Once the baby is born and breastfeeding is established, milk production is achieved with the stimulation of the mother's nipple by her child . This simple action sets in motion a cascade of hormones that make lactation possible. Here are top tips before starting to breast feed.

Intimacy and early suckling of the nipple

This is the perfect setting for a good start to breastfeeding. Pediatricians insist that the first skin-to-skin contact after delivery is not interrupted, since it is during the two hours after birth when the newborn is most awake and active. This way, he will suck more effectively and learn to suck immediately. If you wait until later, the little one gets tired, loses interest in what is happening around, falls asleep. When put on the breast, the suckling reflex will not have the vigor of the first hours, which can delay or hinder lactation. Maternities take more and more care of this first contact; if there are no health reasons that advice against it, the ideal is that you have your baby already in the delivery room during the first 70 minutes of life. Put it skin to skin, on your bare chest and wait for a little while. Soon you will see how the baby begins to suck.

Breastfeed on demand

From this first feed and forward, you should feed your baby whenever he asks for it, that is, on demand. During the first weeks, he will take approximately 8 to 10 feedings a day at intervals that he will mark by his choice. Only wake him up if he is very sleepy and allow more than 4 hours to pass between feedings.

Together day and night

Since milk secretion depends on suction, it is essential that you do not separate the baby from breastfeeding and that he/she only feeds on your milk, day and night. Do not count the number of feedings. It will be adjusted over time.

A correct position

 Cracks and low milk production are directly related to an incorrect position while breastfeeding.

Don’t separate the baby from the breast

He will do it himself. Don't change breasts before the breast is empty either. The milk at the beginning is more watery, rich in sugars and proteins to quench thirst. The late milk has a higher content of fats and vitamins to satisfy the baby’s needs.

Do not add bottle feeds

 Remember that your breast is a pump with a supply mechanism that does fail: if your child does not suck, the breast will not fill. Falling into the temptation to give him a bottle is to open the door to failure.

Say no to the pacifier 

Until breastfeeding is well established, do not offer a pacifier so there is no confusion with sucking on the nipple.

Rest as much as you can 

If you have spent the night awake, chaining one take to the other, do not hesitate to take a nap at 12 in the morning; your body, your nerves... and your baby will thank you.

Stop stressing yourself

The first few days you need time and calm to get your child to latch on well to your breast. Keeping an eye out for a knock on the door or family members coming out of your room won't help. Ask your partner to attend to them when you are breastfeeding your baby.

Eat well 

Milk production can be stressful to the body due the high demand of energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and fats. Always keep aware of your needs and keep them up whether by using a Lactation Cookie, medicinal supplementations, or high quality selected food. 

Trust your baby.

Your baby knows how much milk he needs and when and how to get it.

Trust yourself

 Do not let thoughts of failure invade you or doubt the quality of your milk. You, like the vast majority of women, are going to put and give him the best food for his growth, his intelligence, and his health. We recommend you try Natural Lactation Cookie Bites from BOOBEE that will benefit both you and your baby.