You’ve welcomed your little one into the world and want to bring them the benefits of breastfeeding, from digestive ease to stronger immune function. Yet, the actual process feels more frustrating than breezy.
Just because breastfeeding is natural doesn’t mean you should automatically know exactly how to go about it or have instant success. Many new parents need and benefit from guidance. And everyone starts as a beginner.
In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, the medical team at Sellwood Medical Clinic, which has four locations in the metro Portland area, put together the following tips to help you overcome breastfeeding challenges.
A soothing environment can help you and your infant breastfeed easily. Focus on physical and emotional comfort. For example, you can recline on pillows or in an ultra-comfortable chair. You can also choose a quiet room or play soft music.
You may need to experiment a bit to find your ideal positioning for breastfeeding. If your baby isn’t opening their mouth wide at first, try tickling their lips with your nipple. Then aim your nipple directly above your baby’s top lip, making sure their chin isn’t tucked down toward their chest.
Aim your infant's bottom lip away from the bottom of your nipple. The result is a bit like fish lips, with both lips curving outward.
While you want to offer gentle guidance, don’t try to force your baby to latch or breastfeed. If they’re not hungry when you sit down to feed, they’ll probably stay curled against you.
Head bobbing, squirming, and eye contact often indicate hunger. When in doubt, our team can help you determine your baby’s specific hunger signs.
Breastfeeding allows you to provide your baby with the nutrition they need, as long as you’re eating well too. To start, make sure you’re eating enough. Breastfeeding parents who’ve lost most of their baby weight may need an added 500-600 calories a day.
Stay hydrated by consuming water, fresh fruits and vegetables, or herbal tea when you’re thirsty. There’s no need to eat perfectly or follow a strict diet while breastfeeding, but some good daily aims include eating:
If you choose to drink alcohol, wait 2-3 hours before breastfeeding. If your baby struggles to sleep, you may want to cut back on the caffeine you consume.
Sellwood Medical Clinic offers pediatric and adult medical care. To book an appointment, call the location closest to you, or use the online here. We offer same-day visits for children and adults at all of our locations.
