Breastfeeding is an essential and natural way for mothers to nourish their babies. It provides an array of benefits that range from great nutrition to bonding with the baby.

Yet, many mothers, especially first-timers, might struggle with breastfeeding at first, which can lead to stress and anxiety. However, breastfeeding is a skill, and like any other talent, it takes time, patience, and the exchange of knowledge to master.

From preparing for breastfeeding, latching, milk production, and pumping, to managing pain and breastfeeding in public, below are 30 expert tips for a successful breastfeeding experience.

Preparing for Breastfeeding

1. Attend a breastfeeding class

Before giving birth, find a reputable breastfeeding class that covers the basics of breastfeeding and latching. Ask questions and familiarize yourself with different breastfeeding positions that work best for you and your baby.

It’s essential to attend the class with your partner so that they can also support and help you with breastfeeding after delivery.

2. Find a reliable lactation consultant

A lactation consultant is trained and certified to provide expert advice and support for breastfeeding mothers. You can meet with a consultant before and after delivery to assess your breastfeeding experience.

They can help you with latching, milk supply, or any other issues that you might experience during breastfeeding.

3. Buy nursing essentials

Must-haves for nursing mothers include nursing bras, breast pads, nipple creams, and nursing tanks. They’ll help make breastfeeding more comfortable and prevent sore nipples.

Also, consider investing in breastfeeding-friendly clothing like wrap dresses, kimonos, and tops that make it easy to feed your baby discreetly in public.

Latching and Milk Production

4. Practice skin-to-skin contact

Immediately after delivery, hold your baby skin-to-skin to create a comfortable environment for them to bond, seek the breast, and start their first feeding. It’ll help stimulate milk production and encourage your baby to latch on soon after.

5. Look for hunger cues

Before your baby cries, they’ll show signs of readiness to feed. Lip smacking, rooting, wiggling, or sucking motions are all hunger cues.

Watch for these cues, and the moment your baby shows them, feed them to avoid them getting too hungry and frustrated.

6. Get the right latch

A proper latch is crucial to breastfeeding success. Here are some steps you can follow to achieve a good latch:.

Bring your baby close and nose-to-nipple
Wait for your baby to open wide before latching on
Aim for your nipple to be at the back of their mouth
Your baby should have a big mouthful of breast tissue in their mouth

7. Don’t be afraid to re-latch

If your baby’s latch is uncomfortable or painful, remove them from your breast and try again. Re-latching can help avoid nipple pain, prevent clogged milk ducts, and ensure that your baby gets enough milk.

8. Follow the 2-hour rule

In the first few weeks, offer your baby the breast at least every two hours, even if they don’t seem too hungry. Frequent breastfeeding helps establish milk supply and promotes your baby’s healthy weight gain.

9. Switch sides equally

Alternate breasts during feeds to ensure that both sides get emptied equally, encourage milk production, and prevent engorgement. You can keep track of which side to offer next by wearing a bracelet or hair-tie on your wrist.

10. Encourage milk letdown

Relaxing and being calm during feeding can help stimulate the letdown reflex, which is the release of milk from the breasts. Take deep breaths, listen to calming music, or practice skin-to-skin contact with your baby to encourage letdown.

11. Hand-express to increase milk supply

If your baby isn’t latching well or milk supply seems low, use your hands to massage your breasts and hand express milk. Hand expressing is an efficient way of getting milk from your breasts and can help increase your milk supply.

12. Use breast compressions

Breast compressions can help your baby get more milk and empty the breast fully. Place your hand behind your breast and squeeze gently. This technique can also provide relief if you have sore or clogged ducts.

13. Avoid pacifiers and bottles in the first few weeks

Introducing pacifiers or bottles too early can lead to nipple confusion and make it hard for your baby to adjust to breastfeeding. Wait until your baby is about a month old before introducing these.

Pumping and Engorgement

14. Get a good breast pump

If you’re going back to work or need to pump milk for your baby, invest in a high-quality breast pump. Electric or double electric pumps work best, and they should be comfortable and easy to use.

Talk to your consultant or friends who pump for recommendations.

15. Pump regularly

Consistent pumping helps maintain milk supply and makes it easier for your baby to latch. Whether you’re pumping to get a backup stash or to replace a feeding, aim to pump at least every three hours.

16. Warm compresses can help with pumping

Before pumping, warm your breasts with a warm compress or using a hot shower. The warmth can help stimulate milk flow and let down, making it easier to pump and empty your breasts.

17. Avoid over-pumping

Over-pumping can lead to engorgement and make your milk supply decrease. After you empty your breasts and stop seeing milk flow out, stop pumping. Pumping for too long can irritate your breasts and cause discomfort.

18. Use cold compresses if you’re engorged

If your breasts feel hard and sore due to milk accumulation, use cold compresses or a bag of frozen peas on your breasts between feedings. The compresses can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Dealing with Pain and Discomfort

19. Use nipple creams or balms

If your nipples are sore, cracked, or dry, applying nipple creams or balms can help soothe and moisturize them. Look for products with natural ingredients, like lanolin or coconut oil, which are safe for your baby.

20. Nurse with different positions

If a particular breast position is uncomfortable or causes pain, try a different position. Switching up your positions and trying different holds can help relieve pain and discomfort and prevent clogged ducts.

21. Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water will help keep you hydrated and prevent breast inflammation and engorgement. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Keep a water bottle close to you to remind you to drink water regularly.

22. Avoid tight-fitting clothing

Tight clothing, including bras, can put pressure on your breasts and cause pain or discomfort. Opt for looser-fitting clothes, especially during pregnancy and early postpartum. Loose clothing also makes it easier to breastfeed in public.

23. Get some rest

Fatigue can make breastfeeding more challenging and painful. To avoid fatigue, get plenty of rest and sleep when your baby sleeps. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with house chores or baby-watching to get some rest.

Breastfeeding in Public

24. Choose your outfits wisely

Wearing breastfeeding-friendly clothes can make it a breeze to feed your baby in public. Opt for dresses with a wrap-style or v-neckline or tops that are nursing-specific.

It’s easy to access your breast for feeding, and the outfit won’t attract attention.

25. Plan ahead

Before heading out, plan where you can breastfeed your baby. Look for nursing-friendly rooms in malls or airports, or scout for quiet areas where you can sit and nurse discreetly. Prepare a nursing cover or a burp cloth for modesty.

26. Ignore stares or negative comments

Unfortunately, some people may not be comfortable with public breastfeeding. If you encounter negative comments or stares, don’t engage.

Instead, focus on your baby and your feeding experience, knowing that you’re doing the best for your child.

27. Learn to breastfeed hands-free

Hands-free breastfeeding using a nursing pillow or sling allows you to feed your baby while still doing other tasks or being on the go. It also makes it easier to breastfeed in public and reduces the chance of exposing your breasts accidentally.

Stress Relievers and Mental Health

28. Connect with support groups or online forums

Surrounding yourself with people who understand and support your breastfeeding journey can be beneficial.

Joining a breastfeeding support group or online forums will allow you to share your experience and get practical advice from other mothers who have gone through it.

29. Practice relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help calm you down when feeling stressed. They can also promote sleep and make your breastfeeding experience less stressful overall.