Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world—and also one of the hardest to learn. If you're a first-time mom feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Most of us struggled in the beginning.
I surveyed dozens of moms and combined their wisdom with expert advice to bring you 15 practical tips that actually work. No judgment, just real help.
Remember: Fed is best. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or do a combination—you're doing great. These tips are here to help if breastfeeding is your goal.
Before Baby Arrives
1. Take a Breastfeeding Class
Many hospitals offer free breastfeeding classes. Take one during your third trimester. You'll learn:
- Different nursing positions
- How to achieve a good latch
- What to expect in the first days
- Warning signs to watch for
Even if you forget everything during the exhaustion of birth, your body will remember some basics.
2. Prepare Your Supplies
Have these ready before baby comes:
- Nursing pillow - Saves your arms and back
- Nipple cream - Lanolin or coconut oil
- Nursing bras - Get 3-4 comfortable ones
- Breast pads - For leaking (it happens!)
- Water bottle - You'll be SO thirsty
- Tracking app - To remember which side you used last
The First Week
3. Start Within the First Hour
If possible, try to breastfeed within the first hour after birth. This "golden hour" helps establish your milk supply and takes advantage of baby's natural instincts.
Don't worry if it doesn't work immediately—your baby is learning too.
4. Colostrum is Enough
Your first milk (colostrum) comes in tiny amounts—and that's perfect. A newborn's stomach is the size of a marble!
- Day 1: Stomach = marble (5-7ml)
- Day 3: Stomach = ping pong ball (22-27ml)
- Day 7: Stomach = egg (45-60ml)
Those few drops of liquid gold are packed with antibodies and exactly what baby needs.
5. Watch for Hunger Cues
Don't wait for crying—that's a late hunger sign. Watch for:
- Early cues: Stirring, mouth opening, turning head
- Active cues: Stretching, hand to mouth, rooting
- Late cues: Crying, agitated movement, turning red
Feeding at early cues makes latching easier for everyone.
Pro Tip: In the foggy newborn days, you WILL forget which breast you used last. Use a simple tracker app to log feedings. When your pediatrician asks "how often is baby eating?" you'll have the answer.
6. Master the Latch
A good latch is everything. Signs of a good latch:
- Baby's mouth is wide open (like a yawn)
- Lips are flanged outward (fish lips)
- Chin touches the breast
- You hear swallowing, not clicking
- It doesn't hurt (discomfort is normal, pain is not)
If the latch feels wrong, break the suction with your pinky finger and try again. Better to relatch than suffer through a bad one.
7. Try Different Positions
There's no one "right" position. Experiment with:
- Cradle hold: Classic position, baby across your lap
- Cross-cradle: More control for newborns
- Football hold: Great for C-section moms
- Side-lying: Perfect for night feeds
- Laid-back: Recline and let baby find the breast
What works at 2 weeks might not work at 2 months. Stay flexible.
Building Your Supply
8. Feed On Demand
Forget the clock. Newborns typically eat 8-12 times in 24 hours, but every baby is different. Watch your baby, not the clock.
Frequent nursing tells your body to make more milk. It's supply and demand.
9. Don't Skip Night Feeds
I know you're exhausted, but night feeds are crucial in the early weeks. Prolactin (milk-making hormone) is highest at night.
Set up a comfortable nursing station: dim light, water, snacks, phone charger. Make it as easy as possible.
10. Stay Hydrated and Fed
You're making food for a human! You need extra calories and lots of water.
- Drink water every time you nurse
- Keep snacks within reach
- Eat when hungry—this isn't the time to diet
- Aim for balanced meals when possible
Common Challenges (And Solutions)
11. Dealing with Engorgement
When your milk "comes in" (usually day 3-5), your breasts may feel like rocks. This is temporary!
Relief tips:
- Nurse frequently
- Warm compress before feeding
- Cold compress after feeding
- Hand express a little to soften the breast
- Cabbage leaves (yes, really—it works!)
12. Surviving Sore Nipples
Some tenderness is normal in the first week. Sharp pain is not.
To help:
- Check your latch (most common cause)
- Apply nipple cream after every feed
- Let nipples air dry
- Try different positions
- Use breast milk as healing cream
If pain persists beyond week one, see a lactation consultant. You might have a tongue-tie or other fixable issue.
13. Know When to Get Help
Don't suffer in silence. Contact a lactation consultant (IBCLC) if:
- Breastfeeding is consistently painful
- Baby isn't gaining weight
- Baby has fewer wet/dirty diapers than expected
- You see signs of infection (fever, red streaks)
- You're feeling overwhelmed or depressed
Many insurance plans cover lactation consultants. Check yours!
Tracking Tip: Wet and dirty diapers are the best sign baby is getting enough milk. By day 4, expect 4+ wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers daily. Tracking helps you spot issues early.
Mental Health Matters
14. Give Yourself Grace
Breastfeeding has a learning curve—for both you AND baby. It might take 4-6 weeks before it feels "easy."
- Celebrate small wins
- Don't compare yourself to others
- Accept help when offered
- Rest when baby rests
You're doing something hard. Be kind to yourself.
15. Build Your Support System
You don't have to do this alone:
- Partner: Can bring you water, handle diaper changes, burp baby
- Family/friends: Ask for meal trains, household help
- Online communities: Connect with other breastfeeding moms
- La Leche League: Free support groups in most areas
- Lactation consultant: Professional help when needed
Quick Reference: First Week Checklist
- ☐ Nurse within first hour if possible
- ☐ Feed 8-12 times per day
- ☐ Track feedings and diapers
- ☐ Watch for hunger cues
- ☐ Check latch at every feed
- ☐ Stay hydrated
- ☐ Rest when baby rests
- ☐ Ask for help if struggling
The Bottom Line
Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to learn. Be patient with yourself and your baby. Most challenges have solutions, and most difficulties are temporary.
Track your feedings to see patterns, celebrate your progress, and don't hesitate to ask for help. You've got this, mama.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have concerns about breastfeeding, please consult with your healthcare provider or a certified lactation consultant.