10 Ways to Help Breastfeeding Mamas

It can be difficult to watch the new mother in your life struggle with her breastfeeding journey. She may be experiencing a lack of milk production, latching issues or just the sheer demand on her body can send her over the edge. Even though you can’t do the hardest work for her, there are things you can do to make the process a little bit easier.

• Sign Up for a Breastfeeding Class
  

Encourage her to take a breastfeeding class or make an appointment with a lactation consultant before baby comes! She will be more confident about the challenges that may lay ahead, and feel better prepared when they do happen.

• Set Up a Special “Breastfeeding Corner”
  

Include all the things she’ll need while breastfeeding: rocking chair, table, breastfeeding pillow, phone charger, water cup, snacks (she’ll be very hungry from all the calories burned!) and her favourite book or Kindle. She’s going to be spending a lot of time there, so make it as comfortable as possible.

• Make a “Breastfeeding Basket”
  

Fill it with essentials that she can move from room to room. Items she’ll benefit from are nursing pads, burp cloths, tissues, nipple cream and more snacks! That way, she isn’t scrambling around during feeding times.  

• Make Mom Meals with Foods that Boost Milk Production
  

Foods like oatmeal, brewer’s yeast, vegetables, almonds, and sesame seeds have been shown to increase breastmilk production. That way, you’re feeding her and helping her feed the baby all at once. 

• Step it Up When it Comes to Household Duties
  

Mom has a lot on her plate keeping up with hourly feedings. Another good option during the first few months is hiring a cleaning person to come once a month to do most of the deep cleaning. 

• Keep Her Company
  

You might not be able to feed the baby, but it doesn’t mean she has to be solo. Use feeding times as a chance to catch up on current events and ask her how she's feeling.

• Shower Her with Encouragement
  

Breastfeeding is no easy task—and she just finished pregnancy and childbirth! Make sure you tell her what a great job she’s doing and how amazed you are at her power.

• Take Over Nappy Duty
  

Since Mom is the only one who can breastfeed, make nappys your domain.

• Help with Feedings
  

Ask her to pump a bottle and take a feeding shift! Like middle-of-the-night ones...so she can get some rest.

• Learn About Breastfeeding
  

Read the blogs, skim the books, watch the videos. Make sure she knows you’re on this journey with her even if you can’t take the wheel.

Descargo de responsabilidad: La información en nuestro sitio NO es un consejo médico para ninguna persona o condición específica. Solo se proporciona como información general. Si tiene alguna pregunta o preocupación médica sobre su hijo o sobre usted mismo, por favor contacte a su proveedor de salud. La leche materna es la mejor fuente de nutrición para los bebés. Es importante que, en preparación para la lactancia y durante la misma, las madres lleven una dieta saludable y equilibrada. La combinación de lactancia materna y alimentación con biberón en las primeras semanas de vida puede reducir la producción de leche materna y es difícil revertir la decisión de no amamantar. Si decide utilizar fórmula infantil, debe seguir las instrucciones cuidadosamente.