The early days with a new baby can be some of the most blissful you’ll ever experience — and the most difficult. From your sleep routine being turned upside down to diaper changes on repeat, there’s a lot to learn as you settle into caring for a precious, new life. This is especially the case if you’re navigating breastfeeding too.
What to Know About Breastfeeding
You’ve likely heard how beneficial human milk is for newborns. It contains nutrients that are crucial for development, along with antibodies that fight disease and protect against allergens.
But despite being beneficial for baby, breastfeeding can also be a stressful experience. Many families enter their child’s first pediatrician checkup feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and anxious, most often because feeding isn’t going the way they hoped.
If this sounds like your experience, here are a few key things to keep in mind during the early days of breastfeeding:
It’s Okay If It’s Challenging at First.
While breastfeeding is certainly a special experience, it’s important to note that it’s not one that always comes easily. It’s very common for breastfeeding to be challenging at first. In fact, struggling doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Babies are learning how to feed, parents are recovering from birth, and everyone is usually exhausted. Sometimes things like delayed milk supply, pain, latch difficulties, prematurity, or jaundice can also add to the challenge. The good news is that most of these issues are temporary, and with the right support, families can go on to have a very successful feeding journey.
Take Cues from Your Baby.
It’s recommended to feed early and often and to watch your baby’s cues rather than the clock. Early signs that your baby is hungry may include rooting (or turning toward the breast with an open mouth), bringing hands to their mouth, or slight fussing. By the time they really start crying they’re already distressed, which sometimes makes it harder to start feeding. Skin-to-skin contact can also foster both feeding and milk production.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help.
Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s also a learned skill for both parent and baby and often takes time. If something hurts or doesn’t feel right, seek help from a professional. Lactation consultants and healthcare providers can help support you, and early guidance from them can make a big difference. Take care of yourself and lean on your partner, family, or care team. Feeding a newborn isn’t meant to be done alone, and you don’t have to struggle through it. The goal is not perfection, it’s a healthy baby, a healthy parent, and a feeding plan that works for your family.
What to Do with Your Extra Milk.
Some breastfeeding moms produce more milk than their baby needs. If you’re in this group, you can donate extra milk through organizations like The King’s Daughters Milk Bank at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. To be a milk donor, you must be in good general health, be willing to undergo blood testing at the milk bank’s expense, and take only approved medications and supplements.
