Tips for Breastfeeding Your Newborn

Tips for Breastfeeding Your Newborn

Experiencing issues with breastfeeding? Our pediatric team is here to help.

 

Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and natural experiences that a new mother can have; however, just because it’s natural doesn’t always mean it’s easy. That’s where our Houston, TX, pediatricians Dr. Heena Thakkar and Dr. Shilpa Pankaj come in. We have helped countless women tackle different challenges surrounding breastfeeding to make the experience a positive and smoother one. Here are some tips that we’ve learned along the way,

 

Recognize your baby’s hunger signs

For the first month, your baby will need to nurse anywhere from 8-12 times a day. Once they reach 2-3 months old they may only nurse about 7-9 times. While crying is definitely a sign that your baby could be hungry, there are much easier and less painful ways of detecting that they need to nurse.

 

If your baby is producing sucking sounds, is sticking out their tongue, or raising their head often then it’s definitely time to nurse. Paying attention to these cues can help to lessen hunger-induced crying fits.

 

Find a comfortable position

Especially in the beginning, you’re going to be spending a lot of time nursing. It can also take time for your baby to latch properly, so it’s important to find a position that is comfortable for both you and the baby. You can choose to nurse in a reclined position with your baby in your arms or you may choose to lie on your side and allow your baby to nurse this way. The position you choose is truly up to you and what feels most comfortable.

 

Lead them to the perfect latch

The more you breastfeed the more comfortable you will be with getting your baby into position; however, there are habits that you can adopt from the get-go that will make latching faster and easier. Your baby’s head should be level with the nipple, and make sure that they are latching on to the areola and not just the nipple itself.

 

Your baby’s nose should not be obstructed, which you can prevent by making sure their chin rests against your breast while feeding. Of course, these angles may change slightly, based on your baby. As long as they are properly latched and everyone is comfortable, that’s all that matters.

 

When should I seek professional help?

While it can take some time to get into the groove of breastfeeding it’s also important to recognize when you’re dealing with breastfeeding issues that warrant consulting our Houston, TX, pediatric team. You may want to seek professional help if breastfeeding is painful, you’re dealing with sore, cracked nipples or your baby isn’t getting enough milk (e.g. they aren’t gaining weight).

 

If you are experiencing issues with breastfeeding, our Houston, TX, pediatricians can provide you with advice and solutions. Call Peekaboo Pediatrics at (713) 861-4800 to schedule your breastfeeding consultation.

Peekaboo Pediatrics

Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed