Everyone says “breast is best” right? Wrong! A fed baby is best. There are many ways to make sure your baby gets nourishment. You might breastfeed, bottle feed (formula, your own milk, or donor milk), or any combination of these.

Breastfeeding does not come naturally to everyone. Even if it does, there are many reasons you might choose not to breastfeed.

The best advice for new moms is to ask for help if breastfeeding isn’t feeling easy. There are so many options and ways to reach your feeding goals. Here are a few ways breastfeeding might be hard, what to do about it, and feeding tips for first-time moms.

Breastfeeding Preparation Before You Give Birth

One of the reasons breastfeeding can feel so overwhelming is that you don’t know how it will go until you try it. And when you try it you are sleep deprived, flooded with a roller coaster of hormones, and you’re probably holding a crying baby.

There are a few things you can do to help prepare yourself to breastfeed if that’s your goal.

Order your breast pump early. Once you reach your third trimester, contact your health insurance company to see what pumps you qualify to receive. If you’re overwhelmed by the options, ask your OB/GYN or an experienced mom for help selecting a style that makes sense for your needs.
Bring your breast pump to the hospital. After you give birth you’ll have access to a lot of experts who can help set you up for success. Get time with a lactation consultant, ask them to help you set up your pump and learn how to use it.
Hire a lactation expert. Interview a few different people to find someone who you feel comfortable with. Some postpartum doulas also have lactation experience.
Make a list of breastfeeding resources so you’ll have it on hand when the baby arrives. The last thing you should be doing at 2 am while holding a crying baby is internet research about breastfeeding. Here are some things you might want to have on hand:

Most hospitals have an outpatient lactation service. Get their phone number before you leave the hospital.
Research different types of formulas and the benefits/cons of each. Some women like to have a small amount of formula already at home just in case. You can always donate it if you don’t use it. Be sure you also have at least one washed and sterilized bottle ready to be used.
Look up if there are any lactation groups in your area. You might find them on social media, through your pediatrician, or a community group focused on postnatal and postpartum health.
Find a mom forum. This might be an in-person breastfeeding class, a text chain, or an online chat group. Collect a short list of people who you know will respond with kind, educated information and support.
Bookmark the La Leche League site. It is a nationally recognized group with many online resources for breastfeeding.

Common Breastfeeding Issues and How to Correct Them

The latch is causing you pain. A baby who isn’t latched properly is the most common breast feeding issue. If you don’t get the right latch, you might feel like you’ve got a baby shark attached to you. It can be very painful! Seek help (from a lactation consultant or other knowledgeable resource) to achieve a good latch. Make sure you keep at it until you are confident it’s 100% right.

Sore or cracked nipples. Even if you know the baby is perfectly latched, you could still be experiencing nipple pain. Keep your nipples dry between feeds. If they are feeling sore, use a cold compress or apply lanolin or breast milk to the nipples after every feed.

Low milk supply. The more you pump and feed, the more milk you will produce. Some women might look for other ways to boost their milk, but there aren’t any scientific ways proven to do so. Your body needs more water and nourishment, so drink more water and get quality food in you. Limiting stress and getting enough rest (I know, I know, impossible!) can help too.

Engorgement, clogged ducts, or mastitis. If your breasts feel full but milk is not flowing you may have a clogged duct. It’s important to treat this immediately. A clogged duct can very quickly turn into mastitis (when comes with a fever and severe pain).

If you have any reason to think you might have a clogged duct, try the following:

Hand express or massage your breast moving your fingers down toward your nipple - doing this in a hot shower can be helpful to loosen things up.
Do the dangle feed (position baby on its back and dangle your nipple into their mouth, let gravity and their strong suck help guide any blockages out).
Hand express a little before you start to feed your baby to get the milk flowing.
Make sure you are feeding or pumping regularly, if you skip a feeding (and give the baby formula, for example) be sure to pump to release the milk from your breasts.
Don’t over-pump. If you feel the need to pump between feeds to increase supply or add to your freezer stash, go slow. The more you pump the more milk your body will make, and when you drop those pumping sessions you might find your breasts are engorged.
Give both breasts equal time. Make sure you offer the baby both breasts equally each time you feed.

If these are not giving you immediate relief, seek help from a doctor or lactation expert.

Treat your breasts like you treat your baby, with the gentlest care and constant attention!

Breastfeeding Tips and Tricks for New Moms

New to breastfeeding? Here are a few things you’ll want to know to make the process more comfortable. After all, both you and the baby are new at this! It’s okay if it doesn’t feel smooth at first.

Breast pads. You will leak! It happens when you least want it too—in the middle of the night or when someone stops by to drop off a lasagna. Get a box of breast pads, whether they are disposable, or washable cotton.

Well-fitting nursing bras and nursing tops. You’ll find what works well for you, whether it's a nursing tank or a loose-fitting shirt. Ultimately you’ll be wearing these items 24/7 so make sure they are comfortable, breathable, well-fitting, and easily washed.

Set up your space. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding can wreck your back and shoulders if you’re not careful. Set up your rocking chair, pillows, nursing pillow, and maybe a footstool, so that you’re not tensed and hunched over every time you feed your baby. You’ll be in this position a lot!

Watch what you eat. Be aware that some things you eat will transfer to your breast milk. Many moms cut out dairy, soy, and caffeine for the first few months because they can make the baby irritable or gassy. Some flavors might also be present in your milk (like garlic, or Indian spices). Every baby is different! Consult your baby’s pediatrician in the first few weeks if these are things you should look out for.

Make some stations in your house. When you’re feeding your baby, you’re going to be sitting in the same spot for 30-60 mins. Set up a few stations in your house that feel comfortable. Put a full water bottle and a book there. Maybe that’s also a spot where you keep the nasal aspirator and burp cloths.

Get comfortable with a few different baby holds. Ask the nurse in the hospital to show you various holds and try them out. Even if they don’t feel good right away, as your baby grows new ones might be more comfortable for both of you. Try a side-lying position for those early mornings when the babe gets a little older (hello extra shut-eye!).

The first few weeks can be really hard for so many reasons. If you’re having a difficult time breastfeeding, seek help. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to reach a certain milestone. Know that this moment will pass and things will look very different in a few weeks.

Resources:

Massachusetts - NAPS Newborn and Parenting Support

New Hampshire - Click this link to see a list of local lactation resources

Portland, ME -

Two Rivers Lactation & Midwifery Clinic

Peaceful Song Doula & Education

Maine Mother + Company

North Light Newborns

Maine Health Breastfeeding Support

Coastal Women’s Healthcare

Seacoast Lactation Services (serves MA, NH, and ME)