Breastfeeding: How to Prepare, Dos and Don’ts for New Mothers

Breastfeeding is such a natural act of love, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. Whether you’re welcoming your first baby or already a seasoned parent, the journey of feeding your little one can bring both beautiful moments and unexpected challenges.

This guide is here to offer warmth, clarity, and practical support so you can breastfeed your baby with more confidence and much less stress.

How to prepare for breastfeeding journey

Many mothers imagine breastfeeding will simply work from the start. But shortly after birth, it’s common to face sore nipples, engorgement, low supply worries, or a sleepy baby who won’t stay awake long enough to feed.

These challenges can feel overwhelming, and that's when many realise how helpful it would have been to learn about breastfeeding before your baby arrives.

Here’s how you can get ready for breastfeeding:

• Educate yourself:

  • Read trusted books or articles on breastfeeding to understand what to expect

  • Join antenatal classes to have practical knowledge and hands-on skills

• Communicate with your family:

  • Let your partner and family know your feeding goals so they can support you emotionally and practically.

• Schedule a 1-to-1 session with a lactation consultant:

  • Learn how to hand express colostrum (human milk has a higher content of protein and antibodies than mature breastmilk)

  • Know what to expect in the first few days after birth

Taking these steps early doesn’t guarantee a perfect start, but it does make the journey gentler and far less anxious.

Breastfeeding tips: What should you do?

Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time, patience, and practice for both you and your baby. It's okay if things don't click straight away. The tips below can make your breastfeeding experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Start early

Try to breastfeed as soon as possible after your baby is born. Your baby is most alert during the first two hours after birth. Those first drops of colostrum are also rich in antibodies and help protect your baby from illness.

Skin-to-skin contact is also incredibly helpful. This gentle closeness stimulates your baby's digestion, encourages feeding interest, and releases hormones that support breastfeeding.

Practice proper latching

While you're still in the hospital, take time to practise different latching techniques and positions. Find what feels comfortable for you before going home.

If your baby is unwell or too sleepy to latch, don’t panic. Hand expressing or gentle pumping can help you maintain comfort and stimulate supply until your baby feeds better.

Find comfortable positioning

Getting into a comfortable position can make all the difference. It helps you guide your baby to latch more easily and makes feeding feel more pleasant. 

Some latching positions you might try include:

• Football position

• Cradle hold

• Cross cradle hold

• Side-lying position

• Lying on your back

Room-in

If possible, keep your baby with you day and night. This helps you learn his unique needs and recognise his hunger cues. It also makes breastfeeding easier and helps your little one settle more quickly.

Breastfeed on demand

Feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger, aiming for 8–12 feeds a day. Frequent feeding helps your milk flow, prevents breast engorgement, and ensures your baby is getting enough nourishment.

If your baby is very sleepy, a lactation service can help create a feeding schedule that works for both of you.

Continue as long as you wish

Breast milk gives your baby the best possible start, providing ideal nutrition and a deep sense of comfort and security. It also contains immunologic agents (the mother’s antibodies), which give your baby the best immune protection.

For mothers, breastfeeding has multiple benefits, such as shrinking the uterus to support recovery and burning extra calories, which can help you shed post-pregnancy weight faster.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and you can continue breastfeeding for as long as you and your child feel comfortable – whether that’s into toddlerhood or beyond.

Soothe your nipples

It’s very common to experience nipple pain in those early weeks, as your baby is still learning how to latch and suck effectively. This stage can feel uncomfortable, but take heart. As the two of you find your rhythm and learn to work together, it almost always improves.

In the meantime, you can ease the soreness by applying a thin layer of nipple cream after each feed and allowing the area to air-dry before putting your nursing bra back on.

Take care of yourself

Not only does your baby need care, you do too. You’ve just brought a new life into the world, and your body has gone through extraordinary changes. Your hormones are shifting, your energy is being stretched in new ways, and your heart is learning a rhythm it has never known before.

When you nourish your body, you’re supporting your recovery and giving your breast milk the best chance to flow well.

So as you care for your little one, remember to care gently for yourself too. This can look like:

• Balanced diet:

  • Eat well to regain energy quickly.

  • Confinement food is important to help mommies recover well after delivery.

• Stay hydrated:

  • Consume fluids regularly to support milk production and maintain energy levels.

• Relax:

  • The more relaxed you are, the easier it is to manage breastfeeding and baby care

Breastfeeding is not meant to be a battle you fight alone. Many mothers are surprised by how quickly things improve with just a few guided tweaks with a lactation consultant. Schedule an appointment at Thomson Medical today to enjoy a feeding journey filled with comfort, confidence, and connection.

What should you not do while breastfeeding?

Those early days of breastfeeding can feel overwhelming, and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure about what’s right or wrong. Here are some gentle reminders about what to avoid during the breastfeeding journey.

Mixing milk

Don’t mix breast milk with formula milk, as this will change the composition of the breast milk.

Early bottle-feeding

Where possible, encourage direct latching instead of bottle-feeding in the early weeks. Bottle-feeding is usually introduced from 4 to 6 weeks, once your baby has mastered latching, to avoid nipple confusion.

Long daytime naps

During the day, don't let your baby sleep for more than four hours after their last feed. This ensures he is getting enough breast milk throughout the day.

Improper heating and thawing frozen

Don't heat breast milk in the microwave or directly on the stove, as this can destroy valuable nutrients. Instead, you can warm the storage bag or bottle by placing it in a pan of water that's been warmed on the stove.

Never thaw frozen milk at room temperature, as bacteria can accumulate. Thaw it in the fridge, then warm it gently in a pan of warm water.

Fridge storage

Avoid storing breast milk near the door of the fridge where the temperature fluctuates. It’s best to keep breast milk towards the back where it's coldest and most stable.

Milk from other mothers

Don’t use breast milk from other mothers unless it comes from the milk bank.

Avoid self-blame 

Some babies may need supplements for medical reasons, and that's completely okay. Do your best, and remember that expressed breast milk is a wonderful option if supplements become necessary. You're doing a great job.

When to seek professional help

No matter how much you learn online or from a support group, remember that every mother is different – what works for someone else may not work for you. That’s why reaching out for professional support can make such a meaningful difference.

A lactation consultant brings not only knowledge but also comfort, reassurance, and a gentle understanding of what you’re going through. She can watch how your baby latches, observe how breast milk flows, and help identify small adjustments that can transform your feeding experience.

While most breastfeeding challenges can be resolved with gentle guidance, there are times when it’s best to see a breast specialist, especially if there are severe pain, recurring mastitis, lumps, or concerns about supply despite proper technique.

At Thomson Breast Centre, our compassionate and experienced breast specialists are here to guide you through any concerns and support you at every step of your breastfeeding journey. Schedule an appointment to receive clarity, comfort, and the assurance that both you and your baby are in safe, caring hands.

FAQ

What to expect when starting breastfeeding?

The first days can feel a little overwhelming – feeds may be frequent, your baby may latch and unlatch often, and your nipples may feel tender as both of you learn together. With practice, good support, and a comfortable latch, things usually become much easier within a couple of weeks.

Why is mixed feeding not recommended?

Mixing infant formula and breast milk too early can affect your baby’s latch and reduce your milk supply, as less time at the breast means less stimulation. If supplementation is needed for medical reasons, it’s best to do so with guidance from a lactation consultant.

What is the hardest month of breastfeeding?

For many mothers, the first month is the most challenging because their body is adjusting, their baby is learning to latch, and feeds can feel constant. Once supply settles and your baby becomes more efficient, breastfeeding often becomes much smoother and more enjoyable.

What can I eat to produce more milk?

There’s no single food that helps your body to produce more human milk. A balanced diet with whole grains, leafy greens, protein, and healthy fats supports your body well. Remember to eat enough calories and not skip meals.

How much water should a nursing mother drink?

Most breastfeeding mothers do well with around 2–3 litres of fluids a day, but your needs may vary depending on the weather and your activity level. It’s best to keep a water bottle nearby you.

How can I tell if my baby is getting enough?

Look for steady weight gain, regular wet nappies (about 6 or more a day after your milk comes in), and a baby who seems settled after feeds. You’ll also notice rhythmic sucking and swallowing during feeding. If you’re unsure, a professional lactation service, together with advice from a paediatrician, can offer reassurance, guidance, and personalised support.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.