Maternity Center: Breastfeeding Tips

Congratulations! Welcoming a new baby is a thrilling experience, and you're naturally focused on giving them the best start. Breastfeeding, while a personal choice, provides many advantages for you and your little one.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breastfeeding may protect babies against several conditions, from diarrhea and respiratory tract infection to diabetes and childhood obesity. Benefits for moms also include decreased postpartum bleeding, early return to pre-pregnancy weight, and lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

At Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics, we understand that breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience, but we also know it can come with its challenges. That's why we're here to support you every step of the way. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you and your baby have a positive experience.

Why Choose Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding offers so many benefits for both you and your baby. Breast milk is naturally packed with nutrients and antibodies that protect your baby from illnesses. It helps strengthen their immune system and supports brain development. In fact, studies show that breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma, allergies, and infections, and even have a lower risk of obesity later in life.

But it’s not just great for your baby! Breastfeeding helps your body recover from childbirth, reduces the risk of certain cancers, and can help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight faster. Breast milk is also cost-effective, convenient, and always at the right temperature!

Getting Started with Breastfeeding

The early days of breastfeeding can feel overwhelming but don’t worry, this is completely normal. The key is to be patient and persistent. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Frequent Feedings: In the first few weeks, your baby will need to breastfeed often to help establish your milk supply. Most babies nurse 8–12 times a day. It might feel like a lot, but this helps your body adjust and produce more milk.
• Comfort is Key: Make sure you’re in a comfortable position during breastfeeding. Use pillows or a breastfeeding pillow to support both you and your baby. You can try different positions to find what works best for you.

Latching and Positioning

A proper latch is crucial for a successful breastfeeding experience. Here’s how to get your baby to latch correctly:

• Position Your Baby: Hold your baby close to your body, with their tummy facing yours. There should be no space between you and your baby.
• Correct Latch: Encourage your baby to open their mouth wide and take in the nipple and part of the areola (the dark area around the nipple). Their lips should be turned outward, and the corners of their mouth should be wide.
• Signs of a Good Latch: You should feel a gentle pull, but not pain. If you feel pain or if your nipples are sore or cracked, your baby might not be latched properly.

How Do I Know if My Baby is Getting Enough Milk?

It’s natural to wonder if your baby is getting enough milk, especially in the beginning. Here are some signs to reassure you:

• Frequent Wet Diapers: Your baby should have at least 6–8 wet diapers a day after the first few days of life.
• Soft, Yellow Stools: By day 5, your baby should have soft, yellow, seedy stools.
• Rhythmic Feeding: Your baby should nurse for at least 10 minutes or more per side, and you should notice a rhythm of sucking, swallowing, and pausing.
• Weight Gain: By the end of the first week, your baby should be close to their birth weight, and after that, they should gain about 1 ounce per day.

Common Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While breastfeeding is natural, it can take time to get the hang of it. Here are some common issues and solutions:

• Sore Nipples: This can happen if the latch isn’t quite right. Apply a small amount of breast milk to your nipples and let them air dry after each feeding. You can also use lanolin cream, but make sure it’s safe for babies.
• Fussiness or Cluster Feeding: Babies may feed more often during growth spurts (usually around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months). This is normal and helps increase your milk supply.
• Breast Engorgement: If your breasts become very full and painful, try breastfeeding more frequently. You can also hand express or pump a little milk before nursing to make latching easier.

How Often Should I Breastfeed My Baby?

Your baby will likely need to breastfeed every 2–3 hours in the early weeks. Since breast milk is digested quickly, they may feel hungry sooner than expected.

As your baby grows, they will gradually go longer between feedings. Trust your baby to guide you. Offer the breast when they show signs of hunger (such as sucking on their hands or rooting around).

What About Pacifiers?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. After breastfeeding is well-established, you can introduce a pacifier. This helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but be sure it doesn't replace breastfeeding.

What Foods Should I Eat While Breastfeeding?

Focus on healthy, balanced meals that support breast milk production. Include protein-rich foods such as lean meat, eggs, beans, and seafood that is low in mercury. Also, eat a variety of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Eating a variety of foods changes the flavor of your breast milk, helping your baby adjust to solid foods later. Your doctor may recommend a multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure both you and your baby are getting all the nutrients you need.

Do I Need Extra Calories While Breastfeeding?

Yes! You’ll need about 330 to 400 extra calories a day to support milk production. Opt for nutrient-rich foods like whole-grain bread with peanut butter, fruit, and yogurt to get these calories.

What Foods and Drinks Should I Limit or Avoid While Breastfeeding?

• Alcohol: No alcohol is considered safe for your baby through breast milk. Wait at least 2-3 hours for every drink before breastfeeding. Pumping ahead can help.
• Caffeine: Limit to 2-3 cups of coffee (16-24 oz) per day. Too much caffeine can affect your baby’s sleep.
• Fish: Some fish contain mercury, which can harm your baby's nervous system. Avoid high-mercury fish like swordfish, mackerel, and tilefish.

Remember to Take Care of Yourself

It’s easy to focus solely on your baby, but taking care of yourself is just as important. There’s no need for a special diet while breastfeeding. Just focus on healthy, well-rounded food choices, and both you and your baby will benefit from breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Classes and Support

Breastfeeding can feel like a big adjustment, but you don’t have to do it alone. Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics offers breastfeeding classes every other month. A breastfeeding class will give you time to learn more about breastfeeding, ask questions you may have, and develop a relationship with the lactation consultant. Your support person is encouraged to come. Use the links below to learn more and to sign up for a breastfeeding class.

Learn more about our childbirth and breastfeeding classes.

View our event calendar to sign up for a class.

Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa

We are proud to partner with Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa to provide pasteurized human donor milk to newborns and their families during their hospital stay after delivery.  Decades of research have established that human milk is the perfect food for infants and it offers immune system boosters and infection-fighting factors.

In addition, Iowa Specialty Hospital is a depot or drop-off location. If you find yourself with surplus milk for any reason, consider donating it to the Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa. This act of generosity helps nourish and save the lives of many vulnerable babies, including those born prematurely, sick, or fragile. There is a prescreening process. Once you have completed the milk donor screening process, you may bring your frozen milk for donation to Iowa Specialty Hospital – Clarion, and we will coordinate with Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa. 

Remember, You’re Doing Great!

Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural process that can take some time to perfect. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions or concerns. We’re here to support you, so you can enjoy this special time with your baby.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with a lactation consultant, please contact our Maternity Center.