Ways to make breastfeeding easier

Get comfortable

Lying down, rugby hold or underarm? Providing your baby is properly latched on you’ll be able to breastfeed in lots of different positions, but as you could be feeding for up to an hour at a time it’s worth making yourself comfortable.  

To avoid back strain, always bring your baby to the breast rather than lowering your breast to the baby. 

Use a pillow to help bring them up to the proper level, make sure your back is supported and use a footrest to help keep your posture correct.

See also:

• Breastfeeding support and advice

Combat sore or cracked nipples

More often than not cracked nipples result from an incorrect latch, but soreness can also be caused by irritants in deodorants, soaps or lotions.  If your baby is sucking on the nipple only or it hurts to feed, slide your finger into their mouth to release the tongue then try again. 

Avoid soap, use breast pads made from natural fabrics and soothe with lanolin ointment, or by rubbing a little breast milk into the affected area at the end of a feed. 

Remember that while some discomfort is common in the beginning continued pain isn’t normal – so seek help if it doesn’t clear up within a few days.

See also:

• Breastfeeding support and advice

Express

Cuddling up for a feed can be blissful, but letting your partner have a turn can help them feel more involved and give you some much-needed rest. 

You can express milk with a pump or by hand into a sterilised container – wash your hands, gently massage your breast, then squeeze gently just behind the areola.  Expressed milk can be stored in a fridge for up to five days at 4C or lower, in the freezer compartment for two weeks, or for up to six months in a freezer. 

Defrost in the fridge and use it straight away, or heat it to body temperature by placing the bottle in warm water.

See also:

• Breastfeeding support and advice

Preserve your modesty

It’s against the law for anyone to ask you to stop breastfeeding in a public place, but not everyone is confident about being on display. 

Discreet feeding is an acquired skill and it may take a bit of practice before you can get them latched on without exposing an expanse of tummy or more boob than you mean to. 

Spare your blushes with breastfeeding tops, layering, or an artfully draped cover scarf or muslin cloth.  Invest in a good nursing bra which can be undone and refastened one-handed – you’ll soon get the hang of it.

See also:

• Breastfeeding support and advice

Start soon after the birth

Babies are pre-programmed to breastfeed, with research showing that newborns will often seek and find the breast without any assistance soon after birth. 

Skin to skin contact will help trigger their natural sucking instinct while feeding them early can boost your confidence, enhance bonding, and improve your chances of success later on.  

They’ll also have instant access to your colostrum, the concentrated first milk which will help provide protection against infection and disease.

See also:

• Breastfeeding support and advice

Get support

Of the 80 per cent of mums who breastfeed at birth, around half have given up within six weeks.  It’s not always easy, but there’s plenty of support available if you know where to look, and knowing what to expect is half the battle. 

Arm yourself with the facts before the birth by attending antenatal classes and reading up as much as you can online. 

Ask your health visitor for information about cafes in your area where you can meet other breastfeeding mums and keep helpline numbers for the NCT and La Leche League to hand. Get your partner on board too – research shows that the more supportive they are, the more likely you are to succeed.

See also:

• Breastfeeding support and advice

Empty your breast each time

Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand, but in the early days it can take a while for your body to adjust to your baby’s needs.  If you’re making more milk than they’re using, it can be forced into the breast tissue, causing swelling and discomfort. 

Finishing too soon could also mean they’re not getting to the nourishing hind milk, so make sure they fully drain one breast at each feed before offering the second. 

If they’re not interested, start your next feed from the other side – and if you’re having trouble keeping track there’s now a nifty app to remind you which breast is next.

See also:

• Breastfeeding support and advice

Know when they’re getting enough

Many women worry about how they will know whether their baby is getting the right amount of milk.  Each baby is different, so it won’t help to watch the clock, or use how much milk you can express as a guide.  Instead, look out for the following signs.  It’s going well if:

• You’re feeding 6-8 times a day
• Your breasts feel softer after feeds
• Your baby produces 6-8 wet nappies each day
• They gain weight steadily after the first two weeks
• They look healthy and alert and seem satisfied after feeds

See also:

• Breastfeeding support and advice

Feed on demand

Newborn tummies are tiny, and they digest food quickly, so it may seem as though you’re feeding constantly at first. 

However, feeding on demand will encourage your body to produce the exact amount your baby needs, and keep the breasts drained, preventing mastitis. 

Don’t worry too much about how long they stay on the breast, or pushing them into a routine too early, they’ll soon settle into a pattern on their own.

See also:

• Breastfeeding support and advice