Breastfeeding Tips

hey there hi there ho there!

As you know, August is National Breastfeeding Month, and I've been doing a mini series here on the blog about breastfeeding. Last week I shared my essential items for a successful breastfeeding journey, and today I'm sharing a five tips with you that will hopefully make your breastfeeding experience a little smoother!

Everyone's breastfeeding experience is different, even with each child the experience can be so different. What works wonders for someone else, may not work for you. I don't know you or your body or your baby's body, so you really have to experiment and find what works for your individual experience! That being said, I hope these tips lead you in the right direction.

1 // Set a Goal

Breastfeeding is a huge, huge time commitment. It is also really painful in the beginning (everyone says it shouldn't be, but in the first about 4 weeks, you are really sore + engorged while supply regulates, your nipples are on fire, and you can have shooting pains during the initial latch, even if baby latches correctly!). I recommend setting a goal of one month before quitting. If, by the end of the first month, it is just way too hard, give yourself permission to switch to bottle feeding. This will motivate you to push through the hardest moments, and at the end of the first month you may think to yourself, "hey, this is hard, but I think I'll keep going!"

I say one month because I feel like after that first month your nipples finally start to get used to the constant sucking, you milk supply regulates, and you get into a rhythm. Obviously you should choose a goal that's right for you, but I definitely think anything shorter than a month is cutting off yourself right before you break through the wall and it gets easier. I also think it is extremely important to let your support person (husband, boyfriend, mom, whoever) know what your goal is. They can encourage you to keep trying, and also remind you that you reached your goal, and it's okay to switch to bottle feeding.

2 // Find a Pump

Pumping was vital for me with twins since I had to triple feed for about 7 weeks (nursed both babies, pumped, and gave Asa a bottle). But pumping helps regulate your supply, and if you are going to go back to work and plan to breastfeed, it's a must have. If you have health insurance, you should be able to get a breast pump for free. Do your research and find out what you think will work for you. I also know that manual pumps work amazing, if you want to try that route!

3 // Have a Support System

Breastfeeding is so so hard, and so so time consuming. It can also feel really lonely (after all, you are the only one that can feed your babe, and you have to feed them every 2-3 hours in the beginning!). Make sure you let your support person know that you will need them to help burp, take baby after feedings so you can rest some or shower, bring you snacks and water. Your support person will also need to encourage you to keep going, while gently reminding you it is okay to feed your baby another way. I know that my husband gently reminded me of that several times, and it was so reassuring to remember that if I just can't do it, I am supported in my choice to feed my babies another way.

4 // Speak to a Lactation Consultant

Lactation consultants are SO IMPORTANT! If it wasn't for the lactation consultants in the NICU, I wouldn't have been able to breastfeed my twins, or given Asa all the milk he needed while he was in the hospital. Find one near you, and talk to them before and after the birth of your baby. They can help you problem solve and help you get over the initial difficulty. If you want a successful journey, find a lactation consultant!

5 // Be Prepared For + Okay with Bottle Feeding

One of the most important tips I can share is to be prepared for bottle feeding. Don't expect failure with breastfeeding, but be prepared. Ask your doctor what formula they recommend (or do your own research), buy some bottles, and be ready. Breastfeeding is such a catch 22. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't! Having a back up already ready to use will make your life so much easier. If your milk doesn't come in or baby doesn't latch, you won't be scrambling to find a healthy alternative. Fed is best. It is best to be prepared for whatever outcome! Being mentally ready to accept that breastfeeding may not work will make your transition much easier.

I hope this tips help you if you are pregnant and trying to prepare to nourish you baby in whatever way works for you!

Next week I will end our little breastfeeding series by sharing my own positive breastfeeding journey. It was so helpful for me to read and watch stories about women's positive breastfeeding experience and reminded me that I can do it, it is possible!

talk soon!