Top 10 survival tips for the first two weeks

Top 10 list of advice for breastfeeding success in the first two weeks:

1. Make sure your baby is latched on to your areola and not just the tip of your nipple.

2. If it hurts for more than a few seconds, take your baby off your breast and reposition. Do not be a martyr.

3. If the position you are using is not working, try another one.

4. Have a spouse or willing volunteer get the baby’s open mouth to your breast while you hold your breast. Have this person pull down your baby’s chin gently with their finger.

5. Ask for a nipple shield (a plastic covering with a hole) if your nipples are too tender or cracked to nurse comfortably. This is a controversial option because the volume of fluid coming to baby is reduced. But it may make the difference for some women if used for a day or two. If you choose this option, schedule a follow-up appointment with a lactation consultant.

6. One word: LANOLIN. Various brands of this ointment (such as Lansinoh) are available. Any product with this active ingredient provides comfort to healing nipples. (It’s also great for baby’s bad diaper rashes.) If your nipples are really in dire straits, you can buy Elastogel (a wound dressing) at your local hospital pharmacy or from a lactation consultant. Your doctor can also prescribe an antibiotic cream if necessary.

7. Use both breasts during each feeding to stimulate milk production. Once your milk supply is established at four weeks, it is fine to nurse on one breast per feeding if your baby consistently refuses the second breast and is gaining weight. One exception: veteran moms may have plenty of milk to accomplish this sooner.

8. Sleep when your baby sleeps. Your baby should not sleep more than a four-hour stretch in the first two weeks.

9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

10. Don’t give up. The first two weeks can be rough, but then it will all be worth it!