Just like labor, thinking about the first 48 hours of your newborn’s life can be quite daunting, especially for first-time moms. First-time breastfeeding tips are crucial during this period, as they help set the foundation for a successful breastfeeding journey. I completely understand the anxiety, mama—I was in your shoes! Whether this is your first baby or you’re adding to your growing family, the early moments with each child can be vastly different, making the anticipation nerve-wracking as you approach the end of your third trimester.
But don’t worry! No matter how your baby’s birth goes or what your newborn is like in those first few hours, there are some things you can prepare for. And THAT, dear mama, is what we’re discussing today. This guide will cover newborn breastfeeding tips and breastfeeding and pumping tips for beginners to help you navigate the early days with confidence.
1. Attempt to Latch Your Baby Within the First Hour
Have you heard of the “Golden Hour”? It’s the first hour after birth, which is the prime time for skin-to-skin contact and your first attempt at breastfeeding. It’s a magical time, and I can tell you, mamas—it’s always special!
This hour is perfect for bonding with your baby, allowing them to get accustomed to your scent and hear the familiar sound of your heartbeat from the outside. This first attempt at latching is crucial for establishing your milk supply and setting the tone for future feedings.
Pro Tip: Plan for this hour. Make sure your healthcare team knows you want minimal interruptions for vital checks, weights, needles, and other procedures that can wait. Don’t rush to offer the breast, but do so sometime within this hour. If you had a C-section, have Dad take advantage of this hour for skin-to-skin contact. Even better, extend this special time if possible!
2. Get Close and Personal with Your Baby
Besides the benefits of skin-to-skin contact, being close to your baby helps them get familiar with your features. Newborns can only focus on objects about 30 cm away from them—the perfect distance to see you clearly when held in your arms. This closeness also encourages your baby’s natural instincts to latch, which is key to breastfeeding tips milk supply.
Pro Tip: Go topless and let your baby cuddle against your bare chest. The contrast between your skin color and your nipples will help your baby locate your breast, which will be beneficial for future feedings. This simple yet powerful step is one of the best newborn breastfeeding tips for encouraging a good latch.
3. Watch Your Baby’s Eyes
You might notice your newborn’s eyes seem uncoordinated, but there’s no need to worry; it takes time for their eye muscles to develop. The main thing to watch for in the first days is any signs of jaundice, which appears as yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.
Pro Tip: The best way to reduce jaundice is through frequent urination and bowel movements, so some healthcare providers may suggest supplementing with formula. You can avoid this by expressing and storing colostrum during pregnancy, so you have it ready to supplement if needed. If you’re concerned about maintaining your milk supply, consider pumping as a way to keep up with your baby’s feeding needs.
4. Be Prepared for a Sleepy Baby
Many new parents think they’ve lucked out with a sleepy newborn in the first 24 hours, while others may worry. Generally, babies born to moms who received medications during labor are sleepier in the first day. So, if you had an epidural, narcotics, or a C-section, expect your baby to sleep a lot initially.
Pro Tip: If your baby latched well initially but isn’t waking for subsequent feeds, try offering the breast again. If they’re not interested, that’s okay. Start hand expressing colostrum about six hours after the initial feed to help establish your milk supply. In the meantime, catch some sleep yourself! This is where breastfeeding tips for beginners come in handy, as it’s easy to worry about your milk supply in these early days.
5. Healthy Babies Are Hungry Babies
The second day can be a wake-up call for new parents when their baby becomes more alert and hungry. Initially, you might have had a quiet baby, but soon they’ll be hungry and demanding frequent feeds.
Expect to breastfeed a lot on the second day. Get all the help you can with latching because this is a common time when first-time moms damage their nipples. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with sore nipples!
Pro Tip: Cluster feeding a newborn can be exhausting and frustrating, especially with the post-birth hormones. Remember, this is natural for newborns. Don’t worry about your milk supply or your ability to soothe your baby. Hungry babies are healthy babies. These first-time breastfeeding tips can help ease the stress of those early days.
6. How to Boost Your Milk Supply Through Pumping
If you’re concerned about your milk supply, incorporating pumping into your routine can be a great way to ensure you’re producing enough milk for your baby. Breastfeeding and pumping tips for beginners often focus on balancing the two to maintain a good milk supply while also giving you some flexibility.
Start pumping a few weeks after your baby is born, once breastfeeding is well-established. Pumping can help stimulate milk supply and provide you with a stash of milk for when you need it.
Pro Tip: Pump after your baby feeds to fully empty the breast, which signals your body to produce more milk. If you’re exclusively pumping, aim for 8-12 pumping sessions per day, mimicking a newborn’s feeding pattern.
7. Skip the First Bath
It might be hard to resist, but all that white coating (vernix) on your baby’s skin is protective. It shielded their skin in the womb and continues to do so after birth.
Also, the first bath can be overwhelming for a new baby, causing them to cry, shiver, and sleep through feedings afterward. To support breastfeeding success, delay the first bath.
Pro Tip: Instead of a full bath, rub the vernix into your baby’s skin or spot clean any blood. If you’re unsure about bathing your baby, ask for assistance before you leave the hospital. This step can be crucial in ensuring your baby is calm and ready to feed, supporting your efforts in following these breastfeeding tips for beginners.
How to Ensure a Smooth Start with Breastfeeding?
By following these first-time breastfeeding tips and newborn breastfeeding tips, you can set yourself and your baby up for a successful breastfeeding journey. Remember, every mom’s experience is unique, and it’s okay to seek help and ask questions. Hopefully, this guidance helps you relax and enjoy those precious early moments with your new baby. By then, you will have earned every bit of that joy, Mama.
Final Thoughts
Will knowing all of this make you love the first 48 hours of your newborn’s life? That’s hard to say. But at least it will help you feel more prepared and reduce some of the anxiety about what to expect. There’s nothing worse than feeling lost and unsure about how to handle your newborn.
