Podcast Episode #251
Breastfeeding tips for new mums
The first 48 hours after giving birth can feel like a blur—you’re tired, emotional, and suddenly responsible for a tiny human. And if you’re planning to breastfeed, you might be wondering:
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Am I doing this right?
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Is this supposed to hurt?
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Why won’t my baby latch?
In this episode, I’m joined by the lovely Nicola—a midwife, nurse, and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. Together, we unpack the practical things you can do right after birth to get breastfeeding off to the best possible start. Whether this is your first baby or you’re doing it all again, this conversation is filled with helpful, reassuring advice.
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In this article you'll find tips to:
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Encourage breastfeeding success from the very first hour
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Use skin-to-skin contact to boost bonding and milk supply
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Start antenatal hand expressing with confidence
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Recognise newborn feeding cues and avoid missed feeds
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Set up a stress-free and practical breastfeeding space
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Create healthy boundaries with visitors in those early days
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Understand the pros and cons of milk collection tools like the Haakaa
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Soothe and protect sore nipples with creams and gentle care
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Know when and how to seek breastfeeding support
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Handle common challenges like sleepy babies or latch issues
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Avoid nipple damage and oversupply complications
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Keep breastfeeding simple, intuitive, and supported
Welcoming a newborn into the world is a whirlwind of emotion, exhaustion, and adjustment. For many new mums, breastfeeding can feel both incredibly natural and incredibly overwhelming. So how do you give yourself the best chance at success?
In this podcast episode, we break down simple yet powerful breastfeeding tips for new mums, especially during those crucial first 48 hours after birth—based on expert insights from midwife and lactation consultant Nicola Batkin.
Skin to Skin Contact: Your Best First Step
If there’s one thing you remember, let it be this—keep your baby close, and keep it skin to skin. Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a caesarean, skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth (and as often as possible in the first couple of days) helps regulate your baby’s temperature, encourages their instinct to feed, and kickstarts your milk production.
Partners can join in too! Skin to skin with dad or your support person can help calm the baby while you rest. If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, this simple contact can be your best ally.
Antenatal Expressing: Get to Know Your Breasts
One of the most underrated breastfeeding tips for new mums is to start antenatal expressing around 36 weeks, if your care provider gives the green light. This helps you become familiar with your breasts, identify where the milk comes from, and even store some early colostrum to use in those early hours post-birth.
Even after baby arrives, hand expressing after feeds can help stimulate your supply—especially if baby is sleepy or not feeding efficiently yet.
Make Feeding Easy (and Protected)
In those early days, the last thing you need is to be scrambling for a muslin or water bottle while your baby gives you subtle feeding cues. Keep everything close—nipple cream, snacks, water with a straw, cloths, breast pads, and a burp cloth. Whether you’re at home or in hospital, a little “breastfeeding station” can save your sanity.
It’s also worth considering how you handle visitors. Feeding is unpredictable, messy, and deeply personal. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Let your partner be your voice if needed—advocating for space and privacy so you can feed without feeling on display.
Haakaa & Milk Catchers: Are They Worth It?
You’ve likely heard of the Haakaa or Ladybug-style milk catchers that collect milk from the opposite breast while you feed. Sounds handy, right? They can be—but they can also create issues.
If you’re struggling with supply or trying to boost it, they might help. But for many new mums, these devices can lead to oversupply, discomfort, or even mastitis if used too often. They also sometimes interfere with a good latch. So unless you have a specific reason, they might be one to leave off your newborn checklist.
Nipple Pain: What’s Normal and How to Soothe It
Let’s be honest—your nipples aren’t used to being sucked on 8 to 12 times a day. Some sensitivity is normal. But cracking, bleeding, and ongoing pain are not.
A good latch should feel like a tug, not a pinch. Don’t be afraid to gently re-latch your baby if something feels off. And yes, your hospital midwives may all give different advice. That’s okay. What matters most is how you feel and whether baby is swallowing effectively.
To protect your nipples, a lanolin-based cream like Lansinoh can work wonders. Just a small amount helps create a soothing barrier. You can also dab on a few drops of breast milk after feeds to promote healing. Breast pads (and plenty of them) will help manage leaks and add a layer of comfort.
Trust Your Instincts, and Get Support
The early days of breastfeeding are all about learning—for both you and your baby. So give yourself grace, rest as much as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s a private lactation consultant, your hospital’s support service, or simply someone who’s been there before—support can make all the difference.
And most of all? Keep your baby close, respond to their cues, and trust your body. You’ve got this.
** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.
Links
Free Register now: https://www.fitnestmama.com/pregnancyworkshop
Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist
Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts
Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts
Instagram @kathbaquie.physio
1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath
Nicola’s Instagram: @nurtured_bynicola
Nicola’s website: https://nurturedbynicola.com.au/
Hatched House: https://www.hatchedhouse.com.au
https://www.lcanz.org/find-a-lactation-consultant
Previous episode mentioned: Antenatal expressing
