Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms
Practical, honest advice for your breastfeeding journey. From the first latch to building your supply, here's what actually helps.
No fluff. No judgment. Just real tips that work.
Let's be honest: breastfeeding is one of those things that's supposed to be "natural" but doesn't always feel that way. The learning curve is steep, the advice is often contradictory, and the middle-of-the-night moments can feel isolating.
This guide covers the practical stuff — the tips that actually help when you're sitting there at 3am wondering if you're doing it right. We'll talk about latching, positioning, supply, and the common challenges that catch new moms off guard.
Important: This page offers general guidance, not medical advice. If you're struggling with breastfeeding, please reach out to a lactation consultant (IBCLC), your pediatrician, or a breastfeeding support group. Getting professional help early can make all the difference.
The First Few Days: What to Expect
The early days of breastfeeding are intense. Your body is figuring things out, your baby is learning too, and everything feels new. Here's what's normal:
Colostrum Comes First
Before your milk "comes in," your body produces colostrum — a thick, yellowish substance packed with antibodies and nutrients. It comes in small amounts (teaspoons, not ounces), but that's exactly what your newborn's tiny stomach needs.
Tip: Don't panic that you're "not making enough." Newborn stomachs are the size of a marble on day one. Colostrum is concentrated nutrition designed for these small feeds.
Frequent Feeding is Normal
Newborns typically nurse 8-12 times per day (or more). Some days it will feel like all you do is feed. This is normal and helps establish your supply.
Tip: Feed on demand, not on a schedule. Watch your baby's hunger cues (rooting, hand-to-mouth, fussiness) rather than the clock.
Your Milk "Comes In" Around Day 3-5
When your mature milk arrives, your breasts may feel full, heavy, or even engorged. This is your body ramping up production. It can feel overwhelming, but it regulates over time.
Tip: If engorgement is painful, nurse frequently and apply cold compresses between feeds. A warm compress right before nursing can help with letdown.
Some Discomfort is Normal (Pain is Not)
Mild tenderness during the first week is common as your nipples adjust. However, severe pain, cracked nipples, or bleeding are signs something needs attention — usually the latch.
Tip: If it hurts, gently break the latch (slide your finger into the corner of baby's mouth) and try again. Pain is usually a sign to adjust, not push through.
Getting a Good Latch
The latch is everything. A good latch means efficient milk transfer and comfortable feeding. A poor latch leads to pain, frustration, and supply issues. Here's how to get it right:
Signs of a Good Latch
- Baby's mouth is wide open, covering most of the areola (not just the nipple)
- Lips are flanged outward (like fish lips), not tucked in
- Baby's chin is touching the breast, nose is free or lightly touching
- You hear swallowing (not just sucking sounds)
- It feels like tugging or pulling, not pinching or pain
- Your nipple comes out round after feeding (not pinched or lipstick-shaped)
How to Achieve a Deep Latch
- Position baby tummy-to-tummy with you — their whole body should face you, not just their head turned.
- Bring baby to the breast, not breast to baby — hunching over leads to back pain and poor positioning.
- Wait for baby to open wide — tickle their lip with your nipple until they open like a yawn.
- Aim your nipple toward the roof of their mouth — not straight in, but angled up.
- Bring baby quickly to the breast — once they open wide, move them in close and swift.
- If it hurts, start over — break the suction gently and try again. It's better to relatch than suffer through a bad latch.
Remember: latching takes practice for both of you. It's a skill you're both learning together.
Breastfeeding Positions
Different positions work for different situations. Try a few to find what's most comfortable for you and baby.
Cradle Hold
The classic position. Baby lies across your body, head in the crook of your arm, tummy against yours. Support your arm with a pillow if needed.
Best for: Older babies with good head control, comfortable everyday nursing.
Cross-Cradle Hold
Similar to cradle, but you support baby's head with the opposite hand, giving you more control over positioning. Great for guiding the latch.
Best for: Newborns, learning to latch, smaller babies.
Football (Clutch) Hold
Baby is tucked under your arm like a football, feet pointing behind you. You have excellent view and control of the latch.
Best for: C-section recovery, large breasts, twins, babies who struggle to latch.
Side-Lying
Both you and baby lie on your sides, facing each other. Baby nurses from the lower breast. Use pillows for support behind you and between your knees.
Best for: Night feeds, C-section recovery, when you're exhausted, bed-sharing families.
Laid-Back (Biological Nurturing)
You recline comfortably and baby lies on top of you, tummy-to-tummy. Baby uses natural reflexes to find the breast and self-attach.
Best for: Skin-to-skin, newborns, when other positions feel awkward, fast letdown.
Koala Hold (Upright)
Baby sits upright straddling your thigh, facing the breast. Good for babies with reflux or who prefer to be upright.
Best for: Older babies, reflux, ear infections, stuffy noses.
Pro tip: You don't have to stick with one position. Switch it up to prevent sore spots and clogged ducts.
Building and Maintaining Your Supply
Milk supply works on supply and demand. The more milk is removed (by baby or pump), the more your body makes. Here's how to establish and maintain a healthy supply:
The Basics
- Feed frequently — 8-12 times per day in the early weeks is normal and helps establish supply.
- Don't skip feeds — if baby sleeps through a feed, pump to maintain demand signals.
- Empty the breast — let baby finish one breast before offering the other. "Empty" breasts signal the body to make more.
- Stay hydrated — drink to thirst. You don't need to force fluids, but don't ignore thirst either.
- Eat enough — breastfeeding burns 300-500 calories per day. Restrictive dieting can impact supply.
Signs Your Baby is Getting Enough
New moms often worry about supply. These signs indicate baby is getting plenty:
- 6+ wet diapers per day (after day 4)
- 3-4+ poopy diapers per day in the early weeks
- Steady weight gain after the initial newborn loss
- Baby is content after feeds (not always hungry)
- You can hear swallowing during feeds
- Your breasts feel softer after nursing
If You're Concerned About Supply
Before trying supplements or worrying, consider:
- Breast size doesn't indicate supply — small breasts can produce plenty of milk.
- Soft breasts are normal — after the early weeks, your body regulates and breasts won't feel as full.
- Fussy babies aren't always hungry — they fuss for many reasons. Cluster feeding is normal, especially in evenings.
- Pumping output doesn't equal supply — babies are more efficient than pumps. Don't judge supply by pump volume.
If you have genuine concerns, see a lactation consultant who can do a weighted feed (weighing baby before and after nursing) to measure intake.
Common Challenges (and How to Handle Them)
Most breastfeeding problems are solvable. Here's what to know about the most common issues.
Sore Nipples
Usually caused by a shallow latch. The fix is improving positioning and latch depth. In the meantime, apply expressed breast milk or medical-grade lanolin after feeds. Air-dry nipples when possible.
Seek help if: Nipples are cracked, bleeding, or pain doesn't improve after the first week.
Engorgement
When milk comes in, breasts can become painfully full and hard. Nurse frequently, use cold compresses between feeds, and try gentle massage toward the nipple. Hand express a little milk before latching if breasts are too firm for baby to latch.
Seek help if: You develop fever, red streaks, or it doesn't improve within 48 hours.
Clogged Ducts
A painful lump that develops when milk doesn't drain properly. Keep nursing (start with the affected side), massage the lump toward the nipple while feeding, apply heat before nursing, and try different positions to drain all areas.
Seek help if: Lump doesn't resolve in 1-2 days, or you develop fever or flu-like symptoms.
Mastitis
A breast infection with symptoms like fever, flu-like aching, red/hot areas on the breast. Continue nursing (it's safe and helps clear the infection). Rest, hydrate, and contact your healthcare provider — you may need antibiotics.
Seek help if: You suspect mastitis. Don't wait — it can worsen quickly.
Thrush
A yeast infection that affects both mom and baby. Signs include burning nipple pain (especially after feeds), shiny or flaky nipple skin, and white patches in baby's mouth. Both mom and baby need treatment simultaneously.
Seek help if: You notice these symptoms. Thrush needs medical treatment.
Low Supply (Perceived vs. Actual)
Most "low supply" concerns are actually misunderstandings about normal baby behavior. True low supply is relatively rare and usually has an underlying cause (hormonal issues, insufficient glandular tissue, etc.). Before assuming low supply, check baby's output and weight gain.
Seek help if: Baby isn't gaining weight, has fewer wet/dirty diapers than expected, or seems lethargic.
Tongue Tie / Lip Tie
Some babies have restricted tissue under the tongue or lip that makes latching difficult. Signs include clicking during feeds, poor weight gain, painful nursing despite good positioning, and a lipstick-shaped nipple after feeds.
Seek help if: You suspect a tie. An IBCLC or pediatric dentist can evaluate.
When to Seek Professional Help
There's no shame in getting help. Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) are specially trained to solve breastfeeding problems. Seek help if:
- Pain persists beyond the first week
- Baby isn't gaining weight or is losing weight
- Baby has fewer wet/dirty diapers than expected
- Nursing feels like a battle every time
- You're dreading feeds or feeling overwhelmed
- You notice signs of infection (fever, red streaks, flu symptoms)
- Baby won't latch at all
- You're considering stopping and want to explore options first
Where to Find Help
- IBCLC Lactation Consultants — the gold standard in breastfeeding support
- Hospital lactation services — often free postpartum visits
- La Leche League — free peer support groups
- WIC programs — offer breastfeeding support (US)
- Your pediatrician — can identify feeding issues and refer to specialists
- Breastfeeding hotlines — many hospitals and organizations offer phone support
Getting help early is always better than struggling in silence. Most breastfeeding problems are fixable with the right support.
Taking Care of Yourself
Breastfeeding is demanding work. You're literally sustaining another human with your body. Here's how to take care of yourself in the process:
Rest When Possible
Sleep deprivation is real. Nap when baby naps (when you can), and lower your standards for everything else.
Eat Real Food
Keep easy, nourishing snacks within reach. You need fuel. Protein, healthy fats, and carbs — don't restrict.
Hydrate
Keep water next to your nursing spot. Many moms get intensely thirsty during letdown — that's normal.
Accept Help
Let others handle meals, laundry, older kids. Your job is feeding the baby. Everything else can wait.
Watch Your Mental Health
Postpartum mood disorders are common and treatable. If you feel hopeless, anxious, or disconnected, please reach out for help.
Invest in Comfort
A good nursing pillow, comfortable chair, and supportive nursing bras make a real difference when you're nursing hours each day.
Remember: taking care of yourself is taking care of your baby. You can't pour from an empty cup.
You're Doing Amazing
Breastfeeding is hard work. Whether it comes easily or is a daily struggle, whether you nurse for two weeks or two years — you're doing something incredible for your baby.
There's no prize for suffering in silence. Get help when you need it. Celebrate the wins. And know that whatever your breastfeeding journey looks like, it's valid and worthy of being remembered.
Celebrate Your Journey
Document your breastfeeding moments with a beautiful Tree of Life keepsake. Free, takes 60 seconds, and you'll treasure it forever.