You have just brought your baby into the world. You are exhausted, emotional, and everyone keeps telling you that breastfeeding is "the most natural thing in the world." But in those early hours and days, it might not feel natural at all — and that is completely okay.
At WONDERBEWBZ, we know how hard you work for every single drop. We were built for mums like you — mums who give everything they have to nourish their babies. So before we talk about preserving your milk, let us start at the very beginning: tips on how to breastfeed with confidence.
Here are our most practical breastfeeding tips for new moms, from latch to supply and everything in between.
Start Skin-to-Skin Within the First Hour
One of the most powerful, successful breastfeeding tips is also the simplest: hold your baby skin-to-skin as soon as possible after birth.
That first hour — often called the Golden Hour — is when your baby's natural feeding reflexes are at their strongest. Skin-to-skin contact triggers hormones that stimulate milk production and encourage your baby to instinctively move toward your breast.
Even if the first feed is a little messy or doesn't go perfectly, that's fine. You are both just beginning this journey — together.
Master the Latch First
If there is one thing to get right from the start, it is the latch. A poor latch is behind most breastfeeding pain, nipple soreness, and low milk transfer — and it is the most common reason new mums struggle.
Here is tips on how to breastfeed properly with a good latch:
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Hold your baby tummy-to-tummy against your body so their whole body faces you
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Line up their nose with your nipple, not their mouth
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Wait for a wide-open mouth — like a yawn — then bring baby to the breast (not the other way around)
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Their chin should touch your breast first, with the head tilting back slightly
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Look for "duck lips" — the lower lip should be flanged outward
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The tip of their nose, both cheeks, and chin should all gently touch the breast
If you feel a sharp, constant pain, gently slide your finger into the corner of their mouth to break the suction and try again. A little tenderness in the first few seconds is normal. Pain that lingers is not — and is always worth addressing.
Try Different Breastfeeding Positions
There is no single correct breastfeeding position. The best one is whichever feels comfortable for both of you. As a beginner, try a few and rotate based on your needs.
Cradle Hold — Baby lies across your forearm, tummy to tummy. The classic starting position for most mums.
Cross-Cradle Hold — You support baby's head with the opposite hand, giving you more control over positioning. Ideal for newborns and early breastfeeding techniques for beginners.
Football Hold — Baby is tucked under your arm beside you, legs pointing behind. A great option for mums recovering from a C-section, or those with larger breasts.
Side-Lying Position — You both lie on your sides, facing each other. A lifesaver for night feeds when you just need to rest.
Always use pillows to support your arms and your baby's weight — comfort for you means a calmer, more focused feed for your little one.
Feed on Demand, Not by the Clock
This is one of the most important pieces of breastfeeding advice for mothers in those first weeks: forget the schedule.
Your newborn will want to feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, and that frequency is exactly what builds your milk supply. Every time your baby feeds (or you pump), your body receives the signal to produce more.
Watch for early hunger cues rather than waiting for crying — crying is actually a late sign of hunger:
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Rooting — turning their head and opening their mouth
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Sucking on fingers or fists
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Increased alertness or wriggling
Feed when you see these signs. Your baby's body knows what it needs, and your body will respond.
If you are building a stash at the same time, learn about the best time to pump milk so you are pumping efficiently without affecting feeds.
Eat Well, Stay Hydrated, Rest When You Can
Your body is doing something remarkable. To support your milk supply, you need to support yourself too — and this is one of the most overlooked successful breastfeeding tips.
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Drink water constantly — aim to sip water every time you breastfeed
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Eat around 500 extra calories a day — focus on whole grains, leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats
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Rest whenever possible — exhaustion is one of the leading causes of low milk supply
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Keep taking your prenatal vitamins — they matter even after birth
Certain foods can also give your supply a natural boost. At WONDERBEWBZ, we have put together a guide on foods to increase breast milk supply that is worth bookmarking for those early weeks.
Know How to Handle Common Challenges
Even the most prepared mums hit bumps. Here is what to do when breastfeeding gets hard:
Sore or cracked nipples — Almost always caused by a poor latch. Fix the positioning first, let nipples air-dry after feeds, and apply a lanolin cream. It does get better.
Engorgement — When your milk comes in, your breasts may feel rock hard and uncomfortable. Feed frequently, use warm compresses before a feed, and hand-express a little to soften the areola before latching.
Low milk supply — Feed or pump more often, check the latch, stay hydrated, and reduce stress where possible. If you are concerned, a lactation consultant can help identify the root cause. You can also read our guide on how to increase breast milk supply for natural strategies that work.
High lipase milk — Some mums notice their stored milk smells or tastes soapy after cooling or freezing. This is a common and harmless condition called high lipase breast milk — and WONDERBEWBZ's freeze-drying process can actually help with this, by stopping lipase activity in its tracks
Ask for Help — It Is a Sign of Strength
No mum should struggle alone. Breastfeeding advice for mothers exists for a reason — because this is genuinely hard, and asking for support is one of the smartest things you can do.
Reach out to:
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A lactation consultant — especially if pain or latch issues persist
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Your paediatrician or midwife — for feeding frequency and weight gain concerns
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Online communities — mums who are a few weeks ahead of you can be a goldmine of real-world support
At WONDERBEWBZ, we believe every mum deserves to feel supported through her breastfeeding journey — not alone in it.
Protect Every Drop You Work For
As you settle into breastfeeding, you may start building a pumped milk stash. All that effort deserves to be protected.
Whether you are going back to work, travelling with your baby, or simply want a backup supply, proper storage is everything. Get familiar with breast milk storage guidelines so you know exactly how long your milk stays safe in the fridge or freezer.
And when your freezer starts overflowing — or you want your milk to last beyond the usual 6 months — WONDERBEWBZ is here. Our freeze-drying service transforms your precious breast milk into shelf-stable powder that lasts up to 3 years, with nutrients and antibodies fully intact. No more freezer stress, no more wasted drops, no more throwing away what you worked so hard to make.
Because at WONDERBEWBZ, we know: you have worked hard for every drop. We help you keep it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I breastfeed my newborn?
Newborns typically need to feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Feed on demand by watching for hunger cues like rooting or sucking on fists — not by the clock.
How do I know if my baby has a good latch?
A good latch means your baby's chin and nose touch your breast, with lips flanged outward like duck lips. You should feel a strong tugging sensation, not sharp or ongoing pain.
How long should each breastfeeding session last?
Most feeds last between 10 to 20 minutes per breast, but every baby is different. Let your baby feed until they naturally pull away or fall asleep satisfied.
What is the best breastfeeding position for a new mum?
The cross-cradle hold is often easiest for beginners as it gives you more control over positioning. Try a few different positions and use pillows to support your arms and baby's weight.
How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
A well-fed baby produces at least 6 wet nappies a day and is steadily gaining weight. If your baby seems content after feeds and is growing well, they are most likely getting enough.
Why are my nipples so sore after breastfeeding?
Nipple soreness is almost always caused by a poor latch — your baby may be feeding on the nipple tip rather than a full mouthful of breast. Adjusting the latch and letting nipples air-dry after feeds usually brings fast relief.
How do I increase my breast milk supply naturally?
Feed or pump more frequently, stay well hydrated, and eat a nutritious diet with around 500 extra calories a day. Rest as much as possible — exhaustion is one of the most common reasons supply dips.
Can I breastfeed if I have high lipase milk?
Yes, high lipase milk is completely safe for your baby to drink fresh. If your baby rejects thawed milk due to a soapy taste, WONDERBEWBZ's freeze-drying process can help by stopping lipase activity before it affects the flavour.
When should I start pumping breast milk?
Most lactation experts recommend waiting 2 to 4 weeks until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a pump. Pumping too early can sometimes cause oversupply or interfere with your baby's feeding rhythm.
What should I do if breastfeeding feels too hard?
Reach out — you do not have to figure this out alone. A lactation consultant, your midwife, or even an online mum community can make a huge difference. At WONDERBEWBZ, we believe every mum deserves support, not just a solution for her milk.
