Breastfeeding-- My Advice

When you become a new Momma, there is an incredible amount of advice offered up on your behalf. How to feed, clothe, bathe, and generally parent your child is all advised to you frequently. The advice was good, some I used, others I didn't. What I wish I had heard about more was breastfeeding, so taboo right now- I know.
So, let's talk breastfeeding Moms!
For me: my milk didn't come in for nearly a week, and I didn't realize it- this is a normal thing for new Moms. I had INTENSE guilt about not being able to feed my child, on top of not figuring out he wasn't getting much sustenance for about 3 days, talk about guilt of all guilt! (on top of baby blues! which included lots of crying, oh the crying...)
Anyway back to the advice- it is hard at first!
(hah your boobs are hard too)

*Get a good pump, it is worth every cent you will spend and then some, seriously. I use the Medela brand pumps, I got mine at Target on sale and used my RedCard and got another 5% off. A good pump is key to success. Second, keep trying!
Week 1- really hard and scary
Week 2- engorgement and frustration
Week 3- finally some success and relief.
*For engorgement I would recommend a warm bath, but be careful because the more you release your milk, the more you will produce. Avoid stimulation of any kind in the shower, because your milk will let down. Use cool wash cloths in between pump sessions.
*Get some nipple cream (what?!) yes, nipple cream my friends. I use the Lansinoh brand- it will change your life and bring you happiness. (a little bit goes a long way) (cracked nipples are nobodies friend, and you thought cracked lips hurt...)
*A good nursing bra! And nursing tank tops! Motherhood maternity has these and they are worth their weight in gold, such a life saver! I got a sports bra nursing bra and a traditional nursing bra- but honestly for the first six weeks, I only wore the sports bra one. Comfort is key.
*Breast pads, you will leak. It is just part of life- I again use the Lansinoh brand, by far the best absorbency and coverage. They are easy to use. Buy like 4 boxes. I'm not kidding.
*Nursing cover, honestly I wish I would have bought one. I didn't though, in public I used swaddle blankets. You will learn the places to nurse when you are out (thank you Nordstom for having a kick A mothers lounge) In some instances you don't have a Nordstrom close by, so a cover comes in handy. Stash it in your diaper bag.

So I know for new Momma's the breastfeeding thing can be so intimidating and this is not what this post is meant to do, it is just to prepare you- because it would have been nice to have this stuff on hand when I came home from the hospital.

My next advice, it's OKAY to let your baby go to the nursery at night and to skip the night breastfeeding in the hospital- do not let judgey nurses eyes guilt you. You just delivered a BABY and you deserve to rest, you will be awake feeding your baby for plenty of nights- I promise.

On to lactation specialists in the hospital- this can be frustrating, every time there is a shift change someone else comes in and tells you how to hold and position your baby and kind of man handles you, after 3 or so people telling me how it is done- I told them to stop coming by. I just listened to my Mom and sisters, seriously though your own Mom knows best, I mean she raised you!

Okay I think that's it! Please comment or email me questions, I kind of lost all my modesty when I had my baby, I wasn't ashamed to feed my child in the company of female friends and family. Unfortunately breastfeeding has become sexualized in America for an unknown reason, I think it is sad. But I also think it is such a personal bonding moment for Mother and Baby. Don't give up!! It gets easier, in fact it gets even easier than mixing up a bottle. Just give it time, God took 7 days to make the earth. So stop feeling pressured!

Xoxo,
Momma