Have More Babies

Breastfeeding Without Tears

• Michael Nwaneri, MD • Season 1 • Episode 289

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The first hours after birth can shape months of feeding. We break down nine practical, evidence-based breastfeeding tips that turn guesswork into a simple rhythm you can trust. From the golden window of skin-to-skin contact to reading early hunger cues before the tears, we focus on small steps that make a big difference—and the science behind why they work.

We talk through positioning and latch with clear, repeatable cues: tummy to tummy, nose to nipple, wait for a wide yawn, and bring the baby to you. You’ll hear how a quick pre-feed expression can soften engorgement, why feeding on demand protects supply, and when to alternate breasts or express after sessions. We also unpack what to avoid in the early weeks—bottles, formula, pacifiers, alcohol, and smoking—and why stress and anxiety can disrupt let-down more than most people realize.

Confidence comes from reading your baby and your body. We outline the signs of an effective latch, the sound and feel of good milk transfer, and a simple diaper checklist that removes the mystery: six pale-yellow wets and three to four loose yellow stools by days five to seven, plus steady weight gain in the first two weeks. If pain lingers or output seems low, we share how and when to ask for help from nurses, midwives, and lactation consultants so small tweaks can unlock big improvements.

If this guide gives you a clearer plan—whether it’s catching cues before crying or finding a more comfortable latch—share it with a parent who needs support. Subscribe for more grounded, compassionate pediatric guidance, and leave a review to tell us what helped most. Your feedback shapes future episodes and helps more families feed with confidence.

Visit the blog:  https://www.omegapediatrics.com/breastfeeding-better-with-tips-techniques/

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Matthew:

Welcome to Have More Babies. Okay, let's unpack this. You have carried a baby for nine months, you've gotten through the delivery, and now comes this uh this next huge phase: feeding. And for so many people, breastfeeding can feel like a really steep learning curve. Sometimes the milk is hard to express, or the baby just seems reluctant.

Stella:

It really can. And what's fascinating here is the strong consensus from, you know, all the major medical bodies. We're talking about the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ACOG, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. They advocate for exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months.

Matthew:

And our mission today is simple. We're going to distill nine specific tips and techniques that these pediatric experts share. Think of it as a shortcut to confidence in those crucial first weeks.

Stella:

Exactly. We're giving you the practical wisdom right now. We'll walk through these techniques step by step, starting uh right from the moment of birth.

Matthew:

Aaron Powell And that's where it gets really interesting. The sources all emphasize immediate action right after birth.

Stella:

Yes. Tip number one is skin-to-skin contact, early and often. Okay. You position the healthy newborn for that skin-to-skin contact pretty much as much as possible in those first few days. It um it really hastens the baby's adjustment to the outside world.

Matthew:

And there's a timeline, right? The sources mention that a full-term infant's suckling cues like licking or nuzzling are strongest from about 45 minutes to two hours after birth.

Stella:

That's the golden window. It truly is. And by the time a newborn is 20 to 24 hours old, they should be feeding several times an hour. Wow. Okay. So that raises a really important question. How do new parents know when to feed?

Matthew:

Which leads directly to tip number two.

Stella:

Don't wait for your baby to cry.

Matthew:

Right. Crying is a late sign.

Stella:

A very late sign of hunger. The whole focus should be on anticipating their desires by spotting those little telltale signs before the crying even starts.

Matthew:

So what are we looking for?

Stella:

You'll see them turning or raising their heads over and over. They might stick out their tongues, open and close their mouths.

Matthew:

Like a little fish.

Stella:

Exactly. Or, you know, they start sucking on whatever they can get their hands on, their own fists, your shoulder.

Matthew:

And responding to that immediately, it does more than just get them fed, right? It's about building intimacy.

Stella:

Absolutely. It boosts the baby's confidence that they won't have to struggle to get your attention. It actually improves the whole relationship.

Matthew:

So once we know when to feed, the challenge becomes the how. And latching. Latching can be really tough.

Stella:

It can be. And this brings us to tip number seven, which is all about positioning.

Matthew:

The line it up process.

Stella:

That's it. First, you have to get comfortable. Make sure your chair or glider has good neck and shoulder support. Then the baby should be lying tummy to tummy with you.

Matthew:

So not on their back.

Stella:

No, tummy to tummy. Then you run the nipple around their lips and you wait for that big, wide open mouth.

Matthew:

Like a yawn.

Stella:

Just like a yawn. And then this is the crucial part. You bring the baby close to the breast. You don't lean forward to the baby.

Matthew:

Ah, that saves you back.

Stella:

It saves your neck and your back, yes.

Matthew:

But sometimes there are um physical barriers that get in the way.

Stella:

Right. Which brings us to tip number four. Express a little milk.

Matthew:

Before the feed.

Stella:

Before the feed. Sometimes breast engorgement can uh flatten the nipple, which makes latching really challenging for the baby.

Matthew:

So you're basically just softening things up for them.

Stella:

Exactly. You express just a little bit of milk beforehand to make the nipples, well, more pliable. Just don't fully drain the milk. You're just trying to release that engorgement.

Matthew:

You can even do a gentle massage around the nipple to help with positioning.

Stella:

That's a great technique.

Matthew:

All of this really leads to tip number six, which is that practice will help your baby get the latch.

Stella:

It's so important to remember that. For some babies, it's immediate, but for many others, it takes time.

Matthew:

It's a learned skill.

Stella:

It is a learned skill that comes naturally once you and the baby get the hang of it.

Matthew:

So if we connect this to sustainability, you know, keeping it all going, the key seems to be listening to the baby.

Stella:

Yes. Tip number three allow your infant to dictate how long and how often to nurse.

Matthew:

Feed on demand.

Stella:

Feed on demand. Don't use predetermined intervals. Don't wake a sleeping baby just because time is up.

Matthew:

Unless a doctor tells you to, of course.

Stella:

Right. Unless there's a medical reason. But the baby knows their needs best. A feeding might be 10 minutes, it might be 40.

Matthew:

Okay, so how do you keep the supply going while you're following the baby's lead like that? Yeah. That brings us to tip number five, which is about boosting supply.

Stella:

And there are a few key actions here.

Matthew:

The first one is to offer and alternate between both breasts during each feeding.

Stella:

That helps stabilize production on both sides.

Matthew:

And second, you can express some breast milk after a feeding session, but only once breastfeeding is really well established.

Stella:

Right. And then uh a big one. Avoid formula, bottle feeding, or a dummy pacifier for the first six months until breastfeeding is well established.

Matthew:

That supports that big ACOG and AAP recommendation.

Stella:

It does. And then there are things to avoid that can interfere with production.

Matthew:

Like alcohol, smoking.

Stella:

And really importantly, anxiety, stress, or depression.

Matthew:

The mother's health is a huge part of this.

Stella:

It's fascinating how much the experts focus on that. Which brings us to tip number eight. Take good care of your skin.

Matthew:

Because constant feeding can lead to, well, irritated, dry, chapped, or even cracked nipples.

Stella:

And that can be incredibly painful.

Matthew:

So what's the advice?

Stella:

Avoid overwashing. Stick to one or two baths or showers a day with a gentle cleanser. And after nursing, pat your breasts dry with a really soft cloth, like silk, and apply a healing product.

Matthew:

And what should you never use?

Stella:

Absolutely never use alcohol or any products with harched ingredients.

Matthew:

Okay, so for the person listening, I think the biggest worry through all of this is is my baby getting enough?

Stella:

That's the core anxiety, isn't it?

Matthew:

It is. But the sources give us some really clear indicators to build that confidence. Let's start with signs of a good latch.

Stella:

Okay, so for the visual checklist, you want to see their mouth open wide with a big mouthful of breast. Their chin should be pressed against the breast, and their lower lip is rolled down.

Matthew:

And here's a crucial detail: more of the dark skin around the nipple should be visible above the baby's top lip.

Stella:

That's right. And feeding should be cane-free after the first few strong sucks.

Matthew:

Okay, so that's the latch. Now, signs they're actually getting enough milk.

Stella:

Yeah.

Matthew:

This is about observation and sound.

Stella:

Mm-hmm. The baby should be breastfeeding regularly. We're talking at least eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period.

Matthew:

And during the feed itself?

Stella:

You'll see a pattern, a few rapid sucks at the beginning, followed by long rhythmic sucks and swallowing. You might actually hear the swallows.

Matthew:

And their cheeks should stay rounded, not hollow. The baby should look calm, relaxed.

Stella:

And then after the feeding, they should come off the breast on their own. Their mouth looks moist and your breasts feel softer.

Matthew:

And the nibbles aren't flattened or pinched. The baby should look content for, you know, an average of one to three hours between feedings.

Stella:

Exactly.

Matthew:

And finally, the most practical evidence of all, the diaper checklist.

Stella:

This is the most concrete proof you have. By five to seven days of life, you're looking for at least six wet diapers every day.

Matthew:

And the urine should be colorless or pale yellow.

Stella:

Right. And you also want to see three to four loose yellow stools with small curdles per day.

Matthew:

There's that transition too, right? From the dark meconium on days one and two to greenish, and then finally to that yellow color from day four.

Stella:

Yes. And of course, steady weight game during the first couple of weeks is the ultimate sign of success.

Matthew:

Aaron Ross Powell So if all of this feels overwhelming or some unusual patterns pop up.

Stella:

Which they might. And that leads to the final tip, tip number nine. Don't be afraid to ask for help and support.

Matthew:

This is a learned skill. It requires patience.

Stella:

So much patience. And you should ask for help. A nurse, a midwife, a lactation consultant, especially while you're still in the hospital. Getting the professional guidance early is so key to making this a positive experience.

Matthew:

This material comes from an organization that is a huge advocate for breastfeeding and provides these exact kinds of lactation services.

Stella:

It does.

Matthew:

So what does all this mean? I mean, the journey requires technique and patience and self-care. But ultimately, understanding your baby feeding on demand, trusting your body, that's the real game changer.

Stella:

And if unusual challenges come up, getting help is a sign of strength, not failure.

Matthew:

For you, the learner, if you want to dive even deeper into pediatric health services, all these resources, and their commitment to maternal health, we have a really strong call to action today. Visit omegapediatrics.com. You'll find more helpful tips and information, including all the details on their lactation services and what they call the Omega Promise.

Stella:

That's O-M-E-G-A-Pediatrics.com.

Matthew:

It's a fantastic resource for mothers on this journey.

Stella:

We really encourage seeking out quality resources like these. And if this deep dive helped you gain some confidence or maybe you had an aha moment.

Matthew:

Like realizing you don't have to wait for the baby to scream.

Stella:

Exactly. Please take a moment to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and maybe share this information with other new parents who you know might be struggling.

Matthew:

Thank you so much for joining us for this deep dive into making breastfeeding a positive experience.

Stella:

We look forward to diving into your next stack of sources soon. Goodbye. Goodbye.

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Michael Nwaneri, MD

Host