time. That said, here is a general overview of how to breastfeed:

1. Make sure you wash your hands first.

2. Get into a comfortable position (there are a variety of popular breastfeeding positions).

3. Place your thumb on top of your breast (or on the side) and your other fingers below.

4. Touch your baby’s lips with your nipple until they open their mouth wide.

5. Guide your nipple into your baby’s mouth, aiming it towards the roof of their mouth, and pull them close to you.

6. Make sure your nipple and a large part of your areola are in the baby’s mouth.

7. Listen for sucking and swallowing sounds.

Breastfeeding Timeline

Your baby and your postnatal body are unique, and you and your child will reach your big milestones when you’re both ready. But there are some general (and flexible) milestones to look forward to in your breastfeeding journey.

• When to take breastfeeding classes

  Breastfeeding classes can be useful during pregnancy and after, but many expecting parents find them most useful during the third trimester (28 weeks and onward) of pregnancy. Taking courses on childbirth or working with a doula before you take breastfeeding classes can also help you understand how labor and childbirth can impact breastfeeding.

• When is it too late to start breastfeeding?

  The good news is that experts say it’s never too late to start breastfeeding! If you couldn’t breastfeed right away (maybe you experienced a delay in your breast milk coming in or your baby wouldn’t latch immediately), you can begin breastfeeding even months after giving up trying! It just means undergoing a relaxation period if you’ve been using the formula for a while.

• When to stop breastfeeding

  So, when should you stop breastfeeding? The decision to make as a parent is yours and depends on you and your baby. The World Health Organization recommends exclusively breastfeeding your baby for the first six months of life and then incorporating a mix of solid food along with breastmilk until your baby is about two years old or older.

Looking for breastfeeding tips and advice?

Have lactation supplement questions? We’re here to help you on your breastfeeding journey. Talk to a Portland-based doula to discuss your concerns, fears, ideas, and unique circumstances. We’re here to listen and offer answers and advice.