Breastfeeding 101: Everything you need to know
There’s a ton of information out there about breastfeeding, and we know it can be intimidating to figure out where to begin. Trust us, we get it — and we’ve got you. You’re not alone. Whether this is your first or fourth kid, we’ve created this breastfeeding 101 guide to ensure you’re equipped to know what (and who) can help you every step of the way.
Here you’ll find answers to the most common breastfeeding questions and learn how experts like our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) can help you understand all things breastfeeding from the start. Let’s dive in.
What is breastfeeding?
Simply put, breastfeeding is the process of naturally nourishing newborns with milk produced by a caregiver’s body. According to the World Health Organization, breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival, as breast milk is the ideal food for infants.
Here at The Lactation Network (TLN), we believe breastfeeding is a deeply intimate experience that creates a powerful connection between a parent and child. Through breastfeeding, a parent offers not just physical nourishment, but also a sense of comfort and security that helps their baby thrive. It’s a shared closeness that strengthens the unspoken understanding between them.
Benefits of breastfeeding
The breastfeeding journey offers numerous benefits for both parent and child. Some of the top benefits include:
- Nutrition: Breast milk provides the perfect balance of nutrients essential for a baby’s growth and development, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Immunity boost: Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting factors that help protect the baby from infections and illnesses.
- Bonding: Breastfeeding promotes close physical and emotional bonding between the parent and the child, providing comfort and security.
- Convenience: Breastfeeding is convenient because it provides a readily available source of nutrition for babies, eliminating or reducing the need to purchase and prepare formula.
The ABCs of breastfeeding
At TLN, we get asked unique questions about breastfeeding all the time — and our IBCLCs have seen and heard it all as they care for breastfeeding patients. We put together this helpful guide with many basic terms you’ll learn along the way as you navigate your breastfeeding journey. While not every letter will be mentioned here, there are plenty of key terms included to get a great grasp on breastfeeding terminology! (If this alphabet looks lengthy, we get it — your IBCLC will be able to go over everything, A to Z, at your insurance-covered consultation.)
A – Assistance: The breastfeeding journey can be difficult and stressful for new parents and one they shouldn’t have to navigate alone. It’s important for breastfeeding parents to understand the many benefits of working with a lactation care specialist.
B – Breast milk: Breast milk is milk produced by the mammary glands and is a source of nutrition for newborn infants that contains fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.
C – Colostrum: This is the first milk produced by the breast right after birth. It is thick, yellowish, and rich in nutrients your baby needs in the first few hours and days.
D – Deciphering infant hunger cues: There are several signs that your baby is hungry and should be fed right away. They may move their fists to their mouth or turn their head to look for the breast. They may also become more alert and active, suck on their hands or smack their lips, or repeatedly open and close their mouth.
E – Engorgement: This can happen when your breasts become overly full and swollen with milk, leading to discomfort and difficulty latching. Frequent breastfeeding, warm compresses, and gentle massage can help alleviate this.
F – Feeding schedule: In the first few weeks, newborns typically breastfeed every one to three hours, or eight to 12 times a day, including at night. Frequent feedings will also help stimulate milk production.
G – Galactagogues: These are lactation inducers and/or milk boosters for breastfeeding parents who might be having trouble inducing their milk production or need assistance in increasing their milk supply.
H – Hold: Finding a comfortable and supportive hold for both you and your baby while breastfeeding is crucial for success. Common breastfeeding positions include the cradle hold, cross cradle hold, and the football hold.
I – International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC): An IBCLC is the highest-accredited healthcare professional specializing in lactation and breastfeeding support.
J – Jaundice: Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the body. It occurs more frequently in breast-fed than formula-fed babies, particularly among babies who do not nurse frequently in the first days of life or are not breastfeeding well and continue to lose weight. Frequent and effective breastfeeding in the early days helps the baby’s body eliminate bilirubin.
K – Kangaroo care: This is a technique where babies are placed skin to skin. It’s often adopted for premature babies and has been proven to help stimulate feeding, produce oxytocin, and create a sense of security.
L – Latching on: A breastfeeding latch is how your baby’s mouth attaches to your nipple and areola when breastfeeding.
M – Mature milk: Mature milk looks thinner than colostrum but is still full of nutrients for your baby. It starts about 10-15 days after birth. Mature milk will continue to change with your baby’s needs and tummy.
N – Nutrition: Proper nutrition helps you maintain your energy and nutrient stores and can also help you produce enough milk for your baby. Additionally, it’s important for supporting your baby’s neural development, metabolic processes, and immune system.
O – Oxytocin: The pituitary gland produces two hormones that are essential for breastfeeding: Oxytocin and prolactin. Oxytocin causes the muscles around the milk-producing cells to contract with force, allowing the milk to flow through the milk ducts to the nipple and into the baby’s mouth.
P – Postpartum: This is the time after giving birth when a woman’s body returns to its pre-pregnant state.
R – Rights: Breastfeeding should be a shame-free experience both at home and in public. To fight the stigma and feel comfortable feeding your baby in any environment, it’s important to understand your breastfeeding and nursing rights.
S – Skin to skin: Skin to skin contact with your baby right after giving birth can help them latch on when breastfeeding, keep them warm, and strengthen their immune system.
T – Transitional milk: When mature breast milk starts to replace colostrum, it’s called transitional milk. This is often what’s called “your milk coming in,” and it usually happens in your first week at home with the baby.
V – Valve: Valves, also known as duck valves, are the small, flexible breast pump parts that stretch and release as the pump sucks in. This contrasting suction helps draw milk out.
W – Weaning: As your baby grows and is ready to transition into eating solid foods, you may consider weaning off breastfeeding.
How to have a successful breastfeeding journey
While everyone’s breastfeeding experience will be different, there are a few important foundations to a successful breastfeeding journey.
- Get expert care and education: Learn about breastfeeding before the baby arrives through classes, books, and consulting with a healthcare professional or IBCLC. Understanding the basics of latching, feeding positions, and common challenges from a highly skilled professional can be extremely helpful.
- Support system: Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, and healthcare providers. Joining a breastfeeding support group can provide encouragement and a sense of community.
- Patience and persistence: Breastfeeding can initially be challenging, so it’s important to be patient with yourself and your baby and to seek help when needed. Consistent practice and addressing any issues early on can lead to a more rewarding experience.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial, as it supports milk production and keeps you feeling your best.
Common breastfeeding issues and how to overcome them
Four of the most common breastfeeding issues many parents face include:
- Latching difficulties: When babies aren’t latching, it can be helpful to practice various positions. Eventually, you’ll find the one that suits both you and your baby.
- Low milk supply: Fortifying your diet with lactation-boosting foods, supplementing with galactagogues, and staying hydrated can help increase your supply.
- Health issues
- Mastitis: This is the inflammation of breast tissue that often causes flu-like symptoms and is a common health issue related to breastfeeding, affecting 10% to 20% of lactating parents. This condition can lead to infection if untreated, so if you suspect you have it, contact your IBCLC or other healthcare professional immediately.
- PPA and PPD: Postpartum anxiety (PPA) and postpartum depression (PPD) are mental health conditions that can affect new parents after giving birth and also negatively impact breastfeeding outcomes. It’s important to get as much rest as you can and to ask for and accept help from family, friends, and your partner. You can also join a support group or talk to a healthcare professional about how you’re feeling.
- Lactation issues: Lactation issues often challenge breastfeeding parents and can range from insufficient milk supply to oversupply. For insufficient supply, focusing on frequent breastfeeding and staying hydrated and rested can help stimulate production. For oversupply, it can be helpful to feed from one breast per session and express milk to ease discomfort.
If these strategies don’t work, seeking advice from one of our expert International Board Certified Lactation Consultants can help you navigate these challenges and find the best breastfeeding approach for you.
How lactation consultants help you succeed
Our IBCLCs offer vital support on your breastfeeding journey. You’ll benefit from their specialized, expert knowledge in everything breastfeeding-related, from initiating to maintaining lactation. Their guidance can be indispensable for new parents and any parent experiencing breastfeeding challenges, such as latching difficulties and concerns about milk supply. They can also help with induced lactation, if that’s an option you’d like to explore with and for your family.
TLN’s lactation consultants play a crucial role in helping their clients overcome common breastfeeding barriers and are dedicated to ensuring both parent and baby thrive.
While the breastfeeding journey is unique for everyone, professional insight from one of TLN’s IBCLCs can ensure you won’t have to navigate these waters alone. Our expert clinical lactation consultants offer strategies and treatments that will help alleviate your concerns.
Never hesitate to seek help. We’re here for you every step of the way. To get the insurance-covered lactation care and support you deserve (often in the comfort of your own home!), request a consultation with one of our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants to learn more.
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.
