Breastfeeding can be one of the toughest things a woman does. However, with these simple breastfeeding tips you can make this journey an enjoyable one for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding can be one of the toughest things a woman does. However, with these simple breastfeeding tips you can make this journey an enjoyable one for you and your baby.
Simple Breastfeeding Tips
Breastfeeding can be one of the hardest and most rewarding things you will do as a mother. Providing your baby with the best nutrition possible is a great way to give them a head start on life with even more great benefits like lowering the cost of having a baby. Breastfeeding can be an amazing thing but it has plenty of challenges you will need to overcome. Here are some great tips to help you with your breastfeeding journey.
Keep hydrated.
When your body is dehydrated it can make it harder to keep up on your milk supply. Drinking more water than you need will not improve your milk supply so, drink when you are thirsty to keep hydrated and keep the milk flowing but do not feel like you have to reach a specific number of ounces in a day.
Make a breastfeeding basket to keep near your favorite breastfeeding spot.
This is the perfect way to ensure you have everything you need in arms reach like a charger for your phone to water and snacks. If you have an older child that needs to be entertained this is a great place to keep a few small activities that you can hand your child and a book or two for reading aloud.
Perform maintenance on your pump regularly.
This can help keep your pump working it’s best to pump the most milk possible. While pumping is not necessary to breastfeed it can be handy to have milk for when you need a break-even if you are not going to work away from your baby. When your pump starts to reduce in suction power change out valves to return it to its original power.
Build a support system around you in your breastfeeding journey.
This can be a major factor in your success or struggle in breastfeeding. A lactation consultant is an amazing asset but so are everyday people that make up your support system. From a supportive spouse to friends and family that can help you out with other children, cooking meals, and daily tasks in those first few weeks that are so vital to breastfeeding success.
Eat well to help your breast milk supply stay strong.
Keeping a food journal is a great way to learn what foods seem to give you a supply boost after eating. You will be amazed at the odd things your body may respond to that no one talks about.
Looking for a delicious treat that will help your breastfeeding supply? Check out these delicious and easy to make Lactation cookies .
Be careful with breastfeeding supplements.
While some like sunflower lichen that can help prevent clogged ducts, are great for most breastfeeding mothers others can backfire. While fenugreek has been recommended for years to breastfeeding mothers it can actually have the opposite effect on some moms.
Spend as much time with your new baby as you can.
At birth, if possible breastfeed right away. A lot of things can make it difficult to spend time with your newborn like health concerns that require specialized care. In the early days make a point to spend as much time with your baby as possible. Skin to skin contact is preferred. If you can not be with your baby discuss a wireless camera with your health care provider to allow you to watch your baby when you are pumping to improve output.
Learn to nurse in a baby carrier.
This can help you get more done even when your baby is in a growth spurt and spending all day on the breast eating when you have things to do. This can also make breastfeeding in public a lot easier for mothers that don’t like to draw attention to what they are doing while out and about.
Breastfeeding can be an amazing journey for you and your little one. The important thing is staying calm and realizing that it’s not going to be perfect on the first day.
It make take weeks before you get into the “groove” of breastfeeding. Most important there may be times it will be hard, but keeping calm and not stressing will help you overcome any breastfeeding hurdles you may encounter.
