Breastfeeding is an amazing, and wonderful gift you can give yourself and your newborn. If you’re a first time mom looking for breastfeeding tips, keep reading!
I breastfed my two daughters, and I work as a labor and delivery nurse. Needless to say, I’m a HUGE fan of breastfeeding.
Now, even though I am a huge proponent of breastfeeding, I also feel that there is no place for shame in motherhood. So I’m also going to say this: breastfeeding isn’t for everyone, and that’s totally fine. If your child is fed and happy, you’re doing your job as a mom.
There are so many benefits to breastfeeding for both mom and baby. But breastfeeding is not easy!
The first few weeks are tough. Your nipples will hurt, you’ll feel like a human milk machine, and it can be really hard to have someone attached to you all the time (even if they are the cutest little person ever!)
But if you can get through those first few weeks, it usually becomes a lot easier.
Related: 7 Ways To Help Your Milk Come In Faster After Delivery
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Tips for new moms that want to breastfeed
Focus on having good nutrition
To put it simply: what you eat, baby eats. So good nutrition is very important for you and baby!
Not only will proper nutrition help you bounce back after birth, it will also improve the quality of your milk. Feeling good is so important postpartum, and good nutrition can help with that!
Breastfeeding is very time consuming. When I came home with my oldest daughter, I was astonished at how much time I spent breastfeeding! I felt like I had no time for anything else, and cooking a healthy meal was not on the top of my to-do list.
Prep meals in advance
Prepping meals in advance is a great way to prepare. Additionally, a meal prep service can be a great way to have healthy meals ready to eat!
It sounds like a simple luxury, but when you’ve been balancing mom life all day, it’s a huge relief. Little things like that can make life easier.
I also prepped a ton of freezer meals before my kids were born. I highly recommend doing this! Here are 25 recipes for easy freezer meals you can make!
Lactation smoothies are nutritious and convenient
You can make any shake a lactation shake with a few simple ingredients. Adding a shake to your day is not only a great way to get a vitamin and nutrient packed meal or snack, but it is extremely convenient.
Take a class beforehand
There’s a lot to breastfeeding, so taking a course beforehand is a great way to learn a little before you have to perform.
COVID-19 may have thrown off your plans to take courses, but that’s where online courses are amazing!
They’re also great because you can take and retake the course as often as you need.
I really like the Lactation Mamas courses.
The creator of the courses, Jada, is a lactation consultant that frequently works with new moms. She also offers 1:1 televisits if you need help perfecting that latch and want a feeding assessment!
Plus, the courses are affordable and easy to use. I’ve taken the Breastfeeding with Confidence and the Breastfeeding Nutrition 101 Mini Series. They’re extremely helpful!
Think of breastfeeding as a time to relax, instead of as a burden
I had a hard time relaxing when I breastfed with my oldest. Since she was my only child, I felt like I had to have a perfectly clean house, hot food on the table, and my hair and makeup done to feel “successful.”
With my second I grew to cherish that time I could nourish my little one. Our nursing sessions were often interrupted by my other child, but I still loved getting to snuggle up and relax with my newborn.
Sure, this meant the dishes sat in the sink a little longer, and the laundry wasn’t folded and put away immediately. But it was worth it for the snuggle time with my girl!
This breastfeeding tip may feel hard to do, but just focus on your sweet babe and it will all feel right!
Get every last drop with the Hakaa
The Hakaa is a secret little tool that is absolutely amazing for capturing every drop of milk!
When you’re nursing, you have a letdown, which is a surge of milk that releases after the baby has obtained a good latch.
The weird thing is, many women have that letdown in both breasts, meaning you will leak milk on the side the baby is not nursing on!
Breast pads help from soaking through your shirt (especially in public), but the Hakaa can suction to the other breast and collect that milk!
Not exaggerating when I say I sometimes had 7 ounces of milk at the end of the day from the Hakaa alone!
Have water and healthy snacks around
I carried a big water bottle around with me and tried to keep healthy snacks on hand!
Breastfeeding women need about 500 more calories per day, so having healthy things nearby can help curb cravings.
Use a good nipple cream before your nipples get sore
Man, the nipple soreness the first few weeks is tough. Sometimes breastfeeding just plain hurts.
A friend told me, “if you can get through the first two weeks, everything will get better.”
I thought, two weeks?! No way! But wouldn’t you know, on the 15th day things got a whole lot easier.
One of the best breastfeeding tips I ever got was to give breastfeeding two full weeks before quitting.
Normal nipple soreness occurs with the initial latch, and goes away as the baby feeds. If the soreness lasts the whole feed and doesn’t subside, there may be an issue with the baby’s latch.
Don’t tough it out – a poor latch likely means the baby isn’t sucking the milk properly, and will lead to frustration for both you and baby! There are plenty of things you can try if breastfeeding is painful.
I recommend using a good nipple cream from day one of breastfeeding. In fact, it’s one of my breastfeeding must-haves!
You don’t need a ton of it, so I wouldn’t buy it in bulk. A small amount after each feeding for the first few weeks should do the trick!
I like this one from Earth Mama Organics. It’s safe for baby, and gentle on mom. It’s a win-win!
You may also like:
Breastfeeding 101
The Honest Truth About Postpartum
What to Expect After Baby is Born
Ask for help! Consult a lactation consultant, friend, nurse, whoever!
Why are we always so afraid to ask for help? Asking for help is a hard thing to do, but people genuinely want to help. You can make life a whole lot easier by learning to ask when you need a hand.
Did you know that many insurance companies will allow a visiting nurse or lactation consultant to help you with breastfeeding? This may be totally covered by your insurance!
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. But there are plenty of other resources for you. There are many private pay lactation consultants available in person or online!
As mentioned above, Lactation Mamas has virtual lactation consultant visits.
Additionally, you can reach out to friends and family that have breastfed. It may seem strange, but breastfeeding is totally natural, and many people are happy to share their experiences and advice!
There are also many Facebook groups and online communities that offer breastfeeding guidance and support. Just be sure you take any advice from strangers online with a grain of salt.
Get a good breast pump
I am a big fan of the Spectra S2 breast pump. I’ve used Medela, too, and I just don’t get nearly as much milk.
Whatever you choose, make sure you get a good breast pump! If you are in the US, your insurance company should cover the cost. Even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed, having a pump is still important.
If you have an oversupply, you may need to pump a little for some relief to prevent clogged ducts and mastitis. If you have an under supply, pumping may help cue your body to make more milk!
And if you’re going back to work, then a pump is a must. It’s best to get it before the baby is born so that you don’t have to think about it when baby does come!
You’ll also want to get yourself a handsfree pumping bra. I forgot to get one before my first baby was born, and breastfeeding with your hands attached to the bottles is super boring.
I hope these breastfeeding tips help you throughout your breastfeeding journey!
Breastfeeding is a lot of work, but it’s also very rewarding.If you find that breastfeeding isn’t for you, that’s FINE! However your baby is fed is perfect.
But if you choose to breastfeed, these tips will definitely help you be successful.
Are you a breastfeeding mama? Share your best tips in the comments below! You may just help another mama out.
