Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world — but it's also a learned skill for both mother and baby. Many new mothers experience challenges in the early days, from latching difficulties to concerns about milk supply. This is completely normal.
Our in-house International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) have supported thousands of mothers through their breastfeeding journeys. Here are their top tips for getting started on the right foot.
1. Start Within the First Hour
Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps trigger your baby's natural rooting and suckling reflexes. The World Health Organisation recommends initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of life whenever possible.
Even if your baby doesn't latch perfectly right away, this early contact establishes the foundation for successful breastfeeding and promotes bonding.
2. Focus on the Latch
A good latch is the single most important factor in successful breastfeeding. Your baby should take in a large portion of the areola — not just the nipple. Signs of a good latch include:
- Baby's mouth is wide open with lips flanged outward
- You hear rhythmic swallowing sounds
- There is no clicking or smacking noise
- Feeding feels like a tug, not pain
If you experience persistent pain during feeding, it's often a sign the latch needs adjustment. Don't suffer in silence — ask for help from your nanny or a lactation consultant.
3. Feed on Demand
Newborns typically feed 8–12 times in 24 hours. Rather than watching the clock, learn to read your baby's hunger cues: rooting, lip smacking, hand-to-mouth movements, and fussiness. Crying is actually a late hunger sign.
Frequent feeding in the early days is essential for establishing your milk supply. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body produces — it's a supply-and-demand system.
4. Look After Yourself
Your nutrition and hydration directly affect your milk production. Drink water regularly throughout the day, and eat balanced meals rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
At Singjoy, our TCM-based confinement meals are specifically designed to support lactation, with ingredients like papaya, fish, and traditional galactagogue herbs incorporated into each day's menu.
5. Don't Compare Your Journey
Every mother-and-baby pair is unique. Some babies latch instantly; others take days or weeks to find their rhythm. Some mothers produce abundant milk from day one; others need time and support to build supply.
What matters is that you and your baby are healthy, nourished, and bonding. Whether you breastfeed exclusively, supplement with formula, or eventually transition fully — there is no wrong choice, only the right choice for your family.
Our Support at Singjoy
At Singjoy, breastfeeding support is woven into every aspect of your stay. Our dedicated 1-on-1 nannies are trained in basic lactation support, and our IBCLC-certified consultants are available for in-depth sessions whenever you need them.
We believe that with the right support, patience, and encouragement, every mother can find a feeding approach that works for her and her baby.