Breastfeeding 101: Top Antenatal and Postnatal Tips for New Mothers

“When I was pregnant, I didn't attend any antenatal classes as I thought that breastfeeding was a natural process and I should be able to manage. Post pregnancy, I suffered many breastfeeding issues such as sore nipples, breast engorgement, and my baby was often sleepy on the breast! Only then did I realise the importance of attending a class or seeking professional guidance!”

Antenatal tips

• Educate yourself

  • Read articles on breastfeeding and attend antenatal courses to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Or if you prefer, opt for a 1-to-1 antenatal consultation for personalised advice.

• Trust professional advice

  • Avoid relying solely on friends’ or colleagues’ personal experiences; everyone’s journey is unique.

• Communicate with family 

  • Discuss your feeding plans with family members to get their support.

• Prepare for breastfeeding

  • Get ready for exclusive breastfeeding after childbirth.

Postnatal tips

• Skin-to-skin contact

  • If both mother and baby are well, practice skin-to-skin contact to stimulate the baby's digestion and feeding interest, and release hormones that support breastfeeding.

• Room-in

  • Keep your baby with you day and night where possible, to learn their needs and hunger cues. This enhances the breastfeeding experience and helps your baby settle better.

• Breastfeed on demand

  • Feed your baby based on their cues, aiming for 8-12 feeds a day. Frequent feeding enhances milk flow, prevents breast engorgement and ensures your baby gets enough milk.

  • For sleepy babies, do work with a lactation consultant to plan baby's feeding schedule.

• Practice proper latching

  • While in the hospital, practice latching and positioning to find your preferred method before going home.

  • Be flexible! If baby encounters medical issues and is unable to latch, you may consider hand expressing or pumping for comfort regularly.

• Set up a nursing station

  • Prepare a convenient spot with pillows, tissues, nursing pads, and other essentials.

• Express milk if needed

  • To prevent engorgement and stimulate milk flow, express breastmilk as necessary.

• Keep a log

  • Record breastfeeding times and baby’s outputs to monitor their intake.

Nursing tips

• Plan and prioritise

  • Know yourself, set priorities, and ensure you get enough rest by sleeping when the baby sleeps.

• Balanced diet

  • Eat well to regain energy quickly. Confinement food is important to help mommies recover well after delivery.

• Stay hydrated

  • Consume fluids regularly to support milk production and maintain energy levels.

• Relax

  • The more relaxed you are, the easier it is to manage breastfeeding and baby care.

Tips from a mother, to new mothers

• Seek help early

  • If you encounter breastfeeding problems, consult a lactation consultant. Don’t force your baby to latch, as it can create negative associations.

• Avoid self-blame 

  • Some babies might need supplements for medical reasons, and that’s okay. Do your best, and remember that expressed breastmilk is a great option if supplements are necessary.

• Every baby is different

  • Some babies latch well immediately, while others take time. Don’t compare yourself to others.

• Practice makes perfect 

  • Breastfeeding can be challenging, but persistence and practice will help you improve.

When to seek doctor's help?

While most breastfeeding issues can be resolved with guidance from a lactation consultant, there are times when you should consult a breast specialist. Consider booking an appointment at Thomson Breast Centre if you experience:

• Persistent breast pain that doesn't improve with corrected latch or positioning
• Signs of mastitis (if you experience fever, flu-like symptoms along with hard lumps in your breasts) that don't resolve within 24-48 hours.
• Nipple discharge when not breastfeeding
• Any changes in breast skin texture or colour

At Thomson Breast Centre, our team of experienced breast specialists can provide comprehensive care to address your concerns and support your breastfeeding journey. Remember, seeking timely medical advice can help ensure the health of both you and your baby.

The advice in this article was given by a Senior Lactation Consultant practicing at Thomson ParentCraft Centre.