August 27, 2024

Top 10 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

breastfeeding woman

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 82% of Iowa babies are breastfed at birth, but that rate falls to 58% at 6 months of age and to 38% at 12 months.  

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months, with continued

“Alone, I almost wanted to give up. She said you just have to keep going. You just have to remember that it’s going to get easier and better, and it did. I remember one day it just wasn't hard anymore.”

breastfeeding along with the introduction of other foods for at least the first year. While breastfeeding is natural, it’s not always easy.

 

Many mothers find breastfeeding challenging — balancing work or other responsibilities with breastfeeding can be difficult and new mothers may face a lack of support. EveryStep is a strong advocate for breastfeeding and provides the education and support new moms need to start and continue breastfeeding their infants.

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New mom Tina had a disappointing experience trying to breastfeed her newborn baby at the hospital, but EveryStep nurse Stacey Blitz provided the support she needed to try again. “[Stacey] worked extensively with me. Alone, I almost wanted to give up. She said you just have to keep going. You just have to remember that it’s going to get easier and better, and it did. I remember one day it just wasn't hard anymore.” Tina continued to breastfeed baby Jack through his first year.

“She was determined to breastfeed,” says Stacey. “That made the difference.” EveryStep offers several programs that offer free education and health checks for pregnant and parenting moms. Nurses like Stacey have vast experience with the challenges and hurdles to successful breastfeeding. Here is a compilation of their best advice and encouragement for new parents.

  1. Breast milk has antibodies that help keep your baby from getting sick.
  2. Breast milk is free and is always ready when your baby wants to eat.
  3. Breastfeeding lets you and your baby bond and get to know each other.
  4. Educate yourself about breastfeeding before your baby arrives. Attend prenatal classes, read books or watch videos about breastfeeding techniques.
  5. Breastfeeding is a learned skill. Be patient and give yourself and your baby time to get comfortable with breastfeeding.
  6. It’s important to stay hydrated. One way to make sure you have enough water is to have a glass each time you breastfeed.
  7. Eat healthy food and keep taking your prenatal vitamin.
  8. Rest when you can. Resting helps your body recover and maintain a good milk supply.
  9. Don’t wait until your baby cries, look for early hunger cues like turning head, sucking on fist, rooting, etc.
  10. Seek support and ask for help if needed.

EveryStep can offer critical support to new parents — an especially vulnerable stage in life — weaving together the threads of a care and support network to create an inclusive social fabric where everyone can flourish. By offering the connections, tools and resources they need to build a healthy family, they can become part of a flourishing, healthy community.

Learn More About EveryStep’s Work in the Community

You can ensure that new parents who are struggling in your community receive the support they need. Consider a monthly contribution to strengthen Iowa’s care and support network.

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Investing in Iowa’s care and support network means no one must face adversity alone.