Published on August 07, 2023

How to Prepare for Breastfeeding Your New Baby

If you are preparing for the birth of your first baby, it is common to have a lot of questions about breastfeeding. Studies show that breastfeeding provides a newborn with the best nutrition possible and helps develop a close bond between mother and child. It can also give both mom and baby a sense of warmth, closeness and pleasure. However, successful breastfeeding does not always happen naturally.

Bronson lactation consultant Dawn DeLaCruz from Bronson Breastfeeding Center shares her insight and advice for first-time moms-to-be.

How does breastfeeding help babies?

Human milk contains nutrients that not only promote infant growth and development but build and protect the immune system. Babies who are breastfed have stronger immune systems and a lower risk of developing conditions such as:

Allergies
Asthma
Celiac disease
Childhood leukemia
Childhood obesity
Diabetes
Ear infections
Respiratory infections
SIDS
Stomach problems
Ulcerative colitis

How does breastfeeding help moms?

Breastfeeding your new baby can help:

Reduce the risk of post-partum depression
Return your uterus to its normal size more quickly
Delay menstruation

Plus, your own breastmilk is free, readily available and always at the right temperature! No extra supplies needed.

How long should I breastfeed my baby?

Any amount of breast milk is beneficial to your baby. You should breastfeed your baby as long as you can, and as long as you feel comfortable doing so. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding (no other food or drink) for the first six months. Then, continued breastfeeding, along with introducing foods, until two years or beyond as desired by mother and child. When children are allowed to nurse for as long as they want, they usually self-wean between the ages of 3-4.

What am I allowed to eat or drink when breastfeeding?

You should opt for a well-balanced diet while pregnant and breastfeeding. While breastfeeding, your body will need an additional 300-500 calories per day. To help your body make this incredible food for your baby, it is important that you nourish your body with nutrient dense foods, healthy carbohydrates, protein and fats.

Foods to consider include:

Whole grain breads, pasta and brown rice
Whole fruits and vegetables
Dried fruits
Lean meats such as chicken and fish
Baked or broiled meats
Nuts, beans and eggs
Low-fat dairy items such as yogurt, cheese and skim milk
Items with omega-3 fat such as fish, walnuts and flax seeds

There are no foods you need to completely avoid when breastfeeding. What you eat changes the taste of your breastmilk, helping your baby to develop their taste buds.

Is it unsafe to take medications or supplements while I breastfeed my baby?

There are many medications and herbal supplements that are safe to take while breastfeeding. Discuss your medications with your provider or visit the Infant Risk Center website for more information.

How do I know if I’m producing enough milk for my baby?

As a new mom, it is common to worry if you are producing enough milk. The first 2-3 weeks after having a baby is a critical time to initiate and establish your milk supply. Frequent milk removal is the key to producing enough milk for your baby. You should breastfeed as often as your baby needs. This is usually 8-12 times over a 24-hour period.

You will know that you are producing enough milk for your baby based on:

Baby's relaxation after nursing
Wet and poopy diapers
Weight gain

All babies will lose weight in the first 3-4 days of life. They should generally be back to birth weight by two weeks. Remember that you and your baby are unique, and you only need to make enough milk for one day at a time.

When should I start pumping?

When your baby is 2-3 weeks old, you can begin pumping. To gather extra milk for storage, try pumping both breasts once every day. Try 5-minute sessions after your baby’s morning feeding. Remember that your breasts depend on your baby to drive your milk supply. It can take 2-3 weeks for your baby to master breastfeeding, for milk supply to become full, and for you to feel comfortable and confident with the breastfeeding process. Pumping and using bottles may be initiated any time after three weeks.

What should I know before buying a breast pump?

There are many different brands of breast pumps available. The “best pump” may be different depending on your specific needs. When choosing a pump, consider:

How often will you need to pump?
Where will you be pumping?
What accessories are available, and which will you want?
What flange sizes are available?
How comfortable am I using the pump?

A double-electric pump will usually be the most efficient option. Hands-free, battery operated and manual pumps may also be a good fit for some moms.

What are the safest ways to store my breast milk?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend freshly pumped milk be stored at room temperature for up to four hours. Milk may be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for 6-12 months.

Remember the following guidelines when pumping and storing breast milk:

Wash your hands before pumping or handling breast milk.
Glass or plastic bottles with solid caps provide an airtight seal. Disposable milk-storage bags can also be used.
To avoid wasting any milk your baby does not drink in a feeding session, store your milk in small volumes, i.e., two ounces rather than six ounces. Then, if your baby needs more, you can defrost additional small amounts.

Are there ways to supplement if my supply of breast milk is low?

Low milk supply is one of the most common concerns of new moms. If your supply is low or you’re having other trouble with breastfeeding, remember the motto “fed is best.” If your baby is well-fed and getting the nourishment they need, breast milk or formula are both fine. As breast milk is an amazing option for feeding your baby, you can work with a lactation consultant to try and increase your supply. Milk sharing is also an option you can look into. With diligent research, you may be able to find a safe, local milk share network.

Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank provides donor milk to infants that are in NICU and post-partum units at hospitals across the country. If the milk bank has a large supply of donations, they can provide milk to infants that are at home, whether the baby has a medical need or the mother needs to supplement her supply. To inquire about ordering donor milk, visit Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank to learn more.

Bronson Breastfeeding Center

Bronson Breastfeeding Center provides inpatient and outpatient support during pregnancy and after delivery to breastfeeding moms. Our lactation consultants are registered nurses and social workers certified in breastfeeding consultation. They provide prenatal and post-partum education, advice on breastfeeding practices, and personal consultation services. For questions, call us at (269) 341-8849. If you are expecting a new baby soon, consider signing up for our Successful Breastfeeding Class. It's offered every month through Bronson Family Centered Care. Find a class now.