Preparation for Breastfeeding

The basics for breastfeeding well 

During the first few weeks, or even the first month, it will probably take you a little time to get yourself and your baby settled. Don't worry — it won't last! You'll soon be latching your baby on quickly and will be able to breastfeed anywhere with ease!

A few tips for breastfeeding your baby at the breast : 

Having everything you need within reach: prepare your feeding station so that everything you need is within easy reach (breastfeeding snack, breast pad, etc.) so that you don't have to get up and can be as relaxed as possible.

Getting comfortable: to begin with, get yourself comfortably settled in a comfortable armchair or on a sofa to breastfeed. Support your back well, with a pillow or cushion if needed. You should be completely relaxed. You can also use a breastfeeding pillow to position your baby at breast height if you wish.  

Spotting the right moment to breastfeed: try to recognise the signs that your baby is hungry: they cry, bring their hands to their mouth, make lip movements, etc. 

What position should I use for breastfeeding?

To latch on correctly, your baby needs to have their tummy pressed right against you, and even their head too (if they seem uncomfortable breathing, try pressing their bottom in a little closer or lifting your breast). Their lower jaw needs to be far enough from the breast to carry out the sucking motion correctly. They should be held close to the breast: in the first few days it should be hard to see their mouth (only their upper lip and cheeks should be visible).

During breastfeeding, if your baby is suckling and swallowing milk regularly, then everything is going well!

There are many positions, including: elevated, the Madonna hold, the reverse Madonna, the rugby ball hold, lying on your side, the koala hold, the laid-back position and in a sling. Some are better suited to the early days of breastfeeding, if you have had a caesarean, etc. To find out more, have a look at our article on breastfeeding positions. 

Encouraging a good latch

To encourage a good latch, make sure that: 

- Baby opens their mouth wide to take in part of your areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple), and not just the nipple itself.

- They do not chew on the nipple. 

- Their lower lip covers a larger part of your areola than their upper lip.

- Baby is supported at the nape of the neck.

In the first few days after birth, use your dominant hand (right hand if you are right-handed) to guide your baby to the breast more easily.

How long should I breastfeed? 

Breastfeeding your baby — yes, but for how long? This is often one of the questions mothers who are thinking about breastfeeding ask themselves.

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, and continued breastfeeding until at least 2 years, alongside solid foods. Until the age of 1, milk — whether breast milk or formula — should remain your baby's main source of nutrition.

If you would like to find out more on the subject, have a look at our article on duration of breastfeeding. 

Never forget, mama: The right duration is the one that suits you. 

The synthesis of breast milk is a complex mechanism that unfolds in several stages. It begins at the end of pregnancy, with cells in the mammary gland differentiating to become secretory cells in order to enable milk production.

The first liquid produced by mothers after birth is colostrum. It is a thick, salty, yellow liquid with a strong smell and a bitter taste. It is particularly rich in immunological components as well as developmental factors. The amount of colostrum is always sufficient and its composition meets the newborn's needs at birth. It is perfect for your baby in the first few days.

Transitional milk marks the secretory activation stage. It shares some characteristics with colostrum but will be more concentrated in lactose and better suited to the rapidly growing infant's nutritional needs. It is generally produced between five days and two weeks after birth, after which milk is considered "mature". Its composition remains relatively similar, although subtle changes occur throughout lactation. Changes in milk composition are noted between day and night, and even during a feed (hind milk, for example, is richer in fat).  

Find all the information on milk production in our article on the subject. 

The concentration of certain nutrients can vary depending on maternal intake, particularly with regard to fats and certain vitamins and minerals; whilst others will remain stable (proteins, carbohydrates, and most minerals), sometimes at the expense of the mother's own body stores. A good diet is essential for both your baby and yourself. A breastfeeding food supplement can help to meet her needs. 

There are many misconceptions about breastfeeding, most of which are simply untrue! For example, you may have heard that breast milk is not nutritious enough… That is false! If you follow a suitable, varied, and balanced diet, your milk is and will remain the best thing for your baby. 

Breastfeeding should not hurt, and breastfeeding nipple cracks are not inevitable, and breastfeeding does not damage the mother's breasts!

You sometimes hear it said fever and breastfeeding are incompatible. That is false. The breast milk of a mother who has caught a virus actually contains specific antibodies to help her baby fight the infection itself. You should, however, pay attention to any medications being taken and check with your doctor that they are compatible with breastfeeding. 

There are many myths and questions surrounding the mother's breasts. 

Does breast size affect breastfeeding? 

Breast size generally matters very little, with the rare exception of women who have mammary gland hypoplasia — that is, insufficient glandular tissue. Even so, this does not prevent them from breastfeeding, although some may never be able to feed their baby exclusively with their own milk. They can still build a breastfeeding relationship and enjoy the pleasure of giving their baby their milk.

Is breastfeeding with flat or inverted nipples possible? 

Babies breastfeed using a mouthful of the areola, not the nipple (babies BREASTfeed, not NIPPLEfeed).

In most cases, inverted or flat nipples do not pose a problem for breastfeeding. Getting breastfeeding established can be more difficult with a premature baby. 

A good position and a good latch, along with a little patience and the support of an IBCLC lactation consultant, will help you build confidence and succeed with breastfeeding!

Many things can be done to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding. Find all our tips in our article on flat and inverted nipples.

To find out about breastfeeding myths, have a look at our article on the subject. For example, alcohol and breastfeeding may be possible, under certain conditions and in small quantities, as long as you avoid breastfeeding in the hours that follow. 

Breastfeeding is, and always will be, the best choice for you and your baby. If you decide to breastfeed, it is important to be prepared so that everything goes as smoothly as possible from the very start. To help with this, do not hesitate to seek support from a certified IBCLC lactation consultant, who will be able to guide you so that everything goes well.

Take care mama, you can do it.