Being a mama can come with a lot of questions and wondering. Amongst the most common questions is “how do I have a successful breastfeeding experience?” With that said, welcome to my little corner of the internet where it’s a priority of mine to support you as a mom and provide you with a village that can offer support for you and your children. I will discuss how to breastfeed your baby, and provide you with 5 tips for a successful experience.
As a newborn photographer based in Baldwin County, I’ve worked with countless new moms across the Alabama Gulf Coast – Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Bay Minette, Mobile, Atmore and others. Amongst all of my new mama clients, how to breastfeed is a common conversation. If you are pregnant and planning to breastfeed, or have a breastfeeding infant, this blog is for you!
A mother, breastfeeding her newborn child.
Tips from a Bay Minette Lactation Counselor
The following tips aren’t just coming from me! If you haven’t seen the blog about the Baldwin County Lactation Counselor, McKenzie, make sure you go look into that ASAP. McKenzie has been so helpful and more than willing to help the village I’ve built for my mom clients. It’s no surprise she was just as helpful at giving me 5 tips on how to breastfeed successfully – for moms from Spanish Fort to Atmore.
Tip #1 – Feed on demand!
Feeding on demand is McKenzie’s number one recommendation. After breastfeeding all three of my children, I agree this is so important. Learn your baby’s hunger cues and feed on demand. There are times in your baby’s life that this will be as soon as every hour. Don’t worry – this doesn’t mean you aren’t making enough milk. Majority of the time this means your baby has hit a growth or mental leap and needs more nourishment. By feeding on demand, your body will begin to make more milk to keep up with your baby’s needs.
You can read more about your baby’s hunger cues in the link I’ve provided at the bottom of the page. To go over them briefly the cues include:
- Rooting – this is a natural reflex your baby has. This is when your baby is looking side to side with an open mouth, and responds to physically touch by turning his or her mouth towards the touch.
- Baby has closed fists.
- Baby is attempting to suck on his or her hands.
These are all early hunger signs, and usually begin before crying. If you notice these signs and latch your baby before getting too upset you can get a faster and easier latch, which brings me to the next tip.
Tip #2 – Know a good latch!
Educate yourself on a deep latch vs a shallow latch. A shallow latch can complicate your breastfeeding journey very easily. It can cause you pain, and even cause nipple damage if not corrected properly. In addition, it can also cause a decreased milk supply and pour milk transfer. A decreased milk supply and low milk transfer will cause your baby to want to nurse more often.
In contrast, a good, deep latch will cause for a happy mama and a happy baby. When your baby is latched appropriately, you will experience very little pain in your breastfeeding journey. In fact, it’s often very painless! In addition, baby will get more milk and won’t have to work so hard to get it which will cause for a happy, sleepy infant.
If you are in the Baldwin or Mobile County area and are struggling with a painful latch, or are wondering if your baby is getting enough milk, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local lactation professional. The Infirmary hospitals in Mobile, Bay Minette, and Fairhope offer help for your breastfeeding journey. If McKenzie at North Baldwin Infirmary in Bay Minette is too for for you, reach out to Thomas in Fairhope or Mobile Infirmary.
Tip #3 – Find a comfortable position
McKenzie wanted to make sure you understand that baby can feel your emotions. If you are not comfortable, and you are tensed up, then your baby will also become tensed. There are multiple ways to hold your baby during a nursing session. Nursing positions include:
The cradle hold reclined position side-laying position The cradle hold The cross-cradle hold
Tip #4 – Bring the baby to the breast…
Bring baby to the breast, not breast to the baby. This is another tip to remember when your baby begins rooting and opening his or her mouth. Once the mouth is opened wide, bring the baby to the breast for a good, deep latch. Often times in the newborn phase, moms find it easier to do this in the cross-cradle position. In this position you can easily bring your baby’s mouth towards your nipple. You never want to lean over, or hunch your back, for your baby to get to your breast!
Tip #5 – Ask for help!
This tip isn’t just from McKenzie, but from me too! I think as moms, sometimes we feel like we should have all the answers when it comes to our child. This is your gentle reminder that it’s okay to ask for help. Breastfeeding is so beneficial for you and your child, but it doesn’t always come easy. You don’t have to struggle by yourself. You are more than welcome to reach out to me via my Mom’s Village Facebook group, to McKenzie, or to any lactation counselor near you.
Lucky for us as Baldwin County natives, and living so close to Mobile, AL, we have an amazing network of support for your breastfeeding journey.
Final Thoughts From Your Baldwin County Newborn and Maternity Photographer
So whether you’re preparing for your first child in Mobile, figuring out cluster feeding in Spanish Fort, or simply seeking reassurance as a new mom in Fairhope, I hope this blog was useful for you.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it takes a lot of time and sacrifice as a mother. Don’t overlook the the accomplishment of breastfeeding. Being able to breastfeed your child, and nourish your growing infant, with your own body is such a miracle and blessing. If you are able to breastfeed for one day, one week, one month, or one whole year it is an accomplishment. Celebrate yourself and your body by recognizing what you’ve done.
Booking a motherhood session is such a great way to celebrate your achievements, and to document your unique bond with your child. Regardless of what chapter of motherhood you are in, I am here to help you document it in a way that is classic and true to your personality. Let’s create some images you can get emotional over!
Contact me here, when you are ready.
Useful Links:
- Join my FREE Mom’s Village Facebook group for support and advice.
- Read more blogs on Professionals for Moms.
- Read the Q&A blog with McKenzie
- Read “Signs Your Baby is Hungry or Full” from the CDC here.
