Breastfeeding Tips to Support Your Journey

Breastfeeding can be rewarding, but it often comes with questions, especially in the beginning. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your routine, a few practical breastfeeding tips can help make the experience smoother and more comfortable.

Many new parents wonder about the right breastfeeding position for a newborn, how to improve milk supply, or what to do if feeding becomes painful. Feeding on demand, staying hydrated, and asking for help when you need it are all important pieces of the puzzle. 

Here's a quick overview of what can help:

• Proper latch. A good latch supports effective feeding and prevents soreness

• Feeding cues. Watch for early signs like rooting, hand-to-mouth movement, or fussing

• Comfortable positions. Try cradle, football hold, or side-lying for better support

• Milk supply. Nurse frequently, stay hydrated, and follow a nutritious breastfeeding diet

• Support system. Reach out to lactation consultants or peer support groups if you need help.

Understanding these basics can help you feel more prepared, supported, and at ease. In the sections ahead, we’ll explore essential tips for breastfeeding, go over helpful tools, and offer guidance for common challenges, so you and your baby can thrive together.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers numerous well-documented benefits for both your baby and you, the parent. While every family’s feeding journey is unique, here are some key reasons many parents choose to breastfeed:

• Breast milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies that help support your baby’s immune system and early development. 

• It’s easier for babies to digest than formula.

• For breastfeeding parents, it releases a hormone that can help the uterus return to its original size after birth. It may also have long-term health benefits for breastfeeding parents, such as lowering the risk of illnesses like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

• The close skin-to-skin contact during feedings can encourage bonding and connection.

• Breastfeeding can be less expensive than formula feeding, and it is usually available whenever you need to feed your baby, offering convenience for many breastfeeding parents.

If you decide that breastfeeding is the right path for you, exploring a few breastfeeding tips, finding the correct breastfeeding position for you and your baby, and seeking guidance from your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant can help you get started with more confidence.

That said, not every parent is able or chooses to breastfeed—and that’s okay. Formula feeding also offers bonding opportunities and important nourishment. The most important thing is that your baby is loved, fed, and supported.

If you’re still navigating other parts of early parenthood, like wondering “when will mood swings start in pregnancy” or adjusting to life with a newborn, know that every stage comes with its own learning curve. Take your time and seek support when you need it.

Breastfeeding Positions

Here are some common infant breastfeeding positions you can try with your baby. Testing them out can help you discover which ones allow your baby to latch more effectively while keeping both of you comfortable and relaxed. Finding the right position for breastfeeding may take some trial and error, and that’s completely normal.

• Cradle Hold. This is the most traditional breastfeeding position that many parents try first. Cradle your baby with the arm that’s on the side your baby is nursing from. Their head should rest in the bend of your elbow, facing your breast, with their body turned inward to you. Always support your baby’s head, as it will take time before they can hold their head up on their own.

• Cross-cradle hold. This is similar to the cradle hold, except here you’re holding your baby with the arm opposite to the breast they’re nursing on. Support their head with your hand and rest their bottom in the bend of your elbow. Use your other hand to support your breast. This breastfeeding position for newborns is beneficial if your baby is still learning to latch.

• Football hold. As the name suggests, this position during breastfeeding involves tucking your baby under your arm like a football. Hold them to your side at waist level, supporting their back and head. This can be useful if you've had a cesarean section, have larger breasts, or are nursing twins. 

• Side-lying position. While lying on your side, place your baby next to you, and lift your breast up to within your baby’s reach so they can easily access your nipple. This position is convenient for those late-night feedings (just be sure to put your baby back in their crib to sleep afterward). It’s also a good position to try if you’ve had a cesarean section.

• Laid-back position. This involves reclining slightly with your baby tummy-to-tummy on your chest, with their head close to your breasts. Support your baby’s head and body as they move to find your nipple. This position is often good for newborns and optimal skin-to-skin contact.

Twin Feeding Positions:

• Football/double-clutch hold (for twins). Like the “football hold” mentioned above, but with two babies. Each baby is tucked under one arm, their bodies positioned along your sides.

• Parallel or “spoons” hold (for twins). Your babies lie parallel to each other, both facing the same direction; one in cradle hold and the other parallel to them. 

• Criss-cross/double-cradle hold (for twins). Your babies are held across your body, each in a cradle position, with their bodies turned towards you and their legs criss-crossed in front of you.

• Front V hold (for twins). Your babies face each other in a V shape, sitting or kneeling on your lap, with one baby at each breast. This works well with pillows for support or for babies who can sit up.

These breastfeeding positions can be adjusted depending on your comfort, your baby's latch, and your recovery. Try different breastfeeding positions for newborns until you find the ones that work best for both of you.

Other Breastfeeding Tips

So, aside from trying out various positions, what helps with breastfeeding? While every journey is different, there are a few key ideas that can make a real difference, especially in the early days.

The following breastfeeding advice for new parents includes some tried-and-true breastfeeding tips that may help things go more smoothly, whether you’re nursing for the first time or navigating new challenges. From preparing ahead of time to finding support and staying comfortable, these tips and tricks for breastfeeding are all about helping you feel more confident and supported.

And remember, there are no perfect rules; successful breastfeeding looks a little different for every family. Consider these suggestions and see what feels right for you and your baby. 

You’ve got this.

1. Attend Breastfeeding Classes

It’s a good idea to get some information and instruction on how to breastfeed while you’re still pregnant, especially if you’re a first-time parent (or if it’s been a while since you’ve breastfed). Research shows that those who learn about breastfeeding during pregnancy are more likely to have successful breastfeeding experiences than those who do not.

Breastfeeding classes may be offered at a local community center or hospital. Your healthcare provider can help you find a class or arrange a one-on-one session with a lactation consultant for more personalized breastfeeding advice for new parents.

2. Gather the Essential Nursing Supplies

Anything that can help make your life simpler and more comfortable while you breastfeed your baby is a welcome addition. Here are some things to consider buying:

• A well-fitting nursing bra can give your breasts the right level of support and make it possible to feed your baby without completely undressing. You may wish to stock up on nursing bras before your baby is born. Think about buying a size bigger, because your breasts may be larger after you give birth. 

• Breast pads can come in handy as your breasts might leak a little milk from time to time. Avoid plastic liners that can irritate your nipples. If you don’t want to buy pads, you can fold up a piece of absorbent cloth or use a handkerchief.

• You'll need a breast pump, bottles, and breast milk storage bags so you can pump milk and store it for later. 

• You may like the extra comfort of a nursing pillow.

• A rocking chair or glider can help make breastfeeding more comfortable for you, and the rocking or gliding motion might help soothe your little one.

• A footstool can help raise your legs and lap higher and get your baby even closer to your breasts.

3. Let Your Healthcare Provider Know You Plan to Breastfeed

It’s a good idea to tell your healthcare provider during pregnancy that you’d like to breastfeed your baby. That way, your provider can ensure you have the necessary information and resources. If you’re putting together a birth plan, you can include your wishes about breastfeeding in that document and also remind your healthcare team about your plans when you're admitted to the hospital to give birth. 

If you're taking any medications, your healthcare provider should know that you're planning to breastfeed. In some cases, your provider may recommend adjustments to ensure they’re safe for nursing. This step is one of the breastfeeding dos and don'ts that can help protect both you and your little one.

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4. Breastfeed Right After Birth

It’s beneficial to breastfeed your little one very soon after they’re born if possible. Newborns are typically ready to nurse within the first hour after birth. 

Those first feeds nourish your baby, of course, and get you both started in figuring out this new skill and routine of breastfeeding. Other benefits include the following: 

• The milk that comes through in the first few days is actually colostrum—a thick, yellow fluid that’s packed with protein and antibodies that support your baby’s growth and development.

• Breastfeeding encourages the release of the hormone oxytocin, which may help you bond with your baby and help you feel more confident about your nurturing abilities.

• Skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding helps stabilize your baby’s body temperature, heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar levels.

5. Consider Different Ways to Latch

To breastfeed, your baby needs to “latch on.” This is when your baby is properly attached to your breast with their mouth wide open over your nipple, covering most of your areola, and their nose, lips, and chin close to your breast.

Here are two ways to get your baby to latch on when breastfeeding:

• In any breastfeeding position, gently guide your nipple to stroke your baby’s lip to trigger the rooting reflex. Bring your baby close and aim your nipple toward the roof of their mouth. 

• “Baby-led” latching or “laid-back” breastfeeding involves you lying on your back and placing your baby on your chest with your baby’s cheek close to your breast. Your baby will naturally explore their surroundings, find your nipple, and latch on.

6. Breastfeed From Both Breasts Equally

If your baby favors one breast, try offering the other at the next feeding to ensure both breasts are emptied evenly.

7. Ease the Pain of Engorgement

Engorgement happens when your breasts become overly full—milk ducts swell, blood flow increases, and your breasts can feel hard, heavy, and painful. This often occurs if your baby isn’t nursing often or efficiently.

To help prevent engorgement, feed your little one whenever they show hunger cues and try to alternate sides so both breasts are drained regularly. If your breasts become too firm, latching can be harder for your baby.

Here are a few more tips for dealing with engorgement:

• Express your breast milk manually or pump some milk to help relieve the pressure before nursing your baby

• Massage your breasts to help the milk flow

• Soak a hand towel in warm water and place it over your chest before you breastfeed. You could also take a warm shower. Warmth can help the milk flow.

• If you find that heat doesn’t work, try using a cool compress in between or after each breastfeeding session

• Mix up your breastfeeding positions to help drain different areas of your breasts.

If these tips don’t work, contact your lactation consultant or your healthcare provider for advice. You don’t have to suffer with breast discomfort or pain—there is help available.

8. Don’t Give Up Breastfeeding If You Have Mastitis

Occasionally, a clogged milk duct can get infected. This is a condition called mastitis, and the symptoms include fever- and cold-like symptoms; swollen, painful breasts; breasts that feel hot when touched; a hard lump on your breast; and red streaks on the skin of the breasts.

If you think you may have mastitis, call your healthcare provider. Your provider may prescribe an antibiotic that is safe for you to take while breastfeeding your baby. Remember to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms have improved.

In the meantime, there are a few home remedies you can try:

• Apply a warm compress of wet or dry heat to the lump, or take a warm shower

• Offer your baby the breast with the blocked duct and let them nurse for a long period, as this can help drain the blocked duct. Don’t worry—it’s safe for your baby to nurse, as the infection can’t be passed onto them. Continuing to breastfeed may help the infection clear sooner.

• Massage the lump at the same time as you nurse your baby

• Wear loose-fitting tops or don’t wear a bra for a few days

• Pump any remaining milk after nursing your little one to help drain the blocked duct

• Take every opportunity to rest and drink lots of water.

9. Care for Your Nipples

Tender nipples are common during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. The discomfort often improves over time, but there are a few breastfeeding tips that can help reduce or prevent irritation early on:

• Make sure your baby is latched properly by checking that your baby’s mouth is open wide, covering your areola and not just the tip of your nipple

• Change up your baby’s breastfeeding position from time to time.

After your baby breastfeeds, try these aftercare tips for your nipples:

• For a soothing effect, let some breast milk dry on your nipple

• If you live in a humid climate, expose your breasts to sunlight as the hot air can help alleviate sore and cracked nipples

• Use bra pads in between feedings, especially if your breasts tend to leak. Just don’t use ones lined with plastic as those can trap moisture, which can cause friction and irritation.

• When bathing, wash your breasts with water and avoid the use of soaps, shampoos, or other cleansers that irritate your skin

• Ask your healthcare provider to recommend an ointment or cream that can help treat or prevent sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples.

10. Pay Attention to Your Nutrition and Well-Being

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is just as important now that you're breastfeeding as it was during pregnancy, or any other time in your life.

Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet while breastfeeding. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, beans, and dairy products. To produce breast milk, your body may require approximately 450 to 500 extra calories per day (2,500 calories total) if you're at a normal weight. 

• Some foods may help with breast milk supply, including whole grains, leafy greens, and foods rich in iron and calcium. While no food guarantees increased supply, staying well-nourished supports your body’s milk-making function.

• Talk to your healthcare provider about continuing your prenatal vitamins or adding a supplement if needed.

• Drink plenty of water. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated, as breastfeeding requires a significant amount of fluid. Avoid sugary drinks, including juices.

• Rest up as much as you can and try to sleep when your baby sleeps to take advantage of those opportunities for rest.

11. Follow Your Baby’s Cues When It Comes to Breastfeeding

Every baby is different, and yours may want to feed more or less often than other babies, so don’t worry if your baby doesn’t follow the schedule you had expected beforehand. 

There is no feeding schedule that you must follow to the letter. Instead, pay attention to your baby’s hunger signals. Keep in mind that how often your baby wants to feed will also change over time, and may go up and down periodically as a result of things like growth spurts.

Signs your baby is hungry may include when they

• are awake and alert

• put their hands to their lips

• suck on their fingers

• flex their arms with their hands in a fist

• whimper and move their arms and hands

• nuzzle your breast.

Crying can be a late sign of hunger, so try not to wait until your baby starts to cry for a feeding.

In your baby’s first weeks, your newborn will likely want to feed as often as every 2 to 3 hours (8 to 12 times per day). They may spend 10 to 15 minutes nursing on each breast, or they may even breastfeed for longer stretches. 

Extended nursing sessions, as well as feeding more often for a period of time, may be a sign of cluster feedings, which typically happen in the evenings during growth spurts, for example.

12. Check That Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk

You’re probably wondering if there’s an easy way to check that your baby is getting enough nourishment. Here are five tips for checking that your newborn is getting a sufficient amount of breast milk:

• You hear your baby swallowing during feeds, typically after several sucks.

• After feeding, your baby seems relaxed, with arms loose and palms open.

• Your breasts feel full before a feeding and softer afterward. Over time, this change becomes less noticeable, but your body continues making milk as needed.

• Growth is one of the best indicators. It’s normal for newborns to lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight initially, but they should begin gaining steadily by the second week. Your healthcare provider will monitor this at each checkup. 

• Keeping track of your little one’s wet and dirty diapers helps you know they’re eating well. In your baby’s first month, they may produce about six or more wet diapers a day with light-colored urine, and have three to four bowel movements a day that are soft and yellowish. Later on, the frequency of bowel movements may decrease. 

If you’re ever concerned that your baby isn’t eating enough, call your healthcare provider—don’t wait for the next scheduled checkup.

13. Increase Your Milk Supply, If Needed

To help increase your milk supply, here are four things you can do:

• Breastfeed more often, as this will result in your breasts producing more milk

• Pump after nursing to stimulate additional milk production

• Stay hydrated and follow a nutritious breastfeeding diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein

• Reduce stress where possible—even short breaks can help.

While specific foods to help increase breast milk supply aren’t medically guaranteed, consistently nourishing your body supports healthy lactation.

Low milk supply may also be linked to:

• Infrequent breastfeeding or pumping—your body may produce less milk if it’s not being emptied regularly.

• Premature birth—your baby may not yet be strong enough to nurse effectively, which can affect your supply.

For personalized help, talk to your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.

14. Consider Using a Breast Pump

You may need or want to pump if

• circumstances make it difficult for you to feed your newborn; for example, if your baby is born prematurely and is in the NICU

• your breasts are engorged after or between feeds

• you have mastitis; pumping can help relieve the discomfort associated with this condition

• your baby wants to nurse from only one breast and not the other

• you would like to have some extra breast milk stored so that someone else, such as your partner or a babysitter, can bottle-feed your baby

• you’re heading back to work and plan to pump during the day.

Breast pumps come in various styles, and hand expression is another option. A lactation consultant can help you choose what’s right for your needs and teach you how to use it effectively.

Some babies may be hesitant to take a bottle at first, especially from the breastfeeding parent. If that happens, another trusted adult may have better success offering it.

15. Wait Before Introducing a Pacifier

Giving your baby a pacifier can help soothe them between feeds; however, offering it in those first few weeks can have a negative effect on your milk supply, and discourage your baby from wanting to nurse.

Experts recommend waiting until your baby has gotten used to breastfeeding before offering a pacifier.

Of course, you may use a pacifier sparingly to comfort your baby earlier than that, like when they’re getting a vaccination, but you could also offer them your clean pinky finger to suckle on for comfort during these short periods.

16. Get Prepared for Breastfeeding in Public (If You Choose To!)

At some point, you may like to breastfeed your baby while you’re in a public place. Here are some tips for breastfeeding in public:

• Wear clothing that allows you to easily access your breasts, like a loose top or a button-down shirt

• You may wish to use a nursing cover, oversized scarf, or light blanket to cover yourself when you’re breastfeeding. Practice this at home so that you and your baby can get used to it.

• Breastfeed while wearing your baby in a sling or soft baby carrier. Not only is this practical, but it also keeps your baby comfortably close to you.

• Find a lounge or a dressing room in a department store so that you have somewhere peaceful to breastfeed.

17. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking, and Limit Certain Foods

The following tips serve as reminders that, as long as you’re breastfeeding, you’re passing on what you eat and drink to your baby. So here are some food, drinks, and other substances to avoid while breastfeeding to ensure your baby isn’t affected negatively:

• Limit your caffeine intake to 200 mg a day. Caffeine can irritate your baby and affect their sleep.

• Limit consuming seafood that’s high in mercury, like swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish

• Avoid smoking, since nicotine can interfere with your baby’s sleep and health. Secondhand smoke also increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and respiratory illnesses in your baby.

• Avoid drinking alcohol, as it’s not safe for your baby. If you do happen to have the occasional drink, wait two to three hours for it to leave your system before breastfeeding. “Pumping and dumping” your milk won’t speed up the removal of alcohol from your breast milk.

18. Get Help If You’re Struggling With Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easily, and needing help is completely normal. It takes time, support, and patience to work through common challenges.

If you're feeling discomfort, having latch issues, or just feeling unsure, reach out to your:

• Healthcare provider

• Hospital nurse or postnatal care team

• Lactation consultant

• Local breastfeeding support organizations.

There’s no need to struggle alone. Getting breastfeeding advice for new parents can make all the difference in helping you feel supported and confident.

The Bottom Line

Breastfeeding can be challenging at times—especially if you're a new parent—and it's completely normal to feel a little unsure in the beginning.

By trying different breastfeeding positions, following simple breastfeeding tips, and reaching out for support when needed, you’ll build confidence and comfort over time. The more often you nurse, the more milk your body may produce, and before long, feeding your baby can become a familiar, even enjoyable part of your daily routine. Many parents come to cherish the quiet bonding moments that breastfeeding provides.

Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed, one thing’s for sure—you’ll need plenty of diapers! So, before you go, download the Pampers Rewards App for rewards and discounts on all those diaper purchases.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}