“Breastfeeding is so worth it!” I say that through clenched teeth while grimacing in pain from my 2 day old baby using my nipple as a pacifier.
Not the introduction you were expecting? Let me explain.
I have five kids. My oldest is eight and my youngest is now 6 months old. I breastfed all of them (currently still breastfeeding the youngest.) I did the math, out of the last eight years, I have spent fifty-eight months breastfeeding my children. That’s a lot! A lot of time for me to figure out all of the breastfeeding hacks, for lack of a better term.
Breastfeeding is so worth it! I wouldn’t have gone through the pain over and over again, if it wasn’t. But it isn’t easy. You’d think because this is what our bodies were designed to do, that it would be as easy as sticking that newborn baby to your boob. With some determination, we will get there! So, here are my top five breastfeeding tips to share with you!
Golden Hour
This is referred to as the first hour after a baby is born. I highly recommend skin to skin contact and trying to get your baby to latch for the first time during this hour. It still blows me away how a newborn’s first instinct is to find and latch to your breast!
To read more about the benefits of the golden hour, check out ScaryMommy’s article, The Golden Hour After Birth: You Should Protect It At All Costs.
Work On Getting The Latch Right
Every lactation consultant is going to tell you that nursing should not hurt. I’m sorry to say, but it is most definitely going to hurt for the first couple of weeks. There is nothing you can do to prep your nipples for what they are about to go through.
I’m extremely thankful that my experience at the hospital I gave birth at had great resources for learning to breast feed. Don’t be afraid to ask your nurses for help if you are struggling. Sometimes it’s as easy as switching to a new breastfeeding position.
Feeding On Demand
While in the hospital, try to latch your baby at every sign of hunger. This will help your milk come in faster. Every baby is different. I had some that insisted on latching every couple of hours, and some that weren’t even hungry for the first six hours after birth. But trust me, your baby will most definitely vocalize their need to eat.
This most exhausting part of breastfeeding is being available to nurse almost every two hours around the clock after you get home. I usually plan to run errands when my husband is home. It often turns into a marathon when it feels like I’m racing against the clock to get home before the next feeding.
When Your Milk Comes In
No one ever told me it would take a couple of days for your milk to officially come in. When it comes in, I swear each breast doubled in weight over night. I remember waking up, leaking everywhere and my breasts were as solid as rocks. I would wake up every morning and pump just for relief.
It is so important to invest in a good breast pump. Most insurances now provide you with a breast pump so check with your insurance first. don’t forget to buy pads for your bra to keep you from leaking through your shirt.
They also didn’t prepare me for the weird, tingly sensation known as “let down.” This, too, is slightly uncomfortable but only lasts for a few seconds. I loved using Milkies Milk-Saver to save the extra precious milk that will leaked on the opposite breast my baby wasn’t latched to. But I have also heard great things about attaching a Haakaa to your breast. It sounds scary, but it’s actually a silicone breast pump that you can suction to your breast to better collect all of that liquid gold.
Ways to Boost Supply
Right around the three month marker, I always notice my milk supply naturally drop. Ive heard this is because of a growth spurt or because your body finally figures out your baby’s needs and will no longer continue to over produce breast milk. Whatever the reason, for about two weeks, my baby cluster feeds frequently. They also get a little more agitated when they aren’t satisfied with a fully tummy.
Rule number one, don’t panic! Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. This is so important for your milk supply. I recommend finding a big water bottle that you can keep near you at all times.
There are also a ton of foods you can eat to help boost your supply. My favorite is overnight oats with chia seeds and fresh fruit. It is easy to prepare the night before and something you don’t have to think about in the morning.
If you’re still struggling, try supplementing with a bottle of formula or your breast milk stash, if you have any. The one thing you don’t want to do is stress. Before you know it, your milk supply will readjust and you and your baby will be just fine.
Celebrate Each Milestone
Most importantly, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back. Breastfeeding a baby is hard work! Each day you can successfully feed your baby, is a day worth celebrating. You’re doing great, Mama!
If you’d like my advice on how to survive baby’s first year, check out my other blog post, 10 Essential Items For A New Baby.
