Breastfeeding Tips and Manual Breast Pump Guide for New Mothers

Breastfeeding is natural, but it does not always come naturally. Many new mothers find that the first weeks bring sore nipples, worry about whether the baby is getting enough, and confusion about pumping, storing milk and going back to work. If that is you, you are not alone, and most problems can be solved with the right help and a little patience.

This guide covers the basics of a good latch and positions, how often to feed, how to tell that your baby has enough, how to use a manual breast pump and store milk, how to treat common problems, and when to ask for help.

Why breastfeeding matters

Breast milk provides complete nutrition and antibodies that protect your baby from infections, diarrhoea and chest problems. It also lowers the mother’s risk of some cancers and helps recovery after birth. The World Health Organization recommends starting within the first hour after birth, and exclusive breastfeeding for six months, with breastfeeding continuing alongside food for two years or longer.

Getting a good latch

A good latch prevents most pain and supply problems.

• Bring the baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby, with the baby’s nose level with your nipple.
• Wait until your baby opens the mouth wide, like a yawn, then bring them in quickly.
• The baby should take in the nipple and a good part of the darker area (areola), with the chin pressing into the breast.
• Lips are turned outwards, like a fish.
• You should hear or see swallowing, and feel a pulling sensation, not a sharp pinch.
• If it hurts, break the suction gently with a finger in the corner of the baby’s mouth, and try again.

Comfortable positions

• Cradle hold: the baby lies across your lap, tummy to tummy.
• Cross-cradle hold: good for newborns, because you can guide the head.
• Football (clutch) hold: the baby is tucked under your arm. Helpful after a caesarean section.
• Side-lying: lie on your side, with the baby facing you, handy at night.

Support your back and arms with pillows, and sit comfortably.

How often and how much?

• Newborns feed eight to twelve times in 24 hours, and often cluster feed in the evening.
• Feed on demand. Early hunger signs include stirring, sucking on the hands and turning the head to search.
• Let your baby finish the first breast before offering the second.
• Do not worry about timing. Some babies feed quickly, and others take longer.

Signs your baby is getting enough

• Six or more wet diapers a day after the first week.
• Yellow, soft stools several times a day in the early weeks.
• Regaining birth weight by about two weeks, and steady weight gain.
• Wakes by himself for feeds, and looks content after.
• Breasts feel softer after feeding.

Using a manual breast pump

A pump helps when you are away from your baby, when your breasts are very full, or when you want to build a stock of milk. Manual pumps are inexpensive and quiet, and good for occasional use. Options at Khasmart include the MAQ 033 Breast Pump, Doomy Bear Manual Breast Pump and the Life Care Manual Breast Pump. A compatible breast shield fits some pumps. Our Mom Care category has more.

• Wash your hands, and clean and sterilise the parts that touch milk.
• Find a comfortable, quiet spot, and think of your baby or look at a photo to help the milk flow.
• Massage your breast gently before and during pumping.
• Do not expect a lot at first. Pumped milk is less than the amount a baby takes.
• Pump for as long as milk flows, usually 10 to 15 minutes on each side, and stop if it hurts.

Disposable breast pads such as Mafriends Breast Pads catch leaks. Postnatal bleeding is normal for several weeks, and maternity pads such as Butterfly Maternity Pads are made for this.

Storing breast milk

• Use clean, sealed containers or breast milk storage bags, and label the date.
• Room temperature (up to about 25 degrees Celsius): up to four hours.
• Fridge: up to four days, at the back and not in the door.
• Freezer: about six months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight, or under warm running water. Never microwave.
• Use thawed milk within 24 hours, and do not refreeze it.
• Throw away any milk left after a feed.

Use clean bottles to feed it. Our baby feeding bottle guide explains how to clean and sterilise them.

Common problems and what helps

• Sore or cracked nipples: usually caused by a poor latch. Fix the latch, express a little milk and let it dry on the nipple after feeds. See a lactation consultant if pain persists.
• Engorgement (hard, full, painful breasts): feed often, use warm compresses before feeds and cold compresses after, and hand-express a little to soften the areola before latching.
• Blocked duct: a tender lump. Keep feeding on that side, massage gently towards the nipple, and use warmth.
• Mastitis: a red, hot, painful area with fever and flu-like symptoms. See a doctor the same day. It often needs antibiotics, and you can continue breastfeeding.
• Thrush: burning, shooting pain after feeds, and white patches in the baby’s mouth. This needs treatment for both of you.
• Low milk supply worries: the best way to increase supply is more frequent feeding or pumping, and good latch. Real low supply is less common than mothers fear.

Looking after yourself

• Eat regular, balanced meals with protein, vegetables, fruit, dairy and daal. No special foods are required.
• Drink water when you are thirsty.
• Rest when you can, and ask family to help with chores.
• Continue iron, calcium and vitamin D supplements if your doctor advises. See our guide to pregnancy vitamins and supplements.
• Check with your doctor before taking any medicine, herbal tonics or contraception while breastfeeding.
• Avoid smoking, paan, gutka and alcohol.

When to ask for help

• Breastfeeding is painful beyond the first few days, or your nipples are cracked or bleeding.
• Your baby has fewer than six wet diapers a day, is jaundiced, very sleepy, or not gaining weight.
• You have a fever, a red, hot breast, or a hard lump that does not improve.
• You feel very low, anxious or unable to cope. Postnatal depression is common and treatable.
• You are thinking about stopping, but would prefer to continue.

If you need to use formula, that is fine. Read our formula milk guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does breastfeeding hurt?

Some tenderness in the first days is normal. Ongoing pain is not, and usually signals a latch problem.

Can I breastfeed with a cold or fever?

Yes. Your body makes antibodies that protect your baby. Wash your hands and wear a mask if you can.

How long should I breastfeed?

As long as you and your baby wish. Even a few weeks gives benefits.

Does a bigger breast give more milk?

No. Breast size has no effect on how much milk you make.

Find breastfeeding and Mom Care essentials at Khasmart, with delivery across Pakistan.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor, midwife or lactation consultant. It does not include dosage; always follow the directions on the pack or from your doctor.