Breastfeeding: 5 tips for success (or, if a poodle can do it, you can too)

Breastfeeding is not rocket science. If poodles, panthers and porpoises can do it, so can you.

But in modern society breastfeeding is becoming a lost art. Many new moms don’t have experienced moms of their own to ask. Even today’s generation of grandmothers are misinformed about the ins and outs of breastfeeding. If you have a male doctor, he may have some learning from books, but wouldn’t you rather have the truth from a doctor who has successfully breastfed all four of her children?

Here are 5 tips for successful breastfeeding.

1. Stop worrying and relax. One of the biggest mistakes new mothers make is worrying about breastfeeding too much. Your body knows what it is doing, and so does your baby. And unlike bottle feeding, there is no preparation. Just put the baby on your chest and get started. For the most part, you will learn as you go.

2. Breastfeed early and breastfeed often. Think of it your way: what would you do if you were a poodle mother with a litter of puppies? After delivery, she would lie down, rest as much as possible, eat when she was hungry, and let her puppies suckle as they pleased. You will probably only get up to go to the bathroom, have a drink, or eat something. Perhaps human mothers should do the same. As soon as your baby is born, immediately after you’ve counted all your fingers and toes, put your baby on your chest so that everything works. You will have very little milk at this point – basically just colostrum, a nutrient-rich, high-calorie liquid – the perfect first meal for your newborn. Breastfeeding your baby will stimulate the production of a good amount of milk that will arrive in a few days. It is normal for your baby to lose a little weight until the milk comes in. As long as your baby is healthy, just relax and reread tip no. 1.

3. Don’t be a human pacifier. While frequent breastfeeding will encourage your body to produce a good milk supply, if you breastfeed too often, your breasts can hurt from the suction and friction. Some babies love to suck and will keep doing it forever. While it is true that breastfed babies require more frequent feeding than bottle-fed babies, usually every 2-3 hours is sufficient. Occasionally a baby will want to nurse every hour and a half, which is perfectly fine every now and then, but no mother can go on like this for long. Also, it doesn’t take an hour to empty a breast. Ten minutes per side is enough. If you breastfeed for more than 20 minutes every 2-3 hours, your child is using it like a human pacifier. Only you can stop it.

4. For sensitive breasts, try a hot shower. If your breasts are swollen and your baby is still asleep, wake him up to breastfeed if desired. (However, if this happens at night, perhaps you would like to count your blessings and let her sleep.) Hot water running over your breasts will often trigger a lowering reflex, similar to the one that stimulates sucking. Not only will the heat feel good, but as the milk runs out, the pressure will relieve (and it won’t even spill onto your clothes). Another option is to express the milk from your breasts and save the milk for later use, such as when you want to hire a babysitter and go out at night with your husband.

5. If necessary, combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding. There is no harm in combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Of course, there is a chance that your baby may not like baby formula or tolerate it as well as breast milk (another reason to store or freeze any extra milk you may have). Some babies don’t like the feel or shape of a rubber nipple; Try different brands of nipples if this concerns you. Your baby may also prefer the bottle. Some babies seem to like the faster flow of milk from a bottle, and others probably prefer the taste of formula. Breastfeed your baby when you can, and otherwise don’t worry if your baby needs to be bottle-fed while at work or is too tired to get up every night.

Mothers often worry about the baby’s milk supply, nipple size, or suckling ability. Most of the time, for at least 95% of mothers, these concerns are not really a problem. If you have a problem, ask someone who has breastfed for advice. If that fails, ask your doctor.

Copyright 2010 Cynthia J. Koelker, MD