Breastfeeding and pumping is something that may not come naturally to all new Moms. It can be hard, especially in the beginning stages when your milk supply is still coming in. There are a lot of things that can help make the process a lot easier which will ultimately allow you to breastfeed longer.
I wish I had known these tips before I had my first child. I was so close to quitting numerous times when it got super difficult, but I stuck with it and you can too. One thing I can assure you is that if you keep at it, it will get easier and you will be grateful you did! As a second time exclusively breastfeeding Mama, who made it thru the thick of it both times around, I am here to tell you…You got this, Mama!
Here are some Nursing tips and products that helped me along my breastfeeding and pumping journey:
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- Maximize those first few hours after you give birth and put your newborn directly to your breast. It will help stimulate your milk supply. Let your Nurse know your feeding plan and partner with the lactation consultant on site at the Hospital.
- Comfort is key. Buy nursing friendly tops and nursing bras. They will make things so much easier for you. I literally lived in my nursing camisoles for the first-year post-partum. I wore these daily and even wore them to bed. It’s so easy to just snap down the top while keeping your core covered and warm especially when you’re out in public.
- Invest in Reusable Nursing Pads – There are disposable ones too but I found that the organic cotton reusable pads were the most comfortable to wear. I would just throw them in with my daily laundry and reuse them throughout my breastfeeding journey.
- A Nursing Pillow is crucial for you and for your milk supply. Having the proper position will put less strain on your body and will help your milk flow more easily.
- Use Hydrogel Pads especially during the first few weeks while nursing to help soothe any soreness. Whether it’s your first time nursing or your little one is having trouble latching these are a definite must have. They can really make the nursing process so much easier.
- Nipple Shields are also helpful during the first few weeks if your baby is having trouble latching. Don’t get discouraged. There could be a legitimate medical reason like a tongue tie or lip tie which makes it difficult for your baby to latch. If this is the case for you, be sure to speak with your Pediatrician and/or Lactation Consultant.
- Maximize all let downs with the help of a Haakaa. While you are nursing on one side you can put the Haakaa on the other side. It works wonders to catch and pump your natural let down.
- Breast Milk Storage Bags are a life saver. I was able to stock up on milk and freeze it for my babies. After I stopped breastfeeding my son at one, he was able to continue drinking breast milk for months after, thanks to my freezer stash.
- A Closed System Breast Pump is a must. A closed system prevents milk and moisture from getting inside a breast pump and forming mold. You will be surprised how many pumps are not a closed system. Breast pumps are essential for working moms or if you just want to pump extra. I personally use the Ardo Calypso Double Plus and it is amazing. It is covered by most insurances. The pump itself is portable and uses both AA batteries or a plug which means I can pump virtually anywhere! It is ultra-silent and it’s ‘vacuum seal’ technology creates a closed system.
- Nipple Balm is another lifesaver! Breast-feeding mamas should apply this after every feeding to help with chapped / sore nipples. Finding an all natural one is key so it is safe for you and the baby too. This one is 100% natural and organic so you don’t have to worry about washing it off prior to nursing.
To read more on breastfeed, check out this previous post.
