Ok, my pretty mommies and mommies-to-be..Let’s talk about one of the most satisfying things we do as mums.

Feeding our tiny humans.

Giving them life right from our bodies.

It hurts, it’s not so easy, but since we are moms, we got this!

Breastfeeding our babies is so good for their fundamental health that I really want us to talk more about it and to support you in doing so. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about six months.

Breastfeeding our sweet little babies prevents obesity in them and decreases their risk of infection, SIDS, and allergies. 

Today I want to share some tips that will make the breastfeeding journey the special memory it is supposed for us mothers.

Think about it - we will never get this level of intimacy with our child ever again. Sure, we will be close to them and forever will be there for them but the intimacy that breastfeeding is...there is just nothing else like that in the world.

 Isn’t it?

beautiful memory forever?

Pre-Arrival Preparation

Oh yes, start preparing for breastfeeding well before your little one has arrived.

There is this cool international support group - I highly recommend you check it out because so many mothers share their journeys here and there are such useful tips and tricks to prepare you for breastfeeding. Here is one that’s just amazing - La Leche League International Breastfeeding Support Facebook Group

Since you will be nursing a lot in the early few weeks and months, build a dedicated nursing space that is extremely comfortable for you. Get a comforting pillow, a side table for snacks, water, and nursing pads.

 I am telling you this is going to become your special place for bonding with your baby!

 You don’t need to worry about a special nursing wardrobe or even bras for the purpose of feeding. A shirt under a blouse will offer perfect coverage and comfort.

After Arrival Tips & Care

1.Start breastfeeding as soon as possible. Your baby’s immunity will benefit the colostrum (the first breast milk) regardless of the quantity.

2. Keep in mind the power of touch. Babies nurse better when every part of their body feels supported, in connection with the mother’s body. Make sure the baby’s feet and hands are tucked in a cosy blanket or held on a pillow near your body.

3. Trust me, train the dad as well. Make sure he is there at every consultation and prepare him for problem-solving on difficult sleepless nights and days (of which you will have a lot!). 

4. Don’t let your baby fall asleep during breastfeeding, try tickling her or stroking her gently under the cheeks.

5. Increase your calorie intake, breastfeeding requires more calories than while pregnant, around 300 calories more. Depending on your lifestyle three healthy meals plus snacks should be enough. 

6. I really think the formula should be avoided as long as possible. The formula can alter natural breastfeeding unless it’s medically required. Look at the baby, not the scale. It is possible you can feel worried if your baby’s weight does not increase as shown in the charts. If he has low weight gain, but he's smiling, his linear growth and head circumference and neurological development are notably okay, try getting a second opinion before giving formula.

Position & Latching Tips

Positioning is crucial for the baby and you.

1. Practise the nose to nipple belly to belly position. It helps achieve a deep latch. You should point your nipple to her nose, not her mouth, so she would lift her head up, open her mouth, and latch on deeply. Your baby’s bally should be touching your so she won’t need to latch.

2. Encourage a mouthful, only bring your baby close when her mouth is fully open. Your nipple should fill the top of her mouth if it still hurts after the first few sucks de-latch and reposition.

3. Press the baby’s shoulders or the nape of her neck firmly to bring him to your breasts. Don’t push the back of your baby’s head, it causes resistance and the baby will chomp down.

4. Let the baby decide when to come off of one breast and switching to the other. It is normal if on some occasions one breast is used or both.

Breast Pumps

1. Get the right breast pump, some hands-free breast pump might not be strong enough when establishing your milk supply. Avoid used pumps, to achieve the best results you may want to try to buy or rent a hospital-grade one. If not sure about the right fit get help from your lactation consultant. 

2. You don’t need to worry about cleaning your pump each time after use, you can store the parts of the pump in a plastic bag placed in the fridge or cooler until you use them again.

Final Tips

In the first months of breastfeeding, pacifiers are not recommended. They can suppress hunger causing slower development of the baby.Offer the first bottle at 4-6 weeks, if you wait any longer you risk refusal. It is advised to let someone else offer the first bottle, try to not be present.

Pain Relief

Ok, here is some hard truth about breastfeeding. You may end up with sore, cracked and chapped nipples. Trust me, it is unimaginable. 

Some women entirely give up breastfeeding because of this pain. But you don’t have to do that. Because there are easy solutions. Using the Nipple Shields in our Breast Shell and nipple shields  set helps a lot,

The contact nipple shield acts as a barrier during sucking thus relieving this pain. Allowing milk to continually drip into the milk savers, rather than pushed against a nursing pad, reduces the likelihood of engorgement, another source of pain in breastfeeding.

FINALLY

I hope this helped you get encouragement and excitement in your breastfeeding journey. It can be challenging but there is nothing we mothers cannot do. Am I right, ladies?