First Time Breastfeeding Tips

For new mothers breastfeeding can be a daunting prospect, but if successful it can be a bonding experience for both mother and baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that help to protect babies against germs and bacteria. It has been linked to a reduction in childhood leukemia, sudden infant death syndrome, stomach viruses and asthma according to Women's Health. It has also been linked to a lower incidence of breast and ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes in mothers.

Amount

According to Pregnancy Info, new mothers should nurse their babies on demand, which can mean anything up to 12 feedings in one day. The result will be an increase in your milk flow and a happy baby. It is also important not to let your baby sleep through a scheduled feeding. If it has been three hours since your baby was last fed you should wake him up. Feed for as long as your baby wants; this can normally be anything from 10 to 45 minutes. Pregnancy Info advises new mothers not to place too many restrictions on frequency and length when it comes to feeding newborns.

Positioning

Breast feeding is all about getting the baby to latch on properly to the breast. Pregnancy Info recommends that new mothers ask to be shown how to make sure their baby is correctly latched before they leave the hospital. The website states that mothers should be seated with a proper back support and pillows supporting the arms and on the lap. The baby should then be positioned so that he doesn't have to turn his head to reach the nipple; his mouth and nose should be facing this way already. The mother should then support her breast so that it isn't pressing into the baby's chin and support his back with her hand as opposed to the back of his head.

Contaminants

Safer Child recommends that new mothers do all they can to make sure their milk is free from contaminants such as mercury, lead or dioxins. This can be done by avoiding smoking while breastfeeding, not using pesticides in the garden, and avoiding the fumes released at gas stations. New mothers should also have their houses tested for lead paint. If the test comes back positive they should leave the premise until it has been cleaned and repainted. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid fish that contain enough mercury in them to potentially harm the baby. According to Safer Child, these include shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Dangerous forms of bacteria can also be present in raw oysters, clams and mussels.

Hydration

Mothers should drink plenty of water while they are breastfeeding to keep the supply of milk high. Fluids that dehydrate the body such as coffee should be avoided. Safer Child recommends that mothers should drink even when they are not thirsty. Waiting till you are thirsty means you are partially dehydrated which could result in your milk supply suffering.