Planning to breastfeed? We are here to help. One Love Doula Services is equipped with over 20 years combined of professional lactation support experience and personal breastfeeding experience. We know our stuff! Breastfeeding counseling in Tampa by one of our doulas or though virtual doulas is a great way to get you the guidance you need.

One thing we want you to know is that breastfeeding or chest feeding your newborn doesn’t always come naturally to all of us; however, if this is your goal, we have some tips to help you get through those early stages and possibly beyond.

1. Breast milk comes in three stages, including colostrum (yes this is milk and yes it does keep your baby full).

Colostrum is found in the early days after delivery and is full of antibodies your baby needs. Transitional milk is the second stage of breastmilk and this is day three to five. This is the stage between colostrum and mature milk. The final stage is mature milk, which occurs about day ten or sometimes earlier for some of us.

Please remember that each stage is important and we recognize that at some point you will hear, “Your baby is still hungry” from someone. We want to remind you to stay confident and know that your baby is feeding on demand because they are so smart and working through those stages of breastmilk.

2. Everyday gets a little easier.

You will have days where you will reach out to your personal doula and say, “I am done, and I am tired” That is ok! We want to encourage deep breaths. Take some time for added rest and naps. Tomorrow is another day. If your goal is breastfeeding, we want to support you towards that goal, and that means that you need to rest.

3. Your latch should not be painful. Breastfeeding positioning is often the culprit of a painful latch.

Your baby should be tummy to tummy. At first, baby will use their sense of smell (nose to nipple). Once the baby opens their mouth because they smell the nipple, bring the baby’s head to the nipple. The ideal latch encompasses both the nipple and the surrounding areola – the pinkish-brown, flat circle that became darker and developed goose bumps during pregnancy.

There are several ways to position yourself when breastfeeding; we’ve added a few visuals for you. A certified lactation counselor can help you one on one in your postpartum period.

4. Pay attention to wet and soiled diapers. This is a key indicator in regards to your baby getting “enough”.

Babies add one additional soiled diaper per day of life ie. one at day one, two at day two and by day four, stools should be yellow. Baby should have 3-4 soiled diapers per day by this time.

Once milk has reached stage three, you can expect 5-6 wet diapers, which totals to about 10+ diaper changes in a 24 hour period between wet and soiled. This tells us if your baby is breastfeeding appropriately and taking in what they need to.

5. Reach out for help if needed – a lactation counselor or postpartum doula can help!

Newborns need to be fed every two to three hours in the beginning of your nursing relationship, and each session can take a while. You’ll know that a feeding is done when the baby has drained at least one breast and is not giving hunger cues (look for open fist). For newborns, this can take between 20 and 45 minutes at each feeding.

We recognize this can be a full time job and can be taxing, as well as leaving no time for anything else. Consider adding a postpartum doula to your postpartum healing plan, so you can solely worry about your healing and breastfeeding relationship, and your postpartum doula can support that goal and take care of all the other little things such as meal prepping, light house work, and errands. Breastfeeding counseling in Tampa is also a great way to get guidance as you learn!

Breastfeeding Tips and Counseling for New Moms and Families

Have any questions about breastfeeding or need breastfeeding support? Schedule a call with one of our virtual doulas or sign up for lactation support or a postpartum doula in Tampa Bay! Check out our different doula service packages or contact us online for quick responses on any of your questions! Visit us on Instagram for updates on our amazing practices and wonderful staff of trained doulas in Tampa!

You may be thinking, “Where can I find a doula near me?” We provide Tampa doula support, birth, placenta encapsulation, and postpartum doula care for:

Tampa, St Petersburg
Land O’ Lakes
Lakeland
Plant City
Downtown Tampa
… and more!

Virtual services also available, let’s plan for your amazing birth and postpartum journey.

All With,

How To: 5 Breastfeeding Tips and Tricks for New Moms with Newborns