Breastfeeding Tips and Techniques for New Mums

Breastfeeding is often described as "natural," which can make it feel surprisingly devastating when it doesn't come easily. The truth is that while breastfeeding is biologically natural, it's also a learned skill—for both you and your baby. Most breastfeeding challenges are completely normal and solvable with the right information and support. This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of establishing breastfeeding, common hurdles you might face, and when to reach out for professional help.

The First Hours: Golden Moments

The first hour after birth is often called the "golden hour" for breastfeeding. During this time, your baby is typically in a quiet, alert state—perfect for their first feed. Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps regulate your baby's temperature, breathing, and blood sugar, while also stimulating hormones that support milk production and bonding.

If possible, hold your baby skin-to-skin and allow them to find the breast on their own. Many babies will bob their heads, root around, and eventually latch without much assistance. This instinctive behaviour, sometimes called the "breast crawl," can be remarkable to witness. However, if your birth involves complications or medical interventions, don't worry—skin-to-skin and breastfeeding can still be established successfully, even if delayed.

Getting a Good Latch: The Foundation of Comfortable Feeding

A correct latch is perhaps the single most important factor in successful breastfeeding. A good latch should be comfortable (mild discomfort in the first week is common, but severe pain is not normal) and effective (your baby should be actively drinking and swallowing). Here's how to achieve it:

Position your baby so their nose is level with your nipple, their body is facing yours (tummy to tummy), and their head can tip back slightly. Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide—really wide, like a yawn—then bring them quickly to the breast, aiming your nipple toward the roof of their mouth. Their chin should touch the breast first, with more of the areola visible above the lip than below.

Understanding Milk Production: Supply and Demand

Breast milk production operates on a supply-and-demand basis. The more milk that's removed from the breast (through feeding or expressing), the more milk your body produces. In the early weeks, frequent feeding—typically 8-12 times per 24 hours for newborns—helps establish a robust supply.

In the first few days after birth, your breasts produce colostrum, a concentrated, golden-coloured substance packed with antibodies and nutrients. Though it comes in small quantities, it's perfectly designed for your newborn's tiny stomach (which is only about the size of a marble on day one). Your mature milk typically "comes in" around days 3-5, often accompanied by noticeable breast fullness.

Frequent feeding during this establishment phase is normal and necessary. Cluster feeding—where your baby feeds very frequently for several hours, often in the evening—is a common and healthy pattern that helps build your supply. It doesn't mean you don't have enough milk; it's simply how babies naturally regulate production.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Sore Nipples

Some nipple tenderness in the first week is common as your nipples adjust to their new job. However, severe pain, cracking, bleeding, or damage that doesn't improve suggests a latch problem that needs addressing. If you're experiencing significant nipple pain, seek help from a lactation consultant or midwife to assess and correct your baby's positioning and attachment.

In the meantime, applying expressed breast milk to your nipples after feeds and allowing them to air dry can promote healing. Medical-grade lanolin or nipple balms can provide comfort. If you see signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, fever), consult a healthcare provider promptly.

Engorgement

When your milk comes in, your breasts may become uncomfortably full, hard, and even painful. This engorgement usually resolves within a day or two as your body adjusts to your baby's needs. To manage engorgement, feed frequently (wake your baby if necessary), apply cold compresses between feeds to reduce swelling, and hand express or pump just enough to relieve pressure before feeds to help your baby latch.

Low Milk Supply Concerns

Many mothers worry about having insufficient milk, but true low supply is less common than perceived. Signs that your baby is getting enough milk include adequate wet and dirty nappies (by day 5, expect at least 5 heavy wet nappies and 3 or more dirty nappies daily), steady weight gain after the initial post-birth loss, and a satisfied baby who releases the breast voluntarily after feeds.

Blocked Ducts and Mastitis

A blocked milk duct presents as a tender, localised lump in the breast. It can often be resolved by continuing to feed frequently, applying warmth before feeds, and massaging the lump gently during feeding while positioning baby's chin toward the blockage.

If a blockage progresses to mastitis—characterised by flu-like symptoms, fever, and a red, hot, painful area on the breast—seek medical attention promptly. Mastitis may require antibiotics, but importantly, you should continue breastfeeding through mastitis. Stopping suddenly can worsen the condition.

Different Feeding Positions

Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can help you find what's most comfortable and effective for you and your baby. The cradle hold is classic: baby lies across your lap with their head in the crook of your elbow. The cross-cradle hold offers more head control, which can be helpful for newborns. The football (or clutch) hold, with baby tucked under your arm, works well after cesarean births and for mothers with larger breasts. Side-lying is a game-changer for night feeds, allowing you to rest while your baby nurses.

Building Your Support Network

Successful breastfeeding rarely happens in isolation. Surround yourself with people who support your feeding choices. In Australia, excellent breastfeeding support is available through the Australian Breastfeeding Association, maternal child health nurses, hospital lactation consultants, and private IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants).

The Australian Breastfeeding Association's helpline (1800 686 268) is available 24/7 and staffed by trained volunteer counsellors who have breastfed themselves. They can provide phone support, help troubleshoot problems, and direct you to local support groups and services.

It's Okay If It Doesn't Work Out

While this guide focuses on establishing breastfeeding, it's important to acknowledge that breastfeeding doesn't work for everyone, despite best efforts. Some mothers face medical conditions, insufficient glandular tissue, or circumstances that make breastfeeding impossible or inadvisable. Some babies have conditions that make feeding directly at the breast extremely challenging.

How you feed your baby is less important than that you feed your baby with love. Combination feeding, exclusive pumping, and formula feeding are all valid choices that can result in thriving, healthy, well-bonded babies. If breastfeeding isn't working despite adequate support, give yourself permission to explore other options without guilt.

Taking Care of Yourself

Breastfeeding places significant demands on your body. Stay well-hydrated by keeping water within reach during feeds. Eat regular, nourishing meals—now is not the time for restrictive dieting. Rest when you can, accepting help with household tasks so you can focus on recovering and feeding.

Your mental health matters enormously. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or experiencing symptoms of postnatal depression, reach out to your healthcare provider, maternal child health nurse, or PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) helpline: 1300 726 306. Feeding challenges can sometimes contribute to postnatal mood disorders, and addressing them together is often necessary.

Breastfeeding is a journey that looks different for every mother-baby pair. There will be challenging days, but for many, the rewards—convenience, bonding, health benefits—make the early struggles worthwhile. Give yourself grace, seek help early, and trust that you and your baby are learning together.