1. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Skin-to-skin contact with your baby is one of the best ways to encourage successful breastfeeding. This involves holding your baby close to your chest, with their bare skin touching yours.
2. Latching On: Latching on properly ensures your baby is getting enough milk. It involves positioning your baby correctly on your breast and making sure your baby’s mouth is wide open and their lips are flanged outward.
3. Breast Compression: Breast compression helps keep your baby actively feeding. It involves gently squeezing your breast while your baby is suckling in order to help stimulate milk flow.
4. Breastfeeding Positions: Different breastfeeding positions can help make breastfeeding more comfortable for both you and your baby. Common positions include the cradle hold, the cross-cradle hold, and the football hold.
5. Feeding Frequency: Babies should be fed frequently, at least 8-12 times per day. This helps ensure your baby is getting enough milk and helps keep your milk supply up.
6. Avoiding Pacifiers and Bottles: Pacifiers and bottles can interfere with breastfeeding, as they can affect the baby’s ability to latch on properly and can reduce milk supply.
7. Feeding Cues: Pay attention to your baby’s feeding cues so you know when they’re ready to eat. Common cues include rooting, sucking on their hands, and smacking their lips.
8. Pumping: Pumping can help maintain your milk supply and provide a convenient way to feed your baby when you’re not available.
9. Feeding on Cue: Feeding on cue means responding to your baby’s hunger cues instead of relying on a set feeding schedule. This helps ensure your baby is getting enough milk and helps keep your milk supply up.
10. Proper Burping: Proper burping helps ensure your baby is getting enough milk and helps prevent them from spitting up. It involves gently patting or rubbing your baby’s back after each feeding.