Breastfeeding Basics: An Easy Guide for Moms
Hey Mama,
Whether you're a first-time mom or just need a gentle refresher, breastfeeding can feel like a whole new world. It can be beautiful and let’s be honest… sometimes tricky. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This guide is designed to walk you through breastfeeding in a way that’s calm, clear, and doable (even on 3 hours of sleep).
Let’s dive in.
Step-by-Step: How to Breastfeed
1. Start with Comfort & Care
Before you even bring baby to the breast, take care of you and get comfy. Sit down somewhere cozy with good back support, grab water and a snack. Use a pillow under your arms or across your lap, or a breastfeeding pillow if you have one. Support your feet on a small stool if needed.
Bonus tip: Roll your shoulders back, take a deep breath, and unclench your jaw.
Relaxed body = easier letdown and milk flow.
2. Position Baby Well
Bring baby to you, not the other way around. Choose a nursing position that feels natural:
Cradle hold (classic)
Football hold (great for C-sections, small babies, or big boobies)
Side-lying (hello, nighttime feeds - ensure you’re following the 7 rules for safe sleep)
Baby’s chest should be facing your chest. Their ear, shoulder, and hip should be in a straight line.
3. Brush Baby’s Nose to the Nipple
This is key! Gently line up your nipple with baby’s nose, not their mouth. Then lightly brush your nipple down along their nose and upper lip. This activates their natural rooting reflex and encourages them to open their mouth wide, think yawn-wide.
Once baby’s mouth is open big, bring them quickly and gently onto the breast, aiming your nipple toward the roof of their mouth. Tuck them in close, belly to belly.
✨ Pro tip: Bring baby to the breast, not the other way around.
4. Check the Latch
A good latch should:
Feel like a tug, not pinching or pain
Be quiet, clicking noises signifies an improper latch, try try again!
Show baby’s lips flanged outward like fish lips
Cover more of the areola with their chin side than nose side
Let baby’s nose and chin gently touch the breast
6. Burp or Wait
After baby nurses, gently burp them to release any swallowed air. Some babies burp easily with a soft pat on the back while resting upright on your chest or sitting on your lap with your hand supporting their chest and chin.
But here's the thing: not all babies need to burp right away and that's okay.
If your baby spits up often during burping, or just isn’t burping easily, you don’t have to force it. Some babies simply need more time to digest before that burp can come up. Try holding baby upright for 10–15 minutes after feeding and then attempt burping again. Other times, babies will burp on their own when you’re not even trying, like during a cuddle or while you're walking around.
✨ Trust your instincts, if baby seems content and comfortable, it’s okay to skip a burp here and there.
Understanding Newborn Weight Loss
Let’s talk about something that causes a lot of unnecessary panic: newborn weight loss.
It is completely normal for breastfed babies to lose some weight in the first few days after birth. In fact, it's expected. Most babies lose around 5–10% of their birth weight in the first 3–5 days. And guess what? That’s totally okay!
Think about it: your baby was getting a constant stream of nutrition in the womb, food on demand, 24/7. Then they’re born and suddenly have to work to eat (by nursing) and even communicate hunger (hello, crying!). It’s a big adjustment, and a little weight loss is a natural part of that transition.
Here’s the key thing to know:
Your baby should be back to their birth weight by 2 weeks old (14 days).
If they’re steadily gaining after that and having plenty of wet and poopy diapers, everything is right on track.
A Note on Pediatricians:
Many pediatricians are wonderful, but not all are trained in the nuances of breastfeeding. Some may express concern over perfectly normal weight loss in those early days. Don’t let that scare you. If your baby is eating well, showing hunger cues, and slowly gaining again, you’re doing great!
✨ Always trust your intuition, and lean on your doula, lactation consultant, or support team if something feels off or if you need extra reassurance.
Breastfeeding Tips & Tricks
Feed early and often (every 2-3 hours or about 8-12 times in 24 hours)
Use nipple balm or expressed milk to soothe sore nipples.
Breast compressions can help baby stay engaged and get more milk.
Hydrate like it’s your job. Drink water very often and every time you nurse.
Nursing can feel intense, give yourself grace.
How to Know Baby’s Getting Enough
Baby is having wet diapers
Soft, yellow poop (typically after day 4)
Steady weight gain (check-ins with pediatrician help)
Baby seems relaxed and content after feeds
When to Ask for Help
Breastfeeding should not feel like suffering.
If you're:
Experiencing sharp or ongoing nipple pain
Unsure about latch or positioning
Worried baby isn’t getting enough
Feeling discouraged, extremely emotional, or unsure
Reach out! Lactation consultants, doulas (hi!), and postpartum support groups are here to help. You are not in this alone.
Remember…
Learning to breastfeed is learning a new skill with your baby. It takes time, practice, and patience. It’s okay if it’s messy, it’s okay if you need support, and it’s okay if you’re figuring it out one feed at a time.
You are showing up, you are nourishing your baby, and you are doing an incredible job!!
Looking for More Support?
If you’re in the thick of the newborn days, you’re not alone.
Whether you need help soothing a fussy baby, figuring out feeding, or simply want someone to check in on you; I offer free in-person postpartum consultations to support you where you are.
Together, we can create a plan that feels grounded, nurturing, and aligned with your needs.
If you’d like to talk more about how I can support you during this tender season, I invite you to book a postpartum consultation with me. No pressure, just a safe space to be heard and supported.
Click here to book your free consultation for postpartum support.
You were never meant to do this all on your own and you don’t have to.
With love and support,
Mya from Mama Lotus Services
