Posted on February 22, 2023
Empowerment, Female Health, Healthy Living, Style and Fit, Triumph
Becoming a new mother is an exciting time, but it’s also full of adjustments as you enter a new stage in your life. Your daily routine changes, your priorities change, and your body changes too. For many new mothers, breastfeeding can feel strange or unnatural at first. It’s important to be kind to yourself, and embrace ways to make breastfeeding feel more comfortable. In this article, we share our top breastfeeding tips and tricks for new mothers. From maternity bras to handling leaks, these tips can make breastfeeding easier and less stressful.
Stages of breast milk after giving birth
In your first two weeks of breastfeeding, you’ll find your breast milk will continue to change. First, you’ll produce a yellow milk called colostrum. Full of antibodies, it helps your baby fight infection. During your first week, colostrum will give way to transitional milk, which is a mix of substances your baby needs. Finally, during the second week you’ll begin to produce mature milk that will feed your baby until weaning.
Breastfeeding tips for new mothers
In the first few months, your baby may need to nurse at unexpected times. Having everything you need to be comfortable prepared and ready to go can really help. A maternity bra is a great choice to make sure you’re ready to feed at any time. These bras use magnetic clips to create dropdown cups, so you don’t have to remove your bra every time you feed. Our Gorgeous Maternity Bra provides a comfortable t-shirt option, or you can also choose our Amour Maternity Lace Bra for a maternity bra that doesn’t compromise on elegance. Along with that, it also helps to have a nearby breastfeeding pillow and some nipple cream if you find your nipples becoming sore after feeding.
Finding a position that is comfortable for both you and your baby is one of the most important breastfeeding tips. Every baby is different, but here are some guidelines that can help you find a comfortable position:
In the first few weeks after you start breastfeeding, it’s common for you to experience leaks. These can happen unexpectedly, and even hearing your baby’s voice can cause a leak to start! Planning ahead can help:
Your baby takes their nutrients from you, which means you need to pay special attention to your diet. Eat balanced meals to make sure you get the nutrients you need. You should also include plenty of protein, iron, and calcium. Along with that, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It’s best to avoid large amounts of caffeine, and stay clear of alcohol.
Breastfeeding should not cause you constant pain, so if you notice continued breast or nipple pain it might be a sign that something is wrong. If your nipples become sore or cracked, apply lanolin cream, and work on adjusting your breastfeeding position to make sure your baby latches on properly. If you notice an irritated and painful spot on your breast, this could be a blocked duct. Continued breastfeeding can break through the blockage, a warm compress can also help give relief. If you find yourself experiencing ongoing pain or irritation, visit a medical professional.
Becoming a mother can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it also brings with it lots of adjustments and plenty to learn. During this time, the right maternity bra can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body. If you need help finding the right fit after changes to your breasts, visit our expert fitting guide.