8 tips from experienced to new mums

Breastfeeding for some mums can become a lonely or tough journey. Once the journey starts, most mums encounter a clogged duct or pain without knowing the cause or how to overcome them. Indeed, common issues can be reduced or prevented with eight simple tips.

Here are top tips from experienced mums to new mums.

Get comfy

Before your baby comes home, pretend to cradle a baby and sit on your nursing spot. Don’t forget although your baby is born around 3.5kg (7.7lbs), its weight will more than double while you are breastfeeding. Ensure you have a comfortable nursing chair as breastfeeding sessions can last over half an hour. Comfort can make all the difference in enjoying breastfeeding and the opportunity for that important bonding moment with your baby.

Curiosity is good

If in hospital you have lactation consultants available to you, take advantage to ask as many questions as possible. Whatever comes to mind, even something for later down the track, regardless if you feel you have excelled at this new skill, ask questions.

Each feed can be different and will vary. It might surprise you as you encounter new things like different flow rates between your two nipples. If you don’t have the chance to talk to a lactation consultant in hospital, try to search for a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist in your area to keep on your contact list. Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding won’t always come naturally to mothers.

Support is important 

Have a good support person handy whether it be a partner, another mum or a friend. They can help get water while you feed, or change a nappy and hold the baby while you prepare before a breastfeed, especially during those sleepy late night feeds. Access to a good lactation consultant can also help when you are having particular trouble with breastfeeding. Alternatively, find local specialists or nurses from the community clinics that may provide advice. 

Do not feel you have to suffer in silence, support is available.

Go to the H₂O

Hydration is important when breastfeeding as you may produce an extra litre a day of milk. In the first few days after your baby is born, it is easy to forget to hydrate which can lead to severe headaches, so keep a bottle of water next to you.

Drink 3-4 litres or make it a habit to drink 2-3 glasses before or during each breastfeed session. This will help in preventing clogs in the breast ducts as the water helps drain milk solids that can clog your ducts. Clogged ducts, apart from being painful, can lead to mastitis if left untreated.

A good massage goes a long way

Massage the breasts gently before breastfeeding. Full breasts following a good sleep or long break are more likely to get clogged ducts as the watery part of the milk will probably flow out first. By massaging the breasts, it will help mix the richer milk with the watery part so that you reduce the risk of clogging the ducts.

Gently massage during breast-feeds or pumping to feel whether your breasts are draining. If your breasts feel too firm following a feed, it could suggest clogged ducts or milk blebs on the nipples. 

Get to know your girls

Take the time to feel and observe your breasts and nipples. Check how they feel before the baby is born, before a breastfeed and after. You will know when your breasts have filled with milk and when they have been sufficiently drained. Inspect your nipples before and after breastfeeding. Nipple shape can tell you if your baby has been latching properly as it should not be squished flat or have a crease line. Look for blebs or blisters on the nipples as they can be painful when feeding. If a bleb occurs, your breasts may not drain properly and the ducts can clog. You can try to release the bleb on the nipple with an Epsom salt bath which usually works a treat. If you need more tips, we’ll have an article soon on blebs and clogs. 

Invest in a good breast pump

Whether manual or electric, breast pumps can be helpful on days where it can be too painful to feed baby on the breasts, when suffering engorgement of the breasts or when you need to slow down your flow for your baby if it’s too fast for baby to handle. It can even be a wonderful addition to your breastfeeding tools if you want to build a store in the freezer or help boost your supply in the early days.

Haakaa is a favourite manual breast pump brand of mums where you can feed baby on one breast and collect milk on the other breast at the same time.

Keep it clean

Nipple health is very important in breastfeeding so it is vital to keep your nipples clean. Changing your breast pads often, especially in the early days when you are likely to leak is key to avoiding thrush infections especially if you wear disposables. Investing in washable breathable breast pads are best and could be a real money saver. When looking at washable breast pads to buy, find fabrics comfortable to wear that will draw the moisture away from your nipple. Fabrics that have antimicrobial treatments are ideal to help in preventing infections. We design our breast pads with all those details in mind to ensure both comfort and good nipple health.