Important Breastfeeding Tips To Get Started + Helpful Resources

Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby, and is recommended as the best source of nutrition, vitamins and antibodies for your baby's first six months. Breastfeeding is a process that takes time and practice.

Perhaps you've heard some popular breastfeeding myths, but here we'll discuss some important tips to help you get started, and we'll share a couple helpful resources that could support you through your breastfeeding journey.

Getting Started

Initiating breastfeeding in the first hour after giving birth is a great way to set you and your baby up for a successful breastfeeding journey.

Some other tips you may find helpful from those first hours through the following exciting months include:

• Ensure you have uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with your newborn while trying to breastfeed. Skin-to-skin time helps regulate your baby's body temperature and encourages their instinct to feed.
• Try different positions to find the most comfortable for you and your baby. It can boost the breastfeeding experience when you and your baby are comfortable and lead to successful feeding.
• Be patient and persistent with yourself and your baby. Breastfeeding can be challenging initially for many parents, so it's important to stay consistent with practice and to find solutions to any issues early on.
• Remain hydrated to not only support your health but to also help milk production. It's normal to be busy with the new arrival to your life and you'll likely neglect certain aspects of your health, but it's crucial that you take care of your health not only for a healthy breastfeeding experience but also for a healthy baby.
• Seek help and support from experts. Just because you've welcomed your new baby to the world and are ready to take them home doesn't mean that you have to go through the experience alone. There are numerous resources for you and your loved ones, including many on offer at EvergreenHealth.

Helpful Resources

The expert care staff at EvergreenHealth delivers more than 4,500 babies annually, offering numerous resources for new parents and families welcoming newborns into their life.

As the first U.S. hospital to earn the Baby-Friendly designation from UNICEF and the World Health Organization, EvergreenHealth is recognized nationally for our breastfeeding support, including:

• Postpartum follow-up and continued care in the months after you give birth
• Lactation consultation available during your hospital stay
• In-person lactation consultation available in the Breastfeeding Center, regardless of where you gave birth
• Breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies at our Baby & Family Boutique
• Breastfeeding classes to prepare you for a positive breastfeeding experience

For more resources and helpful tips, visit our Breastfeeding Support page.