The early days with a new baby are often a blur of sleepless nights, multiple feedings, and numerous diaper changes. While you may not remember every moment, there are most likely tips and ideas that proved helpful that you’d like to share with a new parent to help them as they begin their parenting journey.

Recently, we posed the question on the La Leche League USA Facebook page, “What was the best advice you ever got about breastfeeding or the early days with your baby?” Today we present Part One. You can view the post and the complete conversation at www.facebook.com/LaLecheLeagueUSA/posts/pfbid0n1ivddKxBvRksi5wFEvSh1qUXH4aPtM1PMSZBgaTDrJz8DszzQq17CFrjnsNBUZ2l.

Before baby even arrives and once baby is here, seek support from other parents. Sky suggested, “Go to La Leche League meetings, (and) having checked it out, listen and learn and enjoy.”

Kelsea M. found it especially helpful to observe others breastfeeding and learn from them. “Watching someone latch their baby is so helpful when you’re learning how to do it yourself.”

And what better place could there be to do this than at a La Leche League meeting? You can find information about La Leche League meetings both in person and virtual in the Resources section at the end of this post.

For many parents, the clock is not your friend. They suggest that paying attention to cues from your baby rather than watching numbers on a screen is more helpful. Laura B. said, “Keep putting baby to breast, don’t follow a schedule, just feed on demand and hold and snuggle as much as possible. (There’s) no such thing as spoiling a baby, especially a newborn. Follow your instincts.”

Lyndsey L. chimed in, reassuring new parents that feedings often occur more frequently than expected.

“Babies often eat constantly and that’s totally normal, so grab some snacks, put your favorite show on, put your feet up, and just relax into it.”

While it’s easy for someone who’s “been there done that” to suggest not watching the clock, it may make a new parent nervous when they’re not sure whether their baby is getting enough milk. You can find more information about making sure your little one is well fed in the Resources section at the end of this post.

You’ll likely have (multiple!) moments when you are frustrated and want to give up. That’s normal, but it doesn’t mean that you should throw in the towel. Savanna H. said,

“It’s okay if you decide you want to stop, but make that choice when you have had time to think it through and not in a moment of frustration. When I wasn’t frustrated, I knew I wanted to persevere.”

Jasper E. agreed.

“Something I wish I was told: it (breastfeeding) does not come naturally for everyone. It might hurt. Sometimes you can’t fix that, but it does get better. Don’t quit on bad days. They do get better.”

Jasper E. mentioned that breastfeeding might hurt in the beginning. What discomfort is normal and what indicates that adjustments need to be made? You can find out more in the “Sore Nipples” link in the Resources section at the end of this post.

Trust in yourself and be patient were among the most frequent tips. Anne P. wrote,

“My postpartum nurse said, ‘All I can say is you need to learn to trust in the process.’ I will admit at the time I didn’t find that advice very helpful. However, it turned out to be the best advice I could have gotten. After having had my baby prematurely, I struggled to trust my body again. Once I managed to move past that, things got significantly easier for us. (We’re at) nine months and still going strong.”

That trust is often hard to maintain when you hear negative messages all around you. Laurie S. knows this all too well.

“Just because the baby cries doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk. (Babies cry for many reasons including adjusting to being born). Just because your mom didn’t breastfeed doesn’t mean your body won’t produce enough. Just because the doctor can’t see a measurement on a bottle doesn’t mean you aren’t feeding your baby well.”

Take a look at the Resources section below for tips on dealing with criticism. And stay tuned for more encouragement next week when we share Part Two of Tips For The Early Days Of Parenting.

Resources

• La Leche League USA Support Locator: lllusa.org/locator/
• La Leche League USA Group Meetings (in person and virtual): www.facebook.com/LaLecheLeagueUSA/events
• How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Getting Enough Milk?: lllusa.org/is-my-baby-getting-enough-milk/
• Sore Nipples: lllusa.org/sore-nipples/
• Coping With Criticism: lllusa.org/criticism/

Please send your story ideas to Amy at [email protected].

Supporting Breastfeeding Families–Today, Tomorrow, Always

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