12 steps to successful breastfeeding learned from years of IBCLC work
Can you guess what the most common question or concern is for new and expecting mamas?
Yes, the title gives it away!
Will I produce enough breastmilk for my baby?
After years of one-on-one breastfeeding consultations and classes, our IBCLC team has heard this same question asked dozens of different ways. Here’s a small sampling of the questions we’ve heard:
- Do I have a low milk supply?
- Am I making enough milk for my baby?
- How can I tell if my milk supply is sufficient?
- Is my breastmilk supply enough for my baby’s needs?
- What if I can’t produce enough milk for my little one?
- How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
- Will my body provide enough milk for breastfeeding?
- What signs should I look for to know if I have enough milk?
- Is it normal to worry about my milk supply?
- How often should I feed my baby to make sure they get enough milk?
- Can I increase my milk supply if I feel it’s low?
- What should I do if I think I’m not producing enough breastmilk?
- How can I make sure I’m breastfeeding effectively to meet my baby’s needs?
The first thing you must know is that you are not alone in your worries.
As a team, we’ve found that this question is as common as…well, breastfeeding itself! Your milk supply is most likely the first doubt or concern you will have as a new or expecting mama and we’re going to address it in this blog post.
The first six weeks are the most crucial time for establishing your milk supply. Over 80% of our IBCLCs’ consultations are with new mamas within the first six weeks of having their baby, and more than half of those occur within the first two weeks.
Our team of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) has years of experience helping mamas just like you navigate some of the most challenging breastfeeding issues. The strategies our team has put together that you’ll read about below will help you establish a healthy breastmilk supply.
1. Practice a lot of skin-to-skin contact
Skin-to-skin contact is highly recommended by healthcare providers because it truly works. This practice offers so many benefits, such as improved breastfeeding success rates and helping your baby adjust to the outside world. It also stimulates the release of hormones like oxytocin, which boosts milk supply.
2. Put your baby to your breast
A baby with a proper latch is much more effective at removing milk than a breast pump. Babies instinctively respond to the breast, and our bodies naturally respond better to babies. Regardless of how advanced your pump is, your baby (with a good latch) will always be able to remove more milk.
Blog post: Read about the benefits of breastfeeding.
3. Latch, latch, latch
Doubts about supply are the top concerns for new mamas, which most often leads directly to latch being the first, most common problem to fix.
To achieve a good latch, check your baby’s positioning. Their head should be tilted back with their chin pressed into your breast, and their mouth should be wide open while breastfeeding. A deep latch is crucial for effective milk removal and comfort.
Blog post: Learn how to get the perfect latch.
Blog post: Learn how to fix a shallow latch.
4. Feed baby frequently
Babies thrive when fed on-demand and at shorter intervals.
To make sure your baby receives enough milk, you’ll need to feed them at least every 2-3 hours. Here’s a sample feeding schedule to help you out:
Feeding schedule:
- 0-2 weeks: Feed every 2-3 hours
- 2-6 weeks: Feed every 2-4 hours
On-demand feeding is best.
Blog post: Understanding Responsive or On-Demand Feeding
Blog post: Understand your baby’s stomach size and milk needs.
5. Watch for signs of sufficient milk intake
You might wonder if your baby is getting enough milk.
Look for these signs:
- At least 6 wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers per day
- Steady weight gain after the first week
- Contentment after feedings
Blog post: Learn about newborn weight loss and what to expect.
6. Make sure breastfeeding is not painful
If breastfeeding is painful, it’s a sign that something might be wrong. If you’re experiencing pain, seek help from an IBCLC. It’s common in the first few weeks to have sensitive nipples and feel sensations of pressure, pulling, and soreness; but, breastfeeding should never be excruciatingly painful at any point.
Please, don’t believe anyone who says that you “just have to ‘deal with’ the pain.” Whether you hear that from your sister, or sister-in-law, mother, or mother-in-law…or the person you just saw somewhere on social media. You don’t just have to “deal with” the pain. That’s not ok. Pain isn’t normal. Get help.
Answer: How do you heal cracked nipples?
Answer: How do you fix sore nipples from breastfeeding?
Glossary terms: nipple pain, tongue tie, lip tie, inverted nipple, flanged lips
7. Alternate breasts
Keep your baby on the first side for as long as they are actively sucking and swallowing. When they slow down, it’s time to switch to the other side.
In the first few weeks, you may need to gently stimulate your baby to keep them awake, newborns can become very sleepy.
8. Hand express
Hand expression is your friend, use it well and often. To encourage your baby to latch, hand express a small amount of breastmilk onto your nipples before feeding. Use your hands to compress the breast while your baby is feeding; this helps them get more milk easily and increases your supply as more milk is removed.
Hand express (or pump) after or between feedings to remove more milk.
Blog post: What, Why, and How to Hand Express.
9. Avoid supplementation
Unless medically necessary, avoid supplementation.
Try to avoid using bottles and pacifiers for the first four weeks. Supplementing with formula can lead to a decreased milk supply, because less demand from the baby can cause a reduced supply.
Trust that your milk provides all the nutrients your baby needs because it does.
10. Don’t compare yourself to others
Every breastfeeding experience is unique.
Don’t compare your supply to the woman on Instagram with a freezer full of extra milk; you don’t need that to breastfeed successfully.
11. Surround yourself with support
You don’t have to navigate your breastfeeding journey alone. Seek support from family, friends, neighbors, and a lactation consultant (IBCLC).
Support offers valuable assistance and boosts confidence in your breastfeeding abilities.
Support resources:
Blog post: How to Help and Support a New Mom
Blog post: 10 Ways for Partners to Support Breastfeeding
Blog post: Ask for Help – Ways that Others can Support YOU as a New Mom
Blog post: How to Help and Support a Mom of Multiples
12. Follow your instincts
Your mama’s intuition is very real, but it’s important to recognize that trusting your instincts often comes from a combination of training, education, and information.
Many new mamas run into difficulties with breastfeeding because they believe it will just come naturally. By equipping yourself with the best knowledge possible—whether through courses, reading, or consulting with an IBCLC—you can better understand your baby’s needs and feel more confident in your decisions.
Pay attention to your baby and their cues, and trust your instincts on whether they are growing, meeting their milestones, and producing enough wet and dirty diapers. Ultimately, trust your body and observe your baby.
Blog post: Learning Baby’s Hunger Cues
You’ve got this, mama.
PS. If you’re currently struggling with your milk supply, read the blog post 6 Ways to Increase Your Breastmilk Supply.
PPS. A 2001 study found that only 5% of mothers experienced actual milk insufficiency due to medical reasons; 95% of milk-supply issues are solvable!
