Whether you’re just starting out on your breastfeeding journey, or navigating challenges along the way, expert guidance can make all the difference. That’s why we asked International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to share their top breastfeeding tips—practical advice to help you feel confident and empowered every step of the way.
We turned to our trusted IBCLC contributors to share their top breastfeeding tips—and this is what they had to say!
1. Prepare for Feeding, Not Just Birth
“My top tip would be to prepare for feeding, not just the birth! Antenatal feeding education can help you start your feeding journey from a more informed place – which can help you to recognise and navigate any challenges you may experience.” – Liz Farrant IBCLC
2. Gather Practical Information
“Be informed! There are lots of places to seek ‘qualified’ breastfeeding information, advice and support. If you want to breastfeed, set yourself up to be successful by gathering practical information before and during your journey. ” – Stacey Zimmels IBCLC
3. Understand Normal Baby Behaviour
“It’s really important to understand normal baby behaviour. It’s normal for babies to feed frequently and want to stay close to mum. Their behaviour changes from week to week, so knowing about fussy periods, cluster feeding, and of course, sleep disturbances, will make you feel more confident about breastfeeding, and that it’s going well.” – Rebecca Scott-Pillai IBCLC
It’s normal for babies to feed frequently and to need to stay close to mum.
Rebecca Scott-Pillai IBCLC
4. Frequent Feeds Are Normal – Embrace Them
“Try to surrender to the frequent feeds that happen in the early weeks. Babies make all the milk they need in the first six weeks. At six weeks most people produce approx 750mls of milk in 24hrs. At six months you produce the same amount! So when they are born they are on a little feeding frenzy, this lays down the foundation for your milk supply for the rest of your journey. Empty breasts make milk, so the more they feed the more milk you make. Even though the really frequent feeds are hard in the early weeks they are worth it. And it does get easier.” – Ciara Butler IBCLC
“Try to think of your baby feeding frequently as your baby making you sit on the sofa, rest and recover from birth. Snuggle up and enjoy the cuddles.” – Kathryn Stagg IBCLC
5. Pain Isn’t Normal – Get Help Early
“Pain isn’t normal and the earlier you reach out to an IBCLC, the easier it is to have a less complicated journey. My motto is ‘your nipples matter’!!!!” – Tors Pearcy IBCLC
My motto is ‘your nipples matter’!!!!
Tors Pearcy IBCLC
6. Finding It Hard Doesn’t Mean You’re Failing
“Breastfeeding can be more challenging than we realise but finding it hard doesn’t mean you are failing at it. Reaching out for good quality breastfeeding support from a skilled professional early on can make all the difference to your breastfeeding journey.” – Alice Lucken IBCLC
7. Offer Both Breasts to a Newborn
“My one top tip is: offer both breasts to a newborn.” – Dr Sharon Silberstein
Offer both breasts to a newborn
Dr. Sharon Silberstein IBCLC
8. Find Your Support Team
“My top tip would be ‘find your team’. Breastfeeding isn’t something you have to manage alone. In real life, look for the peer support groups and find other local parents. Groups aren’t just for solving problems but making connections. Also don’t underestimate the positives of social media. It often gets a bad reputation in the 21st century but you can collect evidence-based reliable accounts from trained professionals to be your constant reference. And when you are feeling alone, there will be someone going through what you are going through and providing companionship and encouragement. If you continue breastfeeding past infancy, having some familiar friendly faces can make all the difference.” – Emma Pickett IBCLC
Breastfeeding isn’t something you have to manage alone.
Emma Pickett IBCLC
9. Learn About Breast Compressions
“Learn about breast compressions. They are especially useful for a sleepy baby in the early days.” – Regina Kincaid IBCLC
10. You Don’t Have to Fix Everything
“My top tip would be, that you don’t have to fix everything. Often because we now have all this information at our fingertips we want answers and explanations for every green poo, rash or vomit. Lactation and infancy are a time where there are lots of different moving parts, and often a bit of time is all that’s needed. That’s not to say we should ignore problems, but just to tune into whether it is really a problem at all, or just a hiccup along the way.” – Dr Justice Reilly
Breastfeeding is a rewarding experience, but it comes with its ups and downs. The expertise of IBCLCs provides invaluable support, helping parents navigate challenges with confidence. Whether you’re just starting or need reassurance along the way, these expert tips can help you feel empowered in your breastfeeding journey. And remember—you don’t have to do it alone. Seek support, trust your instincts, and take it one feed at a time.
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