Top tips that lead to a successful breastfeeding Experience

In honor of August being NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING MONTH. I thought I’d share my breastfeeding triumphs and failures, along with tips that helped me succeed. This topic is very dear to my heart. I found great motivation from those who shared stories and tips. Now, as I’ve successfully nursed two babies, I would like to pass my knowledge onto you in hopes of guiding you through to a more successful breastfeeding experience.

When I found out I was pregnant with my son I researched every nook and cranny for information relating to pregnancy, labor and delivery, and parenting. Not once did I ever think to put as much weight on breastfeeding as I had on all of those other things. Looking back, I really wish I would have. For some of you, breastfeeding will be a walk in the park (so happy for you, and slightly jealous might I add) but my experience wasn’t even close to easy. Honestly, even my doctors couldn’t believe I pushed through the battles I did. I am so glad that I was able to breastfeed my little guys, but I truly believe in the motto, “FED IS BEST”. As long as out little ones are fed and happy, that is really what matters most. For those who are breastfeeding, or hoping to breastfeed here are a few tips that helped me through my first few months of nursing.

Find the right nursing bra

My rules became: no wires of any kind, nothing too constricting, adjustable straps, and an easy clip or pull over for nursing. This Bravado bra was one of my favorites.

Drink a lot

…I mean A LOT of water. It’s amazing how quickly you can become dehydrated while trying to feed another human being. This will also help eliminate the potential for plugged ducts. A rule I followed was every time I sat down I would drink an 8 oz glass of water.

Side note: If you find you’re struggling with milk supply try Coconut Water, it is very hydrating and works wonders!

Treat your Nipples with Care

Purchase a safe nipple cream to rub on after every feed. I tried about 4 different kinds before finding the right one. I often switched between Lansinoh’s Breastfeeding salve and Earth Mama’s Nipple Butter. If I had straight coconut oil, I mixed that in there sometimes as well. Also, hand expressing a little bit of breastmilk onto your nipples and let them air dry after feeding. This will help ease discomfort, especially since the healing properties in breastmilk are amazing.

Do NOT sleep on your stomach… at least for a little while.

I know you’ll be tempted, especially after not being able to roll that way for 9 months, but with how engorged you will be while your milk regulates itself, do yourself a favor and don’t sleep on your stomach. Some people can do this and have no issues and I really don’t want to scare any of you new moms out of breastfeeding because it is one of the most amazing experiences in the world, but stomach lying put so much pressure on my girls that I would often have issues.

I decided to give it a shot, and lay on my stomach when my son was about 4.5 months old and sleeping through the night, big mistake. Between the pressure and the fact that my son was sleeping through the night I ended up with a huge plugged duct which turned into mastitis. Ouch!

Gatorade, Coconut Water, Oats & Tea

If you’re having troubles with your milk supply try Gatorade, coconut water and/or oatmeal.  I found it works wonders for keeping my supply up and steady. I drank Gatorade in the hospital after I had my son. The nurses advised I drink some because of a minor complication with my recovery. Anyway, my milk came in the day after I had him. I kept that in mind for when I started noticing my supply take a dip. I would mix Gatorade with water so it wasn’t over sugary, and away I drank. I usually stretched one bottle of Gatorade over 2-3 days. Having oatmeal for breakfast was another “go to” for me, I noticed results within days. If you don’t notice any difference with Gatorade or oatmeal, try coconut water or Mother’s Milk tea. I drank a cup of this tea every night while trying to increase my supply. Not only was it relaxing, but I noticed the tea helped with my morning pumping sessions, hello breastmilk freezer stash!

Feeling plugged up

If you are prone to plugged ducts take Lecithin, once you’ve gotten the ok from your doctor and lactation consultant of course. Once I knew I would constantly be battling plugged ducts I purchased Now Sunflower lecithin and never looked back. My lactation nurse said it’s like Drain-O for your milk ducts and that is the truth. Just be cautious with how much you take, there are side effects. Also, sit in a hot bath for about 15 minutes and hand express the affected breast, don’t stimulate the nipple (otherwise you’re telling your body to create more milk), just message the outer breast tissue to dislodge the clog. Once you’re out of the bath, dangle feed your little one immediately. This is where you hang your breast over your baby’s mouth while they are laying down. Have them suck with their chin facing the clog if possible. That and the help of gravity dislodges the clog almost every time.

Lactation consultants aka Angels

If you have access to a lactation consultant, ask them for help. This was how I was able to continue breastfeeding. The raw, naked truth is, for most people, the first few weeks to month(s) of breastfeeding SUCK, literally. Your boobs are rock hard and always leaking, your nipples are raw and if you’re lucky they aren’t cracked or bleeding. This doesn’t apply to everyone, as some people breeze through this time without any complaints, and again I certainly don’t mean to scare anyone, but having support during this time is crucial. Be it a friend or family member or a heaven sent lactation consultant. Use their support to help you through this grueling period. Once you make it passed the first few weeks, it could be the best, most amazing and most rewarding experience. If you don’t have access to lactation consultants there is so much information and many support groups online that offer help. One being La Leche League. They are an international program that can even pair you up with local groups that offer support.

Get a probiotic

To help avoid the possibility of you or your baby getting thrush eat yogurt or take a safe, natural, doctor approved probiotic. With my first I unfortunately suffered from cracked and bleeding nipples, which lead to a slight infection. We beat it in this particular case before it reached full blown mastitis, but it was still very unpleasant. My lactation consultant and doctor recommended that I use a 3 part mixture of neosporin, lotrimin, and hydrocortisone (equal parts of each). I would place a pin size dab of this on my affected nipple right before bed (since baby was sleeping through the night) and I would wash it off as soon I woke up in the morning before feeding my little guy. I then hand expressed a little bit of milk prior to feeding. This did the trick, and I am so glad someone shared this information with me. Just remember to check with your doctor before self medicating!

Hot and cold compresses

Invest in a pair of these Lansinoh hot & cold compresses. They worked wonders, especially when I had plugged ducts. I would keep one in the freezer, and the other I would warm up right before feeding my son. Once I was finished feeding and messaging the affected area, I would immediately put the cold one from the freezer on to reduce swelling. It worked EVERY time.

Reliable breast pads

Invest in reliable breast pads like Lansinoh’s Stay Dry disposables or Reusable Organic Bamboo pads.  I tried the reusable ones, but honestly they didn’t work for me in the beginning. I would have to change them every 1/2-1hr so the disposables were just easier at that point. Once breastfeeding was well established I found myself using the reusable ones way more, as they became much more more practical for me. 

Breastfeeding positions

Try different holds if you’re noticing latch issues, or plugged ducts become more frequent. When my son and I 1st started he would latch on really weird in the cross body hold, and I was noticing I constantly would get plugged ducts, so I switched to the football hold a few times and that seemed to help a lot. Here are the main breastfeeding holds:

The Cradle – This is the most common used position and seems to work best for when babies are a little bit older. You’re baby will lie, tummy to tummy with you, in the curve of your elbow as if you’re going to rock him/her to sleep.

The Cross Cradle – This is very similar to “The Cradle” but you use your opposite hand to support the baby’s body, neck and head.

The Football Hold – You will hold your baby at your side, their feet tucked behind your torso. He/She should be facing up but slightly towards your breast.

Side Lying Position – This is the best position if you’re trying to get some rest, lie on your side with baby facing your breast. Again, you should be tummy to tummy. Use your arm to support baby’s back while they feed.

*DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional, nor do I have any medical training, therefore I do not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Do not rely on the information provided here as an alternative to speaking with a medical healthcare  professional provider. Conduct your own research until you feel comfortable making a decision that may impact your health. If you have any pre existing medical concerns, contact your healthcare provider to discuss them. Before making any important changes to your health, diet, starting or stopping medications, supplements, and or certain foods always consult your doctor. Please seek advice and consult from your doctor or other medical healthcare professional with ANY questions and concerns. DO NOT delay seeking professional medical advice based on the information provided here.

The information provided on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to prevent, treat, cure, or diagnose any disease.