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, The Lactation Network 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 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.
How to start breastfeeding
Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after giving birth can set the stage for a successful breastfeeding journey. Not only will this help protect your newborn as they regulate their systems by being on your chest (known as kangaroo care), but it also will facilitate emotional bonding between you and your baby, which will benefit your entire breastfeeding journey.
Since many birthing facilities offer early breastfeeding support in the beginning, you may find the most benefit in arranging your postpartum breastfeeding support ahead of time for when you arrive home. (It’s often after parents get home that they encounter difficulties that arise after they’ve left the hospital.)
A few key tips for getting started are:
- Have uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between you and your newborn, which will help regulate their temperature and stimulate their instinct to feed.
- Find a comfortable position. This will likely take some trial and error, but when you and your baby are comfortable, it can enhance the breastfeeding experience and encourage a successful feeding session.
- Schedule a consultation with a lactation consultant to help. TLN’s International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are highly skilled, experienced professionals who provide personalized guidance. They will help you start strong and make the ABCs of breastfeeding more manageable, whether you’re a new or experienced parent!
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 an 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: Clinically diagnosed low milk supply can be supported with the guidance of an IBCLC and individualized recommendations to address it based on the underlying cause — which can be different for everyone. Generally, this is a common question in the early weeks of a newborn’s life, even if you do not actually have clinical low milk supply! Should you have concerns about your supply, your diet, or how to make your breast milk come in faster, connect with your IBCLC.
- 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 health care 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 either insufficient supply or low milk supply, your IBCLC can work closely with you to determine an individualized care plan and work alongside you as you navigate your circumstances.
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.
