Hey mamas, this is my first blog post so I thought I'd write about something current in my own life. I am a new mama and my son Luca is 3 months old. Luca is a fun, loving, snuggling, EBF (Entirely Breast Fed) baby. Breast feeding was something I had always known I'd do when I became a mom, although I wasn't entirely prepared for the struggles of bleeding nipples and cluster feedings... Yep, I said bleeding nipples.
Anyways I thought I'd come up with a list of things that made the inevitable struggles, a little less painful for me in those first few weeks breast feeding.
1. Coconut Oil
First let me say you'll use coconut oil for many, many things even after those nipples toughen up and stop cracking. Don't spend money on those expensive lanolin nipple creams. Coconut oil is an anti-fungal so it will help prevent Thrush, it's also safe for baby so you don't need to wash it off before feeding.
TIP: get the extra virgin kind!
2. Breast Feeding Station
Get your stuff together. Snacks, water, e-reader, remote, chap-stick, cellphone... anything you might need to occupy yourself for long periods of time. You'll be spending a lot of time planted on the couch with your little one attached to you. Ever heard of cluster feedings? Yeah, those are a good time. Not so much. There were times when I felt like all that I did all day was feed Luca, nothing else. That's all good and well but you'll get bored, and "hangry" and you'll want that Snickers at arms reach.
3. WATER!
I can't stress this enough, water is your breast friend, I mean best friend as a nursing mama (hehe). Drink as much as you can. Breast milk is made up of about 88% water; to keep your supply up, you need to stay hydrated. Limit caffeinated drinks and alcohol while nursing.
4. Feed on Demand
There are many moms out there that choose to put their babies on a schedule right off the bat. Not this mama. I am fortunate enough to be able to stay home with Luca, this allows me the freedom to feed without a schedule. When Luca's hungry, I feed him. It's that simple. The benefit of being a 'feed-on-demand' mom is that your supply will increase to what your baby needs.
5. Call Your Insurance Company, Now!
Most insurance companies are now required to offer some type of breast pump. Call your insurance company to see what they will offer you. For instance with my insurance I was able to get a Medela Pump in Style Advanced double electric breast pump. I love it! If your planning to pump often, whether you are going back to work or want to have a stock pile (like me!) you'll definitely want to invest in a double electric pump. A manual pump (much less expensive) would be good for the occasional pumper.
TIP: Check prices on a chest freezer, we purchased one to stock pile milk, it will last up to 12 months in a deep freezer.
6. Get A Support System
Whether its your significant other, mother, or lactation consultant. Find someone to talk to. If you're anything like me, in those first few weeks you'll need some moral support. Someone to tell you, you are doing the right thing. It will be difficult but the old saying "breast is best" couldn't be truer. There are endless benefits to breast feeding; the benefits increase the longer you stick it out. A lactation consultant can help with proper latch, and other tricks. Loved ones can remind you of the reasons you chose to breast feed, which will help you get through the difficult times. Join a mommy group on social media, I guarantee other mamas are facing the same hurdles as you.
7. Treat Yourself, Don't Cheat Yourself
It's okay to have a glass or two of wine as a nursing mama. You just spent 9 months alcohol free, have a glass of vino for heavens sake! If you are going to indulge remember to wait it out, or pump and dump (so you don't lose your supply). Once the alcohol leaves the bloodstream it also leaves breast milk. You can get those little tester strips if you want, they are pretty expensive but probably worth it if you plan to indulge.
8. Position, Position, Position
Number one tip... Learn how to breast feed laying down ASAP. You and your babe will get so much more rest if your both laying down. It took Luca and I four weeks to start nursing laying down and it changed our lives! Especially in the early days, baby will be waking frequently to nurse; instead of sitting up wide awake while the babe eats, lay yourselves stomach to stomach and catch some Z's while you feed.
Hoping these tips and tricks will help you on your breast feeding journey, and remember to stick it out as long as you can. I promise it gets easier as you go; both you and your little babe will learn how it all works together. Breast feeding is different for every mama!
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions, I'm no pro but I can offer advice!
livelaughluca@gmail.com
