Breastfeeding Made Easier: 8 Real Mom Tips

Struggling with breastfeeding? This complete breastfeeding guide for new moms covers latch, milk supply, pumping, nursing bras, and returning to work with real-life tips and support from The Mom Store. If you’re reading this after a feeding or pumping session or while your baby is latched on (or protesting loudly) take a deep breath. You’re doing better than you think. People often describe breastfeeding as “natural.” And yes, it is. But natural doesn’t always mean easy especially in the first few weeks. Between figuring out a proper latch, understanding milk supply, managing sore nipples, and wondering if your baby is getting enough milk, it can feel overwhelming. You might wonder: How often should I breastfeed my newborn? Why does breastfeeding hurt? Am I making enough breast milk? How will I manage breastfeeding after returning to work? If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. This breastfeeding guide for new moms walks you through the why, how, and when of breastfeeding with practical, real-life tips to make your breastfeeding journey easier. No pressure. No perfection. Just real support for real mom life. Why Should You Breastfeed? Breast milk is often called the gold standard of infant nutrition and for good reason. It supports your baby’s brain development, strengthens their immune system with protective antibodies, and helps guard against infections in those early months. But here’s something we don’t talk about enough: breastfeeding supports you, too. It helps your uterus contract after birth, burns extra calories that may aid postpartum recovery, and is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Interesting fact: Your milk changes according to your baby’s needs. Unlike formula, which has fixed nutrition, your body adapts in real time. That said, breastfeeding doesn’t have to look one specific way. Whether you choose exclusive nursing, pumping, or combo feeding—it all counts. How to Breastfeed: Positions, Latch, and Comfort Tips One of the biggest surprises for new moms is how physical breastfeeding feels—on your back, shoulders, neck, and nipples. 1. Find A Position That Works for You There are many breastfeeding positions, and no single one is the best. Keep experimenting and choose one that is most comfortable for you and your baby. Some mom-approved options: Try the laid-back position for newborns if your milk is released quickly (strong milk let-down) or you have smaller breasts. If you have had a C-section or twins (whom you want to nurse at the same time), the football hold is especially helpful. This position is also preferred by moms with larger breasts, flat nipples, and preterm or smaller babies. You can opt for the side-lying position for night feeds when you’re exhausted. Once your baby has some head control, cradle or cross-cradle positions work well Use pillows (or a nursing pillow) to bring your baby to breast level. Don’t bend forward toward your baby. Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby. Let’s talk practical: a well-fitting nursing bra makes a real difference. Proper support eases strain, and easy access means no mid-feed struggle. The Mom Store’s nursing bras are soft, supportive, and made for this exact stage at home or on the go. 2. Ensure a deep latch to prevent pain If you experience mild tenderness at first while breastfeeding, don’t worry. However, sharp or persistent pain indicates a latch issue. A good latch often looks like: Baby’s mouth wide open (like a big yawn) (you can use your nipple to tickle your baby’s lower lip to encourage her to open her mouth wide) Baby’s nose aligned with your nipple (“nose to nipple”) and her ear, shoulder, and hips in one line Both lips are turned outward (like a fish mouth) Baby’s chin touches your breast and her nose is close but free Ensure some space between your baby’s chin and chest to make it easier for her to swallow. If it hurts, gently insert a clean finger into the corner of baby’s mouth to break suction and try again. Mom-to-mom tip: Comfortable nursing dresses or feeding shirts can make latching easier and far less stressful at home or outside. When you feel relaxed, your let-down reflex works better too. The Mom Store’s nursing dresses are designed with easy-access panels and concealed zips, so feeding feels simple, not complicated. If your nipples feel sore (due to an improper latch), you can apply a few drops of your breastmilk (it has natural healing properties). Let your nipples air dry when possible. 3. When (and How Often) Should You Breastfeed? Nursing frequently will nourish your baby, increase your milk supply, and will also burn calories. Health authorities recommend: Feed your baby 8–12 times in 24 hours roughly every 2–3 hours. But instead of watching the clock, watch your baby. Recognize hunger clues, like turning head side to side (rooting), lip smacking, or placing hands in the mouth. Remember, crying is a late cue and a hungry baby is harder to latch. During growth spurts (around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months), your baby may require more feeds (known as cluster feeding). It’s exhausting but temporary. And it naturally boosts your milk supply and prevents engorgement. Mom tip: If your breasts feel hard and overly full (engorged), take a warm shower before feeding, massage gently and during feeds, and use cold compresses after feeds for relief. 4. Worried About Milk Supply? You’re Not Alone Almost every breastfeeding mom asks at some point, “Am I making enough milk?” This worry is incredibly common especially in the first few weeks. Here’s what usually helps boost milk supply naturally: Feed frequently. The more milk your baby removes, the more your body is signaled to produce. Breast milk works on supply and demand. Let your baby fully empty one breast before switching. This helps prevent clogged ducts and ensures your baby gets both the lighter foremilk and the richer, fat-filled hindmilk. Practice skin-to-skin (kangaroo care). Holding your baby close after feeds boosts milk-producing hormones, calms your baby, and supports your own postpartum recovery. If your breasts feel softer after feeding and your baby seems content, that’s often a reassuring sign. 5. Nutrition for Breastfeeding Moms You don’t need a “perfect” diet. You need a realistic one. Focus on: Eat enough breastfeeding moms typically need 300–400 extra calories per day. Drink plenty of fluids often. Keep a water bottle next to your feeding spot, and add soups to your diet. Avoid juices, and consume fruits instead. Include diverse foods, especially whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, that are high in protein, iron, and calcium to support your baby and body Mom tip: Sip jeera and ajwain water through the day to support hydration and digestion. Shatavari and methi (fenugreek) are also traditionally used to support milk supply. But remember, consistency matters more than any single superfood. If you’re unsure, consult a lactation expert for personalized breastfeeding support. 6. Breastfeeding and Returning to Work If you’re returning to work and worried about your milk supply, you’re not alone. Pumping helps your baby continue receiving breast milk even when you’re away and yes, it absolutely counts as breastfeeding. Once feeding is well established: Use a breast pump to express and store milk in clean, dated containers. Many moms find that pumping for 5 minutes followed by a 5-minute rest, and then pumping for 10 minutes can increase supply. Pairing your pump with a hands-free pumping bra can make sessions easier whether you’re answering emails or just sipping chai in peace. The Mom Store’s pumping bras securely hold flanges in place, so you can pump comfortably without the stress. Remember: Don’t microwave or heat breast milk on the stove. Warm it gently in a bowl of warm water to preserve its nutrients. 7. Things to Avoid Strict feeding schedules in initial weeks-Follow the baby's cues rather than rigid schedules to maintain supply. Forcing baby onto the breast-Allow your baby to use her instincts to find your nipple. Always bring baby to nipple, not nipple to baby. Don't bend over or lean forward as this can strain your neck, back, and shoulders. Tight or uncomfortable bras-Tight bras can retain moisture and cause infections. Introducing pacifiers or bottles early: This can create nipple confusion. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking Taking birth control pills too soon: Wait at least 6 weeks before taking birth control pills and consider other options. 8. Stay calm and enjoy the process Stress can interfere with your let-down reflex. Stress hormones can increase cortisol in the body, chemicals that do not allow your milk ducts to open widely, and reduce milk supply. Interestingly, breastfeeding itself releases calming hormones that reduce stress. So, breathe and stay calm. A Gentle Takeaway Breastfeeding is more than nutrition it’s connection, comfort, and learning each other one feed at a time. Some days feel smooth. Others don’t. That’s real mom life messy, emotional, beautiful. Give yourself grace. Ask for support. And when you need a little extra comfort whether it’s a reliable breast pump, a soft nursing bra, a comfortable pumping bra, or thoughtfully designed nursing wear The Mom Store is here to support you. You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just have to do it with love. And mama? You’re doing great.