One of the first nurturing acts as a new mother is more than likely to be feeding your baby. For many women, that will mean breastfeeding. As natural as breast-feeding is, you may still worry and stress about providing the proper nutrients for your baby and you probably have a million questions about how it all works and how to do it correctly.

Our best advice is relax. You and your baby will get the hang of it eventually. To help calm your worries, we have put together a list of the 10best breastfeeding tips for new mothers.

1. ANTICIPATE YOUR BABY’S DESIRE

Rather than waiting for your baby to cry, you can anticipate their needs by watching for a few telltale signs. When your baby is hungry, they may

• Turn or raise their head repeatedly
• Open and close their mouth
• Stick out their tongue
• Suck on whatever is near

If you see your baby make these moves, offer your breast right away. Your baby will be happy they do not have to struggle to get your attention and you will build a level of intimacy that will deepen your mother/baby relationship.

• LET YOUR BABY DETERMINE HOW LONG AND HOW OFTEN TO NURSE

Your baby knows their needs better then you do right now. Let them determine how often to nurse, Do not set a predetermined interval between feeding and then deny your baby food just because not enough time hasn’t gone by. On the other hand, there is no need to wake a sleeping baby to feed them simply because three hours have passed. Let your sleeping baby lay peacefully and feed them when they wake.

Similarly, let your baby determine how long to nurse. Remember, your little one knows how much they need better than you do right now. Do not worry if nursing time only lasts ten minutes and do not panic if it stretches on for forty five. Some babies are fast eaters, while some like to take their time.

• GET COMFORTABLE WHILE NURSING

 As a new mother, you are going to be spending a lot of time with your baby. This entails significant amount of time holding your baby to your breast while they feed. If you do this in an unsupported sitting position, it can get uncomfortable quickly. Additionally, trying to maintain an uncomfortable position for a prolonged period of time can lead to significant back, shoulder and neck pain.

Also, the constant squirming and moving on your part can disrupt your baby’s breastfeeding and result in irritability and increased hunger. This is why it is important for you to be comfortable throughout the process. There are two best positions for comfortable for breast-feeding. One is for the mother to lie on her side with the baby facing her or for the mother to sit in a reclined position with your baby lying in your arms.

A bed or a large couch with plenty of pillows to support your backs and arms make these positions ideal for breastfeeding. Find the one that is right for you but do not be afraid to mix it up once in a while depending on your own needs. The more attentive you are to your own comfort, the more nursing sessions will be a pleasant break for both you and your baby.

• RELAX

In addition to making sure you and the baby ae comfortable while nursing, try your best to relax. Your baby can sense if you are tense and nervous about breastfeeding and they won’t latch on correctly. Your baby can’t relax if you are not relaxed. Examine your environment as well which means that if you are in a stressful environment or an environment that makes you uncomfortable, you need to opt for a change of scenery.

Maybe spend a few minutes before nursing to give yourself s pep talk. Take a few slow, deep breaths, visualize your happy place. This is supposed to be an enjoyable time of bonding with your new bundle of joy, not a stressful one.

• HELP YOUR BABY FIND THE BEST POSITION

Through the course of breast-feeding, your baby will likely find the position that is best for them. Pay attention to this position so that you can make it easier to get in quickly. Every baby is different, but there a few general guidelines that you can use to find a position that works for both you and your baby.

• Your baby should be positioned so that their mouth is level with your nipple.
• They should not have to turn their head much, if not at all.
• Their head should be tilted backward slightly.
• If possible, they should latch onto the entire areola, not just the nipple.
• Their chin should be right up against your breast so that their nose is clear.

First and foremost, do not force these positions. Your baby may prefer a slightly different position. Just don’t let it happen naturally while you make sure that your baby is comfortable and can breathe while they nurse.

• DO NOT BE ALARMED, LEAKING IS NATURAL

In the first few weeks of breastfeeding, it is common for milk t leak from your breasts. Do not be alarmed as this is completely natural. It can happen when you hear another baby cry, when your baby hast nursed for several hours, when you think about your bay, or even when you feel a strong emotion. This leaking will eventually lessen or disappear completely as your baby continues to nurse. In the meantime, simply place a nursing pad in your bra to absorb the leaks.

• DO NOT WORRY. YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH MILK

Milk production depends primarily on your baby’s needs. Your little ones sucking stimulates the release of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin which further stimulate milk production. But it does not start with your baby’s first suckle. Your breast have been preparing to give milk since the start of your pregnancy. So do not worry, you will have enough milk and the more your baby nurses, the more milk you will have.

During the first two to three days of breastfeeding, you may notice a thick yellowish orange fluid coming out of your breasts. Do not panic, that fluid is colostrum and it is just what your baby needs at the moment. Colostrum is very nutritious and contains high level of anti-bodies. These anti bodies boost your baby’s immune system so they can fight off infection.

• AVOID ENGORGEMENT

Engorgement is a painful swelling and hardening of your breast that occurs when you produce more milk than your baby consumes. It is frequent when your milk comes in right after your baby is born. The swelling can actually make it more difficult for your baby to feed, which only increases the likelihood that engorgement will continue. The best way to avoid this painful condition is to nurse your baby as often as possible.

If engorgement persists, you can hand express breast milk by gently massaging the areola between your fingers. You may want to express milk under a warm shower, which helps the milk flow more easily. If you don’t, succeed, try using a pump and continue until your breasts soften and feel comfortable again.

• ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP

Reading and taking a class about breast-feeding is one thing, actual breast feeding in your own is a different story. So ask for help within that first hour after birth when you will want to start breast feeding your little one.

In your hospital, a nurse will check on you and your bay while breastfeeding. She may even offer some advice and help you. But if you are still having trouble, the lactation consultant can further help but you have to as ask otherwise they won’t know your needs.

Breast feeding might be uncomfortable at first when your baby latches on, but it shouldn’t be a painful experience for you. If breastfeeding is hurting bad enough to make you cringe, seek out help from a professional.

1. STAY HYDRATED

Last on our breast-feeding tip is hydration. It cannot be stressed how important this tip is for you and the bay, after all you are eating and drinking for two. Water replenishes the body so a good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water whenever your breastfeed. The will ensure that your body makes enough milk and that you are staying hydrated.

We know that breastfeeding can be over whelming at times but putting the tips above into practice will help you make the most of your time with your little one while breast feeding. So pay close attention to your little ones needs, get comfortable and relax while not forgetting to be hydrated.

Remember, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Your baby will thrive right before your eyes when you follow these tips.