Note: This post is part of a series for World Breastfeeding Week and is sponsored by Woman’s Hospital.
5 Ways to Make Breastfeeding Easier
You’ve taken a breastfeeding class. But before you bring baby home from the hospital, here are a few small tips to make breastfeeding a little easier.
Adjust your lighting.
Newborns need to eat at least eight times 
every 24 hours – remember, “8 or more in 24.” Yes, you read that correctly! Even if your little angel is sleeping soundly, you’ll still have to wake him up to eat. In the middle of the night, flicking on the main room light isn’t the best option. Before baby arrives, set up lamps, plug in night lights or install dimmers.
Create breastfeeding stations.
Some days, especially the early days when baby wants to “cluster feed” for hours on end, you may not be able to get up a lot. In every room where you’ll be breastfeeding, set up the following items within arm’s reach: water, snacks, burp cloth and phone charger.
Get a breastfeeding pillow.
Using multiple pillows to prop up your arms can get a bit tricky, especially when you switch positions. From the Boppy to the My Brest Friend, a special breastfeeding pillow often helps with comfortable positioning.
Ask questions in the hospital.
While you’re still in the hospital, take advantage of having lactation assistance 24/7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request assistance as needed.
Remember you aren’t alone.
The day you get home from the hospital, you might feel panicked. After all, you and your baby are both still learning how to breastfeed! Call our Lactation Warmline at 225-924-8239 for troubleshooting from a registered nurse. You can also schedule an appointment with one of Woman’s lactation nurses. Connect with other breastfeeding moms at Woman’s Breastfeeding Support Group, which meets twice each month.
About Woman’s Hospital
Woman’s Hospital is one of the first specialty hospitals for women and infants. Since opening in 1968, it has welcomed more than 300,000 babies, making it one of the largest delivery services in the country and the largest in Louisiana. Additionally, Woman’s operates the highest-level neonatal intensive care unit in the state and cares for infants who are extremely premature, are critically ill or require surgical intervention. The hospital is also recognized for its expertise in mammography as well as breast and gynecologic cancer care. As a private, nonprofit organization, all funds are reinvested into the hospital to continue Woman’s mission to improve the health of women and infants through the latest technology, a highly qualified staff and critical community programs and services. For more information, visit www.womans.org.
