Baby breastfeeding is the most natural and healthy way to feed your newborn. Sometimes for a first time mother, breastfeeding seems challenging, and possibly a bit confusing. Here are a few tidbits of information to help ease your mind.

1. One item which concerns some new mothers is the growth of their nipples, and areola. This is natural, and necessary. Your breasts are preparing for nursing, and for producing extra lubrication. Your breast may become tender as they grow, but don’t worry, it gets better with a little time.

2. Before the baby is born, you need to start preparing yourself mentally. Baby breastfeeding requires one thing your husband, and no one else can help with, your breasts. You are going to have low amounts of sleep for these first few weeks, waking up to feed the baby every 2 hours. Your husband can help by bringing the baby to you in bed. Make sure to sleep as often as you can when the baby sleeps to keep up your energy.

3. Using a 100% lanolin moisturizer on your nipples and areola can help prevent cracking. Many mothers experience less problems if they leave a little milk on the nipple to help seal and protect the area.

4. Buy several high quality nursing bras, and a good supply of nursing pads. You are going to leak some milk, it is natural. You’ll discover your breasts may respond to your baby crying and start leaking easily. Replace the pads often to protect your clothes.

5. Often, when you first start your baby breastfeeding you are not producing enough milk. Don’t worry, your body knows how to do its job, and will start producing more milk. Many hospitals and some pediatricians offer breastfeeding advisers. They can observe your breastfeeding techniques, and weigh your baby before and after a feeding to determine the quantity of milk consumed. This can help you confirm your baby is getting enough milk, and ease your mind.

6. A baby breastfeeding for nourishment may sometimes go 2 to 3 days without a bowel movement. It is not a reason for alarm. Your baby may also treat you to bowel movements many times per day, but most parents are not shocked to find dirty diapers. Parents fears grow more with the lack of poopy diapers.

7. If you are planning on going back to work and using a breast pump, you need to plan for a few extra adventures with your baby. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are two very different things, with different feeling nipples, and actions. Expect your baby to experience some nipple confusion during this time. Do not try to introduce a bottle during the first few weeks of life, if possible. The longer your baby has breast fed, the less likely you will experience problems.

8. You can buy beautiful covers for you and your baby. These covers make breastfeeding in public easy, without needing to worry about hunting for a private corner. Your baby will have a protective little tent during feeding time.

A baby breastfeeding will be healthier, and receive many benefits throughout their infancy over babies on formulas. Don’t let some of these simple challenges derail your efforts to breastfeed. You will discover it is the finest bonding experience you can have with your new baby.