As a new mother, you may have many questions surrounding aspects of nurturing, including breastfeeding. Although innate, the process of breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and child. The challenges you encounter are common, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that breastfeeding challenges can be flustering and, in some cases, defeating. To support you along your breastfeeding journey, here is what new moms need to know about breastfeeding.

The Changes in Your Breast Milk

Throughout your breastfeeding experience, you’ll notice changes in your breast milk’s consistency. Below we’ve listed what new moms need to know about breastfeeding and breast milk stages.

• Colostrum: Don’t let this yellow substance alarm you—colostrum is packed with nutrients and antibodies for your newborn.
• Transitional milk: Colostrum will turn to transitional milk after three to five days post-birth.
• Mature milk: Mature milk comes in between the tenth day and second week after birth. It’s thinner and whiter than transitional milk, but it may have a bluish tint initially.

Getting Your Baby To Latch

For some new mothers, getting their baby to latch takes practice and patience. We offer the following tips for getting your baby to latch onto your nipple more easily.

• Choose a breastfeeding position that works for you (read on for different breastfeeding positions).
• Keep your baby’s stomach square with yours. To support your baby up to your nipple, you may use pillows, blankets, or your arm.
• You may find a temporary nipple shield, which is especially helpful during the beginning of your breastfeeding journey. Work with a lactation consultant to gradually work your way past using a shield while breastfeeding.

To help new mothers feel more confident with the intricacies of nurturing, such as latching, Cascade Health Care offers a range of breastfeeding models. Whether you hope to learn more about lactating, latching, or breast milk composition, our models and trainers will help.

Different Breastfeeding Positions

Your comfort is very influential to your breastfeeding experience. You’ll spend lots of time physically supporting your newborn toward your breast, so it’s important to find a suitable position. A few different breastfeeding positions include the following.

• Laidback: Lie down and place your baby’s cheek to your bare chest. Make sure that you have something to support your head and neck before starting to breastfeed.
• Cradle: When you think of breastfeeding, the cradling position may first come to mind. With your baby’s head resting in the crook of your elbow, you may bring them level to your breast and begin breastfeeding while cradling.
• Lying on your side: You may find this position most applicable late at night. Lie down facing your child and use your free hand to cup your breast.

Breastfeeding, though it may be challenging, can be an incredible bonding experience for mother and child. With the right resources and preparation, you may find various methods that work best for you and your baby. After a bit of trial and error, you’ll discover how to nurture your baby best.