6 Easy-to-Follow Tips to Successful Nursing

Amanda Cole knows a thing or two about nursing. Not only does she own a successful breastfeeding specialty store — Yummy Mummy — in New York City, but she’s also a lactation expert and mom-of-two (she has a 1-month-old son and 2-year-old daughter). Lucky for us, she was more than willing to share her secrets to making the experience enjoyable for both mom and baby. Check out her easy-to-follow tips below.

Courtesy Yummy Mummy

 

Be prepared. Yes, breastfeeding is natural, but it can also take work, especially in the beginning. Understanding that it may not be a glitch-free can do wonders for your success rate.

Be your own advocate. Many moms’ best efforts to breastfeed can be undermined by an ill-informed hospital staff. After your delivery, speak up for yourself. Make sure to request a visit from the hospital’s lactation consultant or seek advice from your postnatal nurse on the best positioning to latch. Also, let the hospital staff know you’re a breastfeeding mom and that you don’t want your baby to receive formula off the bat.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Much easier said than done, but there will always be moms with more milk, babies who can go longer between feeds and newborns who have a perfect latch from day one. Delivering a baby and being a new mom is hard enough! Try your best to stay focused on you and your baby.

Get all the necessary tools. A powerful breast pump, a few good nursing bras and one or two stylish nursing tops can make your life as a breastfeeding mom much easier and more enjoyable. Sure, you will spend a little bit of money on breastfeeding supplies. But in the end, if you are successful at breastfeeding, it promises to be a much cheaper route than formula!

Reach out. Research shows that having a support system is critical to whether a woman meets her breastfeeding goals. Once you’re ready to venture out of the house, find a local breastfeeding support group or reach out to friends who are currently nursing, or have, nursed. Seeking advice or support from lactation educators or experienced breastfeeding friends and family members can greatly enhance your breastfeeding experience.

Try your best. Remember that a happy mom equals a happy baby. Don’t be so hard on yourself if things don’t go exactly as planned. Hopefully breastfeeding is everything you expected. But don’t lose perspective. What’s most important is that you and baby are well and happy, and enjoying your new life together.

Comments

“Many moms’ best efforts to breastfeed can be undermined by an ill-informed hospital staff.”

So true! I’m a registered nurse so I think I can offer constructive criticism here – I was told by the maternity unit nursing staff that I had to wash my breasts with soap and water before every nursing session, resulting in cracked and painful nipples. Mothers, please make sure you consult with a lactation consultant, who is qualified to give you instruction.

- Ellie on December 2nd, 2010

Though I realise the obvious benefits of nursing, this article is just a bit too peachy for me. It’s like they’re saying: just follow 6 steps and you’re bound for success. You’re not.

My sister did everything right, consulted with a lactation expert before giving birth, had all the right equipment and is the sweetest, most patient person ever, and still she had to give up her nursing attempts after 1-2 weeks with both her beautiful babies. She wasn’t comfortable (multiple breast infections), the babies weren’t comfortable (my nephew was so big, strong and hungry he didn’t allow himself proper time to get it right, just wanted instant food) and it all went bust.

Yes, if you manage, it’s great. If you don’t: just switch to formula. You and your babies will be just as well off and no one should make you feel guilty about that!

- Lotte on December 2nd, 2010

Really Lotte? I had the opposite reaction – of course not everyone is going to be successful, but the more you learn and more resources you have, the better your chances. I think it’s a useful piece for moms to be.

I know I was one of those pregnant moms who thought you just pop the baby on the boob and everything works out. Not the case with my first or third kids, who had major latch issues. The second child was a breeze but thank God I had my sister in law (who is a lactation consultant) to help me out with the other two.

- Kristin on December 2nd, 2010

All you REALLY need to breastfeed is a few good nursing bras! Oh, and a baby. And maybe some determination and perseverance….

- fer on December 2nd, 2010

Really, Lotte. JUST as well off. Not quite.

- Michelle on December 2nd, 2010

Lotte,
No disrespect to your sister, but you can do everything prior to having a baby–reading books, going to classes, or in your sister’s case speaking with a LC and having the “right” equipment, but until you have a baby to your boob, all that goes out the window.

Nursing is not easy, but if you are determined to nurse, you have to be willing to take advantage of any resources available, like this article. This article should not be about whether “breast is best.”

- amy on December 2nd, 2010

Lotte, I don’t think this article was preachy at all. What I read were tips to help women who want to breastfeed, no arguments about morality or right or wrong. Women really do need support when they decide to breastfeed because there can be challenges.

In your sister’s case, did she reach out for professional advice after giving birth? It’s important to have people around you who encourage breastfeeding rather than suggesting formula because it’s “easier.”

Perhaps your sis just needed some help to get her through the first difficult weeks. Even the “sweetest, most patient person ever” can find themselves feeling lost and overwhelmed with breastfeeding a new baby and turn to formula out of frustration.

- fuzibuni on December 2nd, 2010

Lotte, this article is far from preachy. This is all great advice, these are many of the issues that lead to failed breastfeeding. Are we supposed to never give any tips to future moms about breastfeeding, as not to offend those mothers who either failed or chose not to? I think women should know that breastfeeding does not come as naturally as they may think, because if they don’t go in with such high expectations, the harder they will fall, and the faster.

It is very good advice to mothers, to know that hospital staff is not always educated about breastfeeding- including many doctors! They will tell mothers the worst advice which many times completely sabotages their breastfeeding relationship. For example, they often tell moms to limit the amount of time they feed the newborn at the breast- not correct! Nurse away! As much and as long as baby desires, and don’t supplement with formula because that will kill your supply. I could go on and on.

- Li on December 2nd, 2010

I had preemies and I’ll tell you it was hard and really my life centered around a breast pump, a clock and trying to nurse for well over a month, but they eventually got it. They never said to stop nursing, but they and the lactation consultant told me they had to do it for at least 10 minutes. Now I’ve hit the point if my kids nurse more than 7-8 minutes they spend the next 3 hours spitting up (they are still putting on weight as they should so they told me it wasn’t a problem to stop after that if helps them).

Every kid is different, we did test weights while they were in the hospital, my twins were just fast eaters, so it doesn’t have to be long either for them to get a full meal. I can tell you that they had to supplement with formula till my milk came in and their little tummies just wouldn’t tolerate the formula, but once they got my milk exclusively they started thriving!

- Sherri P on December 2nd, 2010

I think this article ends on a great note to try your best. No one should make you feel guilty about switching to formula.

- Julie on December 2nd, 2010

I think all of the commentors responding to Lotte’s comment didn’t read it carefully. I may be misinterpreting it but she specifically said that the article is “peachy” not preachy. It is possible that it is a typo, but from the tone of her comment, I don’t think that it is a typo. She is saying that breastfeeding is hard, and that six simple steps will not guarantee success. She provides the example of her sister, who did everything right, was patient and determined, but still wasn’t able to breastfeed in the end. I think she is more advocating for a seventh step, one for those moms who can’t breastfeed for one reason or another, which is “Don’t feel guilty if you have to switch to formula”.

- Mary on December 2nd, 2010

Most of you women are so catty and judgemental. One person has a different opinion about an article and everyone jumps on her. Typical mothers. Not hear to support one another, but only hear to bash other women. All women are the same. No wonder women are stereotyped as being snobby, back stabbers. It’s because we are.

- Lola on December 2nd, 2010

Lotte, I agree with you on several points, but on the preachy point. What I do not agree with is the title of this article at all. It does not apply or make sense…it is very conflicting. For example:

6 Easy-to-Follow Tips to Successful Nursing
So, if I am successful in following all of these 6 steps I will be successful at nursing? Well, how many moms can say they have followed the steps and have been unable to nurse. Nursing is far more in depth and complicated than the 6 easy steps she mentions. I think the steps she mentions are VERY important. But when using the title “6 Easy-to-Follow Tips to Successful Nursing,” it takes away from the purpose.

And Lotte, my cousin had to switch to formula and was devestated. She had been working with her doctor that told her that her baby would be just as well off on formula and would continue to grow to be a healthy boy. And to not feel bad or let people judge her. I agree with you! Just like babies who can’t be breast fed, they are just as well off!

Fer, Nursing bra and baby….not so much…..For some it is not that easy.

- Jill on December 2nd, 2010

Lola – Lol. Kinda harsh but, sadly, kinda true.

- Annie on December 2nd, 2010

First of all, Lotte wrote “peachy” not “preachy,” in that the article paints a rosy picture of breastfeeding. Bottom line, do your best and don’t beat yourself up if you switch to formula. That’s the way I see it anyway!

- Lady Jane on December 2nd, 2010

Lola, I am going to respectful disagree with you. How are people “jumping on her” and “bashing” her? I see people having a conversation and responding respectful.

Typical mothers? I am very sorry that your life involves catty and judgemental woman….that is very sad

All women are the same. No wonder women are stereotyped as being snobby, back stabbers. It’s because we are. Please speak for yourself. I am none of the things you have mentioned nor are my friends or family.

- Jill on December 2nd, 2010

I just want to know where her shirt is from!!

I’m so tired of feeling bad for women who find they cannot breastfeed their babies. It seems like BFing and natural childbirth are two subjects that you get jumped on for if you are able to do it. I worked hard to be successful at both with my babies and thankfully it worked out great!

- Alison on December 2nd, 2010

Alison, you don’t have to feel sorry for people and shouldnt who can’t breastfeed or naturally deliver. I just think there are some people who think that is the only way to go and when a woman doesn’t they are very quick to judge.

- Jill on December 2nd, 2010

Again, why are moms so judgmental? I bf my two but who am I to judge. Get a life… And oh btw, don’t you have babies to take care of …to hold a black and white mobil in front of to make sure they can talk and read by the age of two. …. Disgusting!

- Tracy on December 2nd, 2010

Oh my, never thought that my response to one article could lead to such a huge discussion! Thanks to people pointing it out, but I DID NOT say the article was PREACHY, I said it was PEACHY! The only thing I meant by it was described perfectly by Mary: the information is VERY useful but it doesn’t automatically lead to successful nursing. If it really was that easy I’m sure every mom in the world would immediately do it and never look back.

I’m not seeking “sympathy” for moms who don’t nurse, nor do I mean to “jump on” women who manage to get it right. I’m just saying if you want to give information, be complete about it and don’t colour it up to a picture perfect Mary Poppins scenario. It will only make moms who don’t get it right feel inadequate (cause with 6 easy steps everyone could do it right, why am I failing?) at a time in their life when they’re already got plenty of insecurities.

My niece and nephew are 4 and 2 by now btw and are both extremely happy and healthy kids! Happy Holidays everyone!!!

- Lotte on December 3rd, 2010

as a mom who nursed her first child until he was three, i can tell you you need nothing to nurse. i personally hate nursing bras, and never once pumped or used a bottle. i’m glad this article was written, however.

nursing for me has always come easy. but i’m aware of the problems that can occur and the hospital staff is usually one of the people who undermine the breastfeeding relationship.

i have found a wealth of knowledge at la leche league meetings where i have met other mommies and found the support i have needed.

- Jennifer on December 3rd, 2010

Dear Lotte! I have to admit that I got a bit confused when I read Your comment at first, because I too read preachy instead of peachy. Maybe it’s because preachy is so much more commonly used on this page (especially when it comes to things like breast feeding, co sleeping and unmedicated childbirth) than peachy. But I actually felt that the last point did say that it is ok to switch to formula if breastfeeding doesn’t work out for you.

- MiB on December 3rd, 2010

hmmmmmmm….. what did moms do before formula was invented?? Unless you’ve had your breasts cut off or your baby was born with no mouth there is NO excuse for formula! Breastfeeding is the HEALTHIEST, most bonding, rewarding experience a REAL MOM can enjoy…. (not to mention cheapest) I dont feel bad for moms who take the easy way out at breastfeeding is NOT easy but its what GOD intended. Not man-made caca out of a can because its easier. The easy way out is….. don’t have a kid at all! There is nothing easy about it, from beginning to end!! However, this blog & what I have to say is NOT going to stop moms from shoving formula down their innocent precious babies throats…. so I guess this was written in nought!

- cheli on December 3rd, 2010

I’m glad cheli posted something so nasty so people can get off Lotte’s back!

I thought the article was nice and helpful but I don’t like breastfeeding. Now my breasts haven’t been cut off (my cousin’s were in Rwanda so thanks for bringing up that nice visual cheli). I just don’t like bf. I creeps me out when I do it (doesn’t bother me seeing other people do it though). Luckily man DID create formula and a whole lot of other things that people don’t necessarily need but use anyway for convenience, you know like cars, planes, diet pills, stairmasters, makeup, etc.

I support all the ladies who love breastfeeding and I’m proud of them for being proud of themselves (just like I’m proud that as a woman I made a choice best for me), but I seriously doubt cheli’s kids love her anymore than mine love me. She is having some serious ego issues but at least her post was funny.

- Cici on December 3rd, 2010

Actually, Cheli, before formula, babies probably ended up drinking other things too early, like water or juice first and eating solid foods too early as well. My grandmother’s friend told me a story that her father was only fed tomato juice as a child because his mom couldn’t breastfeed him. These babies of moms who weren’t able to breastfeed may have died or had inadequate nutrition because the moms couldn’t naturally produce milk or had too many blocked ducts or other extreme difficulties. There were also wet nurses. Thank goodness for formula! No, it’s not an exact and perfect substitute for breast milk, but babies fed on it are not doomed to a shortened, sickly life, as you are implying. For whatever reason a mom may formula feed, doctors agree that it can healthily nourish a baby, though not quite as well as breast milk, so it should be a fine substitute for parents who need it.

As for the article, I think these tips are great, but as someone who only could breast feed for 3 months, I would say that I did all of those things and I still ended up crying along with my son during most feedings. We were not successful. I did love my breast pump though, because it could still get him the milk without trying to get him (usually unsuccessfully) to latch. I just wish it could be somewhat covered by my health insurance!

- Elizabeth on December 4th, 2010

The point I was trying to make (humorously instead of attackingly) is people are going to do whatever they want! God intended women to breastfeed, period. However, whether or not they are using formula just because its easier on their lifestyle OR because there is NO possible way for them to nurse…. everyone in the end is just going to continue on doing exactly what they want with their lives…. just like me…. so see ya later!!!

- Cheli on December 11th, 2010

My goodness!! I find some of the posts here very misguided and insulting. Fact – some women, no matter how much determination and desire they have, find that bf is not for them. I know because it happened to me.

I prepared before and had professional help from a midwife and doctor but within 6 weeks I had 4 breast infections and two courses of antibiotics (first two infections i fought off with natural methods). I had almost two weeks of successful feeding and then I came down with a fever and was rushed to hospital. I had a large abscess in my right breast and had to be operated on immediately. 2 weeks after that I developed another abscess in my left breast. Needless to say both abscesses required further antibiotic treatment. So four courses of antibiotics and 2 operations in 6weeks and some people still believe that “anyone can breastfeed if they are determined enough”.

Please remember not to judge what you haven’t experienced. One can only talk about one’s own experience.

- seanna on December 11th, 2010

Isn’t it funny how all breastfeeding support articles are deemed “preachy,” even if they make absolutely no mention of “breast is best” and the only mention of formula is to advise you to make sure the hospital staff knows your wishes regarding formula?

The defensiveness is out of control. Just because some moms choose or must resort to formula doesn’t mean the breastfeeding moms cannot publicly offer each other advice and support. It’s absolutely ridiculous.

- Jenna on March 24th, 2011

Ack! I read “preachy” too! Apologies!

- Jenna on March 24th, 2011