Quick Tips for Breastfeeding Moms

The following are a quick collection of tips from breastfeeding experts, moms, health care practitioners, and others who care about breastfeeding moms and babies.

1) An uncomplicated birth makes breastfeeding easier because mom and baby are more alert and awake, getting breastfeeding off to the best start. If at all possible, plan for a natural birth.

2) Insist on no unnatural nipples. Alert hospital staff in writing and verbally that you are going to be breastfeeding and let them know you do not want your infant to receive any kind of artificial nipple.

3) Find a Pediatrician and OB or Midwife who supports breastfeeding. Some give lip service to the "breast is best" mantra, but recommend weaning to formula at the first sign of difficulty. Find a true breastfeeding advocate who will help you overcome challenges if they come up.

4) Listen to the baby. Babies nurse for a wide variety of reasons, some of which have nothing to do with hunger. Nursing frequently ensures you'll bring in a healthy milk supply to meet your baby's needs. It's also soothing to him and eases his transition into the world.

5) Wear your baby. Wearing baby in a sling makes nursing easier because baby is close to you. Wearing him helps to organize his movements and help him focus on nursing. It also makes nursing in public much more comfortable. Dr. William Sears said about this: "Probably one of the most wonderful aspects of a sling or carrier is that it allows breastfeeding on the move. Busy mothers can nurture their babies with the best nutrition, yet still continue their active lifestyles."

6) Talk to your baby's father and your family. Be sure to communicate to your family how strongly you feel about nursing. Sell them on the benefits so they'll support you.

7) Learn the art of breastfeeding in public. Breastfeeding author Amy Spangler says: "I encourage young women, if they have a comfort level doing so to please breastfeed their babies wherever they are because until we get that critical mass of women doing just that, we are not going to change the attitudes of the general public." Practice latching baby on in front of a mirror so you can learn to do so discreetly.

8) Don't compare your baby with others. Healthy, well fed breastfed babies come in all shapes and sizes. Your baby will grow in a particular pattern mostly due to genetics.

9) Get your latch right. Learning how to latch your baby onto the breast is one of the most, if not THE most important thing you can do to avoid pain and ensure adequate draining of the breast (which leads to an abundant milk supply). Get help if you and your baby are having trouble.

10) Try cosleeping. Sharing sleep with baby makes breastfeeding easier. Babies who sleep with their mothers take in more milk and stimulate mom's breastfeeding hormones. And everyone generally gets more sleep.