by Selena Robinson

Created on: September 23, 2009

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 74% of new mothers attempted to breastfeed in 2006. Only 43% continued for 6 months and by 12 months postpartum, only 23% were still breastfeeding. The percentages were even smaller for exclusive breastfeeding. How can first time breastfeeding mothers make their nursing experience a success? Here are a few tips that may help you to make breastfeeding enjoyable for you and your baby.

Be reasonable in your expectations. Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby, but that doesn't mean it's easy. It takes a while for you and your baby to establish a good latch and for your nipples to adjust to the pressure. (See a step-by-step diagram for a proper latch-on here.) Lansinoh cream is a good remedy for sore nipples. Don't worry about dieting. This is the one time in your life when you really do need to eat and drink more than usual. Try to pick whole grains, lean proteins and fruits and vegetables to keep your energy up. Drink water at every feeding to keep from getting dehydrated. If you don't eat and drink enough, you might reduce your milk supply. Get as much rest as you can. This might sound unattainable, but you can rest while nursing! Lie down on your side and place your baby on her side facing you. While baby is nursing, you can catch a quick nap! If you are nervous about co-sleep safety, try placing a cosleeper next to your bed, so you can pull baby next to you to nurse without having to get up at night. Nurse on each side at every feeding, especially in the beginning. This will help you to establish a good milk supply in each breast. After engorgement passes, you can switch to using one side at each feeding. Be sure to start on the unused side at the next feeding. During engorgement, use cold cabbage leaves to reduce swelling momentarily. (Don't use them for more than 8 hours to avoid reducing your milk supply.) Nurse often while you are engorged to ease pressure and to even out your supply. Network with other breastfeeding moms. La Leche League is a great resource for breastfeeding moms to ask questions and learn from experienced nursing mothers. If you qualify for WIC assistance in your state, take advantage of the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. You can get nursing assistance anytime for free! Talk with your obstetrician or midwife about your desire to nurse. Your doctor can examine your nipples to see if you have flat or inverted nipples. If you do, you can use breast shields to make nursing easier. If you will be using birth control, your doctor can recommend a product that will not reduce your milk supply or pass on extra hormones to your baby.

If you would like more information about how you can get off to a good nursing start, consider the book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding published by La Leche League International.

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