Breastfeeding Awareness Month: Empowering Tips and Resources for New Parents
Breastfeeding Awareness Month: Empowering Tips and Resources for New Parents
Spoiler alert: Breastfeeding isn’t always intuitive—but with the right support and tips, it can become one of the most rewarding experiences of parenthood.
In your first days of breastfeeding, you may wonder: Is my baby getting enough to eat? Is this normal? Am I doing this right? These questions are incredibly common, and you’re not alone. Breastfeeding can feel like a journey full of unknowns, but with some guidance and the right resources, you can feel empowered to navigate it confidently.
Let’s explore practical tips to help you feel supported, along with local and virtual resources to guide you every step of the way.
1. Trust Your Body and Your Baby
The early days of breastfeeding often come with a steep learning curve, but understanding how your body works can make all the difference.
- Colostrum Is Enough: In the first few days, your body produces colostrum, a nutrient-packed first milk that’s exactly what your baby needs. It may seem like only a few drops, but a newborn’s stomach is about the size of a marble—those drops are all they need.
- Feed the Baby, Not the Freezer: It’s tempting to focus on pumping and building a stash of milk, but in the early weeks, focus on feeding your baby directly and establishing your milk supply.
- Watch Baby’s Cues: Instead of stressing over schedules, pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues—rooting, sucking on their hands, or fussing.
Pro Tip: If you have questions about latch, milk supply, or positioning, a postpartum doula or lactation consultant can provide hands-on help tailored to your needs.
2. Nourish Yourself While Nourishing Your Baby
Breastfeeding is hard work—it burns calories and requires energy, so prioritizing your own nourishment is key.
- Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods: You’ll need about 1,500–1,800 calories per day to support milk production. Focus on whole, satisfying foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle close by, especially near your main nursing station, to ensure you’re staying hydrated throughout the day.
- Snack Smart: Healthy, grab-and-go snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or fresh fruit can keep hunger at bay during long nursing sessions.
Pro Tip: Remember to celebrate your breastfeeding journey, no matter how long it lasts. Whether you’ve breastfed for two days, three months, or longer, we’re so proud of you. We’re here to support you and honor your unique experience.
3. Know Who to Call for Help
Breastfeeding can come with challenges, and having a support system in place is essential.
Postpartum Doula Support
Postpartum doulas can provide basic breastfeeding tips, help with latch positioning, and guide you through the early days. For more complex challenges, we can connect you with trusted IBCLCs or lactation educators.
Local Resources
- Breezy Babies: Serving Salt Lake, Weber, Davis, and Utah Counties, as well as virtual support. We highly recommend Brianne Taggart or Holly Hill, though anyone on their team is fantastic.
- The Lactation Collection: Located in Provo, offering expert lactation support.
- Light Up Lactation: Holly Hill offers a breastfeeding class the second week of each month in Kaysville, UT, and also provides a free breastfeeding support group every month—check the website for more information.
- Utah Breastfeeding Tongue and Tie Center: Specializing in tongue ties and myofunctional therapy, located in Bountiful.
Social Media Accounts We Love
Virtual Support
If you’re navigating the emotions of falling out of breastfeeding or weren’t able to continue as planned, Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers a free virtual support group. This group is designed for parents who stopped breastfeeding or body feeding earlier than intended, or for those who faced severe challenges leading to unmet breastfeeding goals.
Encouragement for Your Journey
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, and every journey is unique. Whether you’re celebrating a smooth experience or working through challenges, you’re doing something incredible for your baby. Remember, you’re not alone—whether you’re struggling with latch issues, feeling unsure about your milk supply, or transitioning away from breastfeeding, there’s support for every step of the way.
Your body is incredible, and with the right resources, you can find your rhythm and make breastfeeding a rewarding experience for both you and your baby.
Ready to Empower Your Breastfeeding Journey?
At Bountiful Doulas, we’re here to guide you through the postpartum period with confidence and ease. Whether you need breastfeeding tips, help with latch positioning, or a referral to a trusted lactation expert, we’re just a call away.
Reach out to us today to see how we can help your breastfeeding experience or guide you to the right professionals.
