Hi! My name is Coco and I'm a mom. My journey to motherhood has been filled with happiness, love, excitement, and many challenges. From Trying to Conceive to Postpartum and now caring for my 3-year-old son, I’ve been seeking support to make my transition to motherhood easier. Here on Owemama, I share real stories and maternity-related tips. Let's navigate this journey together!
A personal note before we begin
Before diving into this guide, I want you to remember that no matter how you choose to feed your baby—whether it’s breastfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding—the most important thing is that your baby is nourished and healthy. Don’t let anyone shame you or make you doubt your decisions.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but I know firsthand that it comes with its challenges. I vividly remember a nurse at the hospital telling me that I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed because “my nipples were flat”. Reflecting on it now, I realize it was not the kindest for a new mom who gave birth just 15 minutes ago. Breastfeeding was incredibly important to me, and I was determined to make it work. I also knew that the nurse’s comment was unfounded, thanks to all my preparation during pregnancy.
Despite my preparations, it was still a learning process for both me and my son. The best way I can describe the beginning of my breastfeeding journey is Challenge after challenge! No one came when I asked (insisted, actually) for a lactation consultant at the hospital. A few days after giving birth, I would watch YouTube videos at 2 a.m. while feeding my son so I could learn how to position him for a good latch. When latching was no longer the issue, it was my cracked nipples, then the engorgement, mastitis, then…the growth spurts that I didn’t even know were a thing!
I was ready to give up at that point because I was simply exhausted. I decided to give it one last try by reaching out to La Leche League. I was paired with a volunteer mom who will probably never know this, but thanks to her support, I was able to breastfeed my son for 9 months.
This guide is my way of supporting you. I combine my personal experiences with reliable information from trusted sources like Naître et Grandir and La Leche League.
Now, let’s dive in!
Building a strong foundation for your breastfeeding journey
Right after birth, your breasts start producing colostrum, a thick, yellowish, nutrient-packed first milk rich in vitamins, minerals, and antibodies. Colostrum is easily digestible and promotes gut health by acting as a natural laxative for your newborn. It helps them pass meconium (first dark stool) and reduce the risk of jaundice by promoting the excretion of bilirubin. Although it’s produced in relatively small quantities compared to breastmilk, it keeps your newborn hydrated in the first few days after birth; they may not yet be taking in large volumes of milk because of their tiny stomach.
Tip: Try to nurse within the first two hours after birth, when your baby is most alert. Skin-to-skin contact can help your baby latch on and stimulate milk production.
Understanding your baby’s hunger cues
Your baby communicates hunger in sweet, subtle ways. Here is what you should look for:
- Eyes moving back and forth
- Sucking motions with their mouth
- Active arms and legs
- Turning their head towards your breast
Tip: Try to feed your baby when you see these early cues instead of waiting for them to cry. This approach can make feeding time less stressful and enjoyable.
Breastfeeding positions & proper latching
Comfort is key! Experiment with cradle, football, or side-lying positions to find what feels best for you and your baby. A proper latch ensures effective feeding and minimizes discomfort. It might feel a bit sensitive at first, but it should only last about a week. If the pain persists, don’t hesitate to consult a lactation consultant and/or your pharmacist.
The let-down reflex when milk starts flowing
You might feel tingling or see milk flowing as your body releases milk during feeding. This let-down reflex is triggered by the hormone oxytocin when your baby suckles. To facilitate let-down:
- Stay relaxed: Stress can inhibit the reflex.
- Massage your breasts gently before feeding.
- Ensure a calm environment during nursing sessions.
If you’re having trouble, try deep breathing or a warm compress to encourage milk flow.
Uterine cramping during breastfeeding
The release of oxytocin, which helps with milk let-down, also causes uterine contractions. These contractions are important as they help your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and prevent hemorrhaging. You might experience:
- Mild to moderate cramping: Especially in the first few days.
- Increased cramps after subsequent births: Due to a larger uterus.
Tip: Staying hydrated and applying a warm compress can alleviate discomfort. Consult your healthcare provider if cramps are severe or accompanied by a fever.
Establishing a feeding routine & managing growth spurts
In the first few weeks, your baby may nurse 8 or more times in 24 hours. This frequent feeding helps build your milk supply. As you both get the hang of it, feedings will become more efficient and your baby’s hunger cues more predictable.
Growth Spurts: I remember my son wanting to stay very close to me during his growth spurts. Putting him down or having anyone else hold him was almost impossible. This is normal, as the growth spurts are a way to let your body know that your baby is growing and needs more milk. So expect your baby to nurse more during this time (around 2 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months).
How I managed during growth spurts: Whenever my son went through a growth spurt, I would sit comfortably in front of the TV with healthy snacks and my water bottle. I would try as much as possible to stay relaxed so that my body would quickly adjust to meet his needs.
Expressing and storing milk
Sometimes, expressing milk (using your hands to massage your breasts, or a breast pump to get the milk out) can be a lifesaver to:
- Maintain milk supply
- Relieve engorgement
- Have milk ready when you’re away
- Donate surplus milk to help others
Storage Guidelines:
- Room Temperature: Up to 4 hours
- Refrigerator: Up to 8 days
- Freezer: Up to 6 months (in a freezer compartment, not the door)
Tip: Never thaw milk in the microwave. Instead, use the refrigerator or warm water. Also, keeping the rest of the milk is not recommended once the baby drinks from the bottle. Instead of throwing it away, you can use it for baby’s bath.
Expressing Milk Techniques:
- Manual Expression: Massage and gently squeeze milk from your breasts with your hands. You can use the Haakaa to collect the expressed milk.
- Breast Pump: Electric or manual pumps can help efficiently collect milk, especially if you’re expressing regularly. If you are using a breast pump, ensure the flange is the right size for your nipple.
Surplus Milk Donation: If you have excess breast milk, consider donating it to a milk bank. These banks usually support premature and sick infants who need pasteurized human milk.
Having the right support is everything
Having support during your breastfeeding journey will make a huge difference. It makes the journey smoother and more enjoyable and improves your chances of success. Talk to your partner and get them involved by:
- Bringing you snacks or drinks
- Helping with diaper changes
- Offering encouragement during tough moments
Recommendations on when to use a bottle
Usually, the recommendation is to try to avoid bottles for the first 6 weeks to establish a strong breastfeeding routine. But if you are encountering difficulties, want to avoid bottles and need to supplement, you can use a spoon or a soft sippy cup. This helps prevent nipple confusion and maintains your milk supply.
Knowing when your baby’s had enough
How to know your baby is getting enough milk:
- Wet diapers: 6-8 a day in the first month
- Steady weight gain
- Satisfied and relaxed after feeding
Additional Signs:
- Swallowing sounds during feeding (watch your baby’s throat to ensure they are actively swallowing)
- Breasts feel softer after feeding
Celebrate your success!
Breastfeeding is a unique journey. Take the time to embrace the special moments, and seek support when needed. Remember—you’re doing an amazing job!
Sources
- Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada, and Health Canada. “Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants.” www.hc-sc.gc.ca
- Doré, Nicole, and Danielle Le Hénaff. From Tiny Tot to Toddler: A practical guide for parents from pregnancy to age two. Quebec City, Institut national de santé publique du Québec. www.inspq.qc.ca
- Encyclopedia on Early Childhood DevelopmentThis encyclopedia is available online, free of charge. It covers topics dealing with the psychosocial aspect of childhood development from conception to age five and presents the latest scientific knowledge. Key takeaways on each topic are presented in a convenient format and are intended for parents and caregivers. www.child-encyclopedia.com
- La Leche League Canada. This volunteer organization, affiliated with La Leche League International, is active in more than 60 countries and offers mother-to-mother support as well as informational and educational tools. Visit lllc.ca or call 1866ALLAITER. You can also call the toll-free number, 18006654324, to find someone in your area who can help.
- La Leche League International. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. La Leche League Editions, 2005.
- Naitre et Grandir. (n.d.). Breastfeeding basics. Retrieved September 25, 2024, from https://naitreetgrandir.com/en/step/0-12-months/feeding/breastfeeding-basics/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw6c63BhAiEiwAF0EH1CagglkDwwAHTlbdgEMMNJBtnCldQ_NpgG3kDFcCEMtPG2kkYHer2BoC39AQAvD_BwE#_Toc102048093
- The Nourri-Source Federation. Le Petit Nourri-Source. 7th ed., 2021.
- The Nourri-Source Federation. This breastfeeding support movement has more than 600 breastfeeding support volunteers. It has been providing support and information to all families since 1982. Nourri-Source offers a variety of pre- and post-natal activities, information on public breastfeeding spaces, and even a telephone support service. Toll-free number: 18669485160. www.nourri-source.org
Special thanks to the experts at Naître et Grandir and all supporting organizations for their invaluable insights!
Coco