[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/04\/breastfeeding-tips\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/04\/breastfeeding-tips\/","headline":"What New Moms Need to Know About Breastfeeding","name":"What New Moms Need to Know About Breastfeeding","description":"Breastfeeding offers many benefits to your baby. Learn more about how to properly breastfeed with this guide from our experts. ","datePublished":"2016-04-28","dateModified":"2024-06-06","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","name":"UPMC Magee-Womens","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-magee-womens-hospital\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/breastfeeding-tips.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/breastfeeding-tips.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/04\/breastfeeding-tips\/","about":["Pregnancy and Childbirth","Women's Health"],"wordCount":404,"keywords":["breastfeeding","Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC","new moms","newborn baby"],"articleBody":"As natural as\u00a0breastfeeding may be, it is something that both mother and baby need to learn. But when you’re new at nursing, it can be hard to tell if something is just part of the normal adjustment period or may be a problem.Here are some common breastfeeding issues and tips for addressing them at home:Sore NipplesBreastfeeding can be uncomfortable at first. But it should become comfortable once a good latch and positioning are established.Helpful tips for sore nipplesCheck for a proper latch. (With baby’s head slightly tilted back, line baby’s nose across from nipple, wait for open mouth, and latch quickly and deeply.)Try different positions. (Football and cross-cradle holds are preferred when learning.)After breastfeeding, apply a few drops of expressed milk onto your nipples. Try a lanolin nipple cream if nipples are tender.Change nursing pads frequently and allow nipples to air dry.If soreness persists, contact a lactation consultant or your health care provider.Plugged Breast DuctsA plugged duct is usually caused by an obstructed milk flow and\/or poor milk removal from the breast. It can feel like a small, tender, firm area and is not accompanied by fever or other symptoms.Helpful tips for plugged breast ductsNurse frequently, especially on the affected side.Apply a warm compress to the sore area.Massage area before and during feedings.Pump or hand express milk after feedings if soreness\/firmness persists.Take an anti-inflammatory if needed.Wear a bra that is supportive but not tight.Rest often.Call your physician if you develop a fever of higher than 101 degrees, chills, or flu-like symptoms.Tips for getting a good, deep latchHold your baby close, tummy to tummy.Tilt your infant\u2019s head back slightly.Align your baby\u2019s nose across from the nipple.Tickle the upper lip (lips should flare outward).Wait for a wide, open mouth.Bring infant onto breast quickly and deeply.Place a large amount of breast into the mouth.You should feel a strong tug or pulling that is not painful.\u00a0(During the early days of breastfeeding, it can take time, patience, and practice for your baby to latch on well.)Keep trying and ask for help if needed!Learn more about breastfeeding by visiting the Lactation Center at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on April 28, 2016, and was last reviewed on December 19, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What New Moms Need to Know About Breastfeeding","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/04\/breastfeeding-tips\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]