Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month: 10 Tips for a Strong Start

In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month, one of our amazing Michigan Family Doulas, Nyasia, is taking over the blog today to share with you her top 10 tips for Breastfeeding! She isn’t just a doula though, she is a IBCLC and Certified Lactation Counselor Specialist. So sit back and soak up all the tips MFD’s Nyasia has to offer!

Creating a Strong Foundation for Your Feeding Journey

Welcoming a new baby is both joyful and overwhelming, and one of the biggest learning curves in those early days is feeding. In my years as a lactation consultant and doula, I’ve learned that getting breastfeeding/bodyfeeding off to a great start isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about creating a strong foundation and getting the right support early. Here are my top ten tips to help you and your baby begin your feeding journey with confidence:

Nyasia’s Top 10 Breastfeeding/Bodyfeeding Tips

1. Feed Early and Often: Offer the breast/chest within the first hour after birth, then aim for 8–12 feedings in 24 hours to help establish supply.
2. Keep Baby Close: Room-in and practice skin-to-skin so you can respond to hunger cues before baby cries.
3. Watch the Baby, Not the Clock: Feed based on your baby’s cues, not a strict schedule.
4. Get a Deep Latch: It helps your baby transfer milk efficiently and keeps you comfortable.
5. Find Your Position(s): Experiment with cross-cradle, football, or side-lying, using pillows or towels for extra support if needed.
6. Avoid Unnecessary Supplements: Unless there’s a medical reason, exclusive feeding in the early days helps protect supply.
7. Understand Colostrum: That golden, thick milk is full of antibodies and perfect for your newborn.
8. Involve Your Support System: Partners and family can bring snacks, water, and encouragement.
9. Ask for Help Early: Don’t wait if you’re experiencing pain, nipple damage, or concerns about latch or weight gain.
10. Trust Your Body: Babies are born with the instincts to feed, and with the right support, most challenges can be overcome.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone

I want every family to know that you are not alone in this journey. These tips are a starting place, but personalized help can make all the difference. If you have questions or need extra support, reach out to a lactation professional early—it’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your baby.

---

By Nyasia Countee, IBCLC, CD(DONA), CPE, LCE, CLS, CLCS, Blactavist Peer Counselor, Designated Breastfeeding Expert, Certified Lactation Counselor Specialist

#lacationsupport #nationalbreastfeedingmonth #Doulanearme #michiganfamilydoulas