Breastfeeding is a challenge for lots of mums. Even if this isn’t your first baby, you may have trouble getting your bub to latch and feed regularly.
If that happens to you, don’t panic. Babies will eat when they’re hungry, and a few tough feeding sessions isn’t the end of the world. Plus, help is available from your doctor, and you can try alternatives like pumping or formula to make sure your baby is getting the nutrition they need.
The first few days after giving birth are often the most difficult when it comes to breastfeeding. Your baby is adjusting, your body is adjusting, and it can take some time before everything starts to line up.
New mums often wonder how they can help milk come in faster after birth. While there’s no magic pill, there’s plenty of things you can do to kickstart your breastfeeding journey!
-
Feed Your Baby Soon After Birth
The best thing you can do to increase your milk supply is to feed your baby right after birth – ideally within the first hour.
Feeding your bub causes your body to produce a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin stimulates milk production and ensures you have plenty of milk for the next feed.
Your first few feeds might not be super successful, but don’t stress. It’s normal for some mums to have problems with breastfeeding early on. If you stay patient and try to feed your baby every 1-2 hours after birth, sooner or later they’ll be interested in a meal.
-
Nurse Your Baby Often
You should continue nursing your baby every 2 hours or so. It’s normal for newborns to eat 8-12 times every single day.
Feeding is crucial to milk production when you’re trying to establish a lactation pattern. The more your baby suckles, the more prolactin and milk your body will produce.
The link between prolactin and milk production gets less important after the first few weeks. While you still need prolactin for milk production, your body will be able to produce milk on its own schedule, so it’s less of an issue. As long as you can establish regular breastfeeding habits early on, you’ll be fine!
-
Switch Between Breasts During Feeding
You can promote milk production by feeding your baby for 15 minutes from each breast. You don’t need to limit nursing time – just switch between breasts at regular intervals. If your baby falls asleep part way through, wake them up and offer them the other breast. You can also use a breast pump to make sure both breasts are being emptied with each feeding.
-
Get Plenty of Skin-to-Skin Time
Make sure you spend plenty of skin-to-skin time with your baby!
Skin-to-skin contact encourages the body to produce prolactin and another hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin is responsible for the “let down” reflex you feel when feeding your baby (that’s the tingling feeling in your breasts before a feeding).
Skin time is especially important when you’ve still got a newborn on your hands. There’s no such thing as too much skin time – some doctors even recommend 24-hour skin contact with your baby when possible.
-
Choose the Right Snacks
Your diet actually has a big impact on milk supply and whether your baby is getting the right fats and nutrients. A few weeks before you give birth, start eating a healthy, balanced diet that’s full of foods which promote breast milk production. These include:
- Red meat, chicken and fish
- Eggs
- Cheese and yoghurt
- Fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds
- Protein-rich legumes like black beans and lentils
If you’re looking for snacks, you can’t go wrong with things like:
- Sandwiches made on whole grain bread
- Whole grains and cereals with milk
- Milk drinks and yoghurt
- Fresh fruits, nuts and seeds
- Cheeses
- Vegetables (with dip!)
- Pre-made breastfeeding cookies
Avoid stimulants like caffeine – these can have a negative impact on your breast milk production.
-
Get Relaxed and De-Stress
Controlling your stress can be tough when you’re starting out with breastfeeding. When you’re worrying about whether your baby is getting enough food, relaxing is challenging.
Firstly, remember that you aren’t alone. Many new mothers go through the exact same thing. Secondly, healthy babies will eat sooner or later. A few unsuccessful feedings won’t cause your baby any harm, and they’ll accept a feed when they’re ready.
In the meantime, all you need to do is kick back and relax into your new role as a mother. We recommend creating a nice little breastfeeding spot for yourself – something like a comfy couch that’s quiet and private.
Put snacks, books, TV remotes and blankets within easy reach, and don’t forget to update your wardrobe with breastfeeding clothes that make you feel supported and relaxed.
Get Ready for Your Breastfeeding Journey with Mad House Mums!
Breastfeeding and raising a new baby is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do! There will be bumps in the road, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.
There are lots of little tricks you can use to help your milk come in faster after birth, but the most important thing is to stay relaxed and comfortable. That’s easier said than done, but the range of breastfeeding clothes at Mad House Mums is a great starting point!
Mad House Mums offers a range of hand designed breastfeeding and nursing clothes. Our pieces are perfect for new mums that want to stay comfy, covered and cute.
We’re getting rid of clothes that scream “I’m a breastfeeding mum!” and switching them with a range that’s perfect for daily wear, date night, running errands and lounging around the house.
You can browse our breastfeeding clothes online, or get in touch if you have any questions about the range.