How to Start Breastfeeding like a Badass: A Complete Guide to Getting Started 2025
Introduction
Breastfeeding is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. For many new mothers, the early days of nursing can feel overwhelming and challenging. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know on how to start breastfeeding with confidence.
As a nurse practitioner who has helped new mothers and newborns with breastfeeding for the past 20 years, I have seen firsthand the struggles, the tears, and the frustration that can come with breastfeeding.
Whether you’re pregnant and planning ahead or you’ve just welcomed your little one, understanding the fundamentals of breastfeeding can make a significant difference in your experience. From mastering the perfect latch to recognizing hunger cues, we’ll cover all the essential aspects of nursing your baby successfully.
Remember, every mother’s journey is unique, and while this guide provides extensive information, it’s always beneficial to combine this knowledge with support from healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and experienced mothers.
Let’s begin this important journey together, exploring each aspect of breastfeeding to help you and your baby thrive.
How to Start Breastfeeding: The First Hours
The golden hours immediately after birth are crucial for establishing breastfeeding. During this time, your baby is typically most alert and ready to nurse, while your body produces nutrient-rich colostrum, often called “liquid gold.”
What to Expect
- Your first milk (colostrum) will be thick, yellow, and produced in small amounts
- Newborns have tiny stomachs (size of a cherry) and need frequent, small feeds
- Skin-to-skin contact helps initiate natural feeding behaviors
- Your baby may be sleepy or alert during this time – both are normal
Here is a great resource on the first week’s timeline with milk production, check it out. https://justaskjennp.com/when-does-breastmilk-come-in/
Understanding Your Baby’s Hunger Cues
Learning to recognize early hunger signs helps establish successful feeding patterns and prevents crying-induced feeding difficulties. If your baby is upset, it will be more difficult to latch and your little one will get more frustrated at the breast and push away. Try to catch the early cues of hunger before the crying begins. Remember, your baby is learning how to start breastfeeding as well.
Early Hunger Signs
- Increased alertness or activity
- Rooting (turning head searching for breast)
- Hand-to-mouth movements
- Lip smacking or tongue movements
- Soft cooing or sighing sounds
Late Hunger Signs
- Crying (a late sign of hunger)
- Intense movement
- Color turning red
- Difficulty latching due to frustration
Mastering the Perfect Latch
A proper latch is fundamental to successful breastfeeding, preventing nipple pain and ensuring effective milk transfer.
Steps to Achieve a Good Latch
- Position your baby belly-to-belly with you
- Align baby’s nose with your nipple
- Wait for a wide mouth opening (like a yawn)
- Bring baby to breast (not breast to baby)
- Ensure baby takes both nipple and areola into their mouth
- Provide good head support to prevent your baby from slipping to the tip of the nipple as they get tired.Â
Signs of a Good Latch
- No pain after initial seconds of nursing
- Baby’s lips flanged outward like “fish lips”
- Rhythmic sucking with occasional pauses
- Audible swallowing
- Breast softening during feed
Common Breastfeeding Positions
Different positions work better for different mothers and babies. Experimenting with various holds helps find your comfort zone.
Recommended Positions
- Cradle Hold
- Most common position
- Baby cradled in arm on same side as nursing breast
- Good for term babies with good head control
- Cross-Cradle Hold
- Excellent for newborns
- Provides more control for latch
- Baby supported by opposite arm of nursing breast
- Football Hold
- Great after C-section
- Good for mothers with large breasts
- Baby tucked under arm like football
- Side-Lying Position
- Perfect for night feeds
- Allows mother to rest while feeding
- Good option after C-section
Building and Maintaining Milk Supply
Your milk supply operates on supply and demand – the more milk removed, the more your body produces. Any time you supplement with a bottle, pump to keep up with the demand.Â
Tips for Healthy Supply
- Feed on demand (8-12 times per 24 hours)
- Ensure complete breast emptying
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain healthy diet (extra 300-500 calories daily)
- Get adequate rest
- Check this link for healthy, natural foods to increase your supply https://justaskjennp.com/15-natural-foods-to-boost-breastmilk-supply/
Supply Signals
- Regular wet/dirty diapers
- Baby gaining weight appropriately
- Baby seems satisfied after feeds
- Let-down sensation during nursing
Common Challenges and Solutions
Understanding typical challenges helps you prepare and respond effectively. Below, you will see the most common complaints of breastfeeding moms. If you are concerned about clogged ducts, mastitis, or other concerns. I have other posts to help in those situations. Check these link out. https://justaskjennp.com/clogged-duct-vs-mastitis/
Common Issues
- Sore Nipples
- Improve latch position
- Apply expressed milk or lanolin
- Use breast shells between feeds
- Seek help if pain persists
- Engorgement
- Frequent nursing
- Cold compresses between feeds
- Reverse pressure softening
- Gentle hand expression
- Blocked Ducts
- Frequent feeding from affected side
- Warm compresses before feeding
- Gentle massage
- Various nursing positions
Essential Tools and Supplies
While breastfeeding requires minimal equipment, certain items can help. Check out the list below, but there is also another post that is specific to the top essential breastfeeding items for success. https://justaskjennp.com/breastfeeding-products/
Basic Necessities
- Nursing bras (2-3)
- Nursing pads
- Comfortable chair with support
- Nursing pillow
- Water bottle for hydration
Optional Items
- Breast pump
- Milk storage bags
- Nipple cream
- Nursing cover (if desired)
When to Seek Help
Don’t hesitate to seek professional support for:
- Persistent pain while nursing
- Low weight gain in baby
- Concerns about milk supply
- Signs of mastitis
- Emotional struggles
Support Resources
- Lactation consultants (IBCLCs)
- La Leche League meetings
- Pediatrician
- Postpartum support groups
Self-Care for Nursing Mothers
Taking care of yourself is crucial for successful breastfeeding. Rest, hydration and nutrition is all important to stay sane during these emotional, hormonal weeks of recovery. Check out this link for the best tips to recover. https://justaskjennp.com/postpartum-recovery/
Self-Care Essentials
- Prioritize sleep when possible
- Maintain healthy nutrition
- Stay hydrated
- Accept help from others
- Connect with other nursing mothers
Establishing a Routine
While newborns feed on demand, patterns typically emerge over time. I typically encourage a tighter daytime schedule to encourage better day/night routines. Aim to breastfeed every 2-2.5 hours throughout the day, then see if you can go 4 hours at night- but follow your baby’s demand.Â
Tips for Creating Structure
- Track feedings initially
- Learn baby’s natural patterns
- Plan activities between feeds
- Create a comfortable nursing station
- Prepare for night feeds
Conclusion
Every new mom asks herself how to start breastfeeding. Remember that breastfeeding is a learning experience for both you and your baby. With patience, proper support, and the right information, you can overcome challenges and establish a rewarding nursing relationship. Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed – support is an essential part of the journey.
Stanford Nursery has some great information as well, check them out here: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=breastfeeding-getting-started-90-P02637
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with healthcare providers, lactation consultants, or other qualified professionals for personalized guidance.
