*If you are experiencing any major trouble breastfeeding (such as baby not having enough wet diapers-sign of dehydration, mastitis, allergy symptoms) it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.
Breastfeeding can be such a fun and enjoyable experience when you have the right tools!
Why Breastfeed?
Here are a few reasons why I chose to breastfeed. No two experiences are alike and you may find it difficult or that you are just unable to breastfeed. There is no reason to feel ashamed or guilty! As long as your child is healthy and happy that is all that matters!
- The health benefits of breastfeeding are significantly higher as opposed to formula alternatives.
- It is just more natural! Babies were made to breastfeed and moms were made to meet that need.
- It is scientifically proven that the emotional and physical needs of a mother are met in the post partem period by breastfeeding.
- The connection you have with your baby is much stronger due to the amount of time spent together, skin-to-skin contact, and their need for food being physically met by YOU!
Things You Should Know Before you Choose Breastfeeding
1. Breastfeeding is HARD!
I promise I am not trying to be negative, just honest. Breastfeeding can be a long and difficult process in the beginning. It is more difficult for some than others but it is definitely not easy in most cases. I think if you know this before hand you have a better chance at making it work in the long term.
2. Give it two weeks.
I was told this by my labor and delivery nurse. She said that the first two weeks are so hard but if you can make it past that it does get easier. I would not say that after two weeks it was all sunshine and rainbows but it did start to get better!
3. You do not know what you are doing and that is okay!
If you are a first time mom breastfeeding can be frustrating because you have no idea what you are doing. You can have fears that you are not doing it “right”. Just go with your gut and never be afraid to ask for help!
4. Your baby is learning too.
As much as it is apart of a baby’s natural instinct, breastfeeding is new to them too! They have never done this before. In the womb they never had to work for their food and now they are basically thrown into the real world of having to work to survive. Try not to get frustrated at them as you are both learning.
5. You are going to do great!
Your body was made for this and there are very few problems in breastfeeding that cannot be solved. If you keep a good mindset, are willing to work hard, and have the right tools you can definitely do this! If for whatever reason, mentally or physically, you can not breastfeed you are still a good mom! There is no reason to feel guilty or “less than”.
Ten Tools that will Change your Breastfeeding Game
1. Lanolin Cream
I would say this is top of the list. If you do not get anything else, get the lanolin! Most hospitals will give you a complimentary tube to use and one to take home. Lanolin is basically chapstick for your nipple. Because your baby is eating so often this can become a real problem. The lanolin gives almost immediate relief and lasts up until the next feed. I would recommend using it even if they are not that chapped because it can happen so quickly. Here is a good one that I used and highly recommend:
2. Nipple Shield
These are great to have on hand for temporary use in case your nipple becomes too chapped and uncomfortable! They come in multiple sizes for comfort. I think they may cause slight nipple confusion the longer you use but they are definitely worth the buy in case yo need them.
3. Therapearl Hot-Cold Therapy Packs
These are a lifesaver! You can put them in the freezer or heat them up. They encompass the entire breast for extra comfort all the way around and the gel beads feel great!
4. Haakaa Manual Breast Pump
These are great for collecting from a full breast while baby is on the other. For those who do not know, when you are feeding on one side, milk naturally expresses from the other side. It annoyed me when I realized how much milk I was wasting! This manual pump catches the milk while using gentle suction so it is not taking much from baby. You can also use it in the shower when you are more likely to leak.
5. Good Nursing Bras
The type and fit will differ depending on what you find comfortable but it is very important that you have good nursing bras! Target has the best I have found so far. I have a few from amazon that are not bad but I definitely prefer the ones from Target. Maybe get a few different styles from different places and see what you like best?
6. Nursing Cover
While it is becoming more socially acceptable to breastfeed anywhere uncovered and unashamed, I prefer to be a bit more discreet but you do you! For those of us who like to be modest even while doing something as natural as breastfeeding this full coverage during poncho that I designed is perfect! Plus it is incredibly comfortable! Go check it out in my Etsy shop (find it here).
7. Breast Pads
Regular breast pads are for the birds! These washable ones remove the castle of having to constantly buy more and not to mention the annoyance of putting on disposable ones.
8. Storage Bags
If you are pumping you are going to need somewhere to store all that milk! They make storage bags specifically for breast milk. The bags also work great for storing and freezing homemade baby food when baby is big enough for that.
9. Water Bottle
I highly recommend finding a cute water bottle that is specifically dedicated to your breastfeeding career! Choose something that holds a good amount, can go with you everywhere, and fits your style. I find that using a straw helps me accomplish more of my water intake goals throughout the day. Because breastmilk is mostly water it is important for your health and the maintenance of your supply that you stay hydrated!
10. Wearable Breast Pump
This may not at all be necessary for you but should you need to pump a lot this is well worth the money spent! At a certain point in my breastfeeding journey I needed to pump a LOT to try to boost my supply. I felt like all day long I was either feeding my baby or pumping. I began to feel extremely stuck. Enter the wearable breast pump and I was literally outside doing my chores all while PUMPING MILK!! (Only those who have been there understand my level of excitement.)
Well that’s all I got!
Do you have more? What were things you found necessary? I love hearing from you! Comment below to leave some encouragement for all these new breastfeeding mamas.
If you found this post helpful don’t forget to share!
