I am not a lactation consultant but I am a mom that has (is) successfully nursed 2 babies. Syrus nursed for 15 months and Elynna is going on 4 months. Breastfeeding has so many positives but can also be physically and emotionally taxing at times. If you’re up for the challenge and (to save some major bucks) the folk tips and tricks were written with you in mind.
It’s Mother Nature’s Supply & Demand. Have you ever heard the term “use it or lose it”? Well that’s the way it is when it comes to nursing. Your supply is greatly linked with baby’s demand. If you feel you’re not supplying enough milk to keep up with baby’s demand, I’ve incorporated pump sessions in between nursing. This will “trick” your body into producing more. If you stick to this consistently, you will begin to notice a a steady increase. Drink plenty of water and avoid intakes that can contribute to a decrease in your milk production such as excess caffeine or alcohol.
Yes, it hurts!! I was shocked to discover the latches during the beginning stages and the let down when milk comes in hurt like WOW!! Your body is already tender and sensitive so baby’s latch when they’re trying to figure feedings out too can be tough. With Syrus, my nipples cracked and bled (luckily I never developed Mastitis.) I used Lanolin and coconut oil to help with the discomfort. Elynna latched no problem so I only had to use Lanolin at the hospital for the first few days..
Supplements Are Your Friend: Prenatal vitamins have the reputation of being used just before baby is born. NO! Taking them even when you’re nursing will continue giving you and baby the vital nutrients your body needs. I’m a big kid so I live for gummies. As of lately I’ve noticed I’m not pumping enough milk to keep up with what she drinks while I’m away by about 3 to 4 ounces. Besides pumping for a longer duration, I tried out these lactation cookie bites to assist with my production increase. Within 2 days I noticed an increase of 1-2 ounces with each pumping session. I was skeptical that it was only in my mind so I stopped eating the cookies for 2 days and there was a decrease. I tested my theory and these lactation cookies bites make a difference.
Other Products I Use:
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump: The hands free, equipment free pump. I swear you can use this anywhere!!! This is perfect to catch let down from your opposite breast while baby feeds. I average 2 ounces of milk that would’ve otherwise been wasted. In between feedings (especially in the evenings) I have started to use this more to prevent engorging throughout the night now that baby girl sleeps longer. Once you get the suction right for yourself, it’s gold, liquid gold!!
Electric Pump: If you pump especially to replace nursing sessions with baby, getting the right pump is worth the investment. Do your research and find what will work best for you. With Syrus I had a Medela that required to be plugged into an outlet. When I was pumping at work that was okay but horribly inconvenient for the weekends. With Elynna I knew I wanted one that had cordless options to move around easier to keep up with Syrus at home. This Motif is easy to pack along on a date night away from the kiddos.
Ponytail Holder or Scrunchies: I know you’re probably thinking we’re talking milk not hair.. Especially at the beginning when sleep deprivation has already taken over your mom brain, it’s easy to forget which side you last nursed from. I used my ponytail holder to remember if I need to nurse from the left or right side the next time. I used this trick with Syrus and now Elynna and it has worked like a charm as long as I remember to switch wrists. I linked some cute ones.
Nursing Pads: If you are new to the game and don’t have these, get them ASAP. With both babies, when my milk first came in the couple weeks that followed my milk flowed free like a waterfall. I’m not even exaggerating; I would soak through my bra, pads and clothes. Not glamorous and talk about embarrassing! I recommend to change the pad out each feeding especially in the beginning stages. As time goes on, you may not need them anymore. Elynna is almost 4 months and I only use them to prevent milk spots in my bra, not for milk leaks.
Storage Bags: During maternity leave with Elynna, I pumped to have a savings account if you will. I wanted to have extra milk when I wasn’t home and she needed to be fed and have extra in the event my supply dropped. It’s important when storing liquid gold to have the right equipment. I’ve used other bags but none hold up (literally sit up) as great as the Medela ones. They’re good for up to a year in the freezer and BPA/chemical free.
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Mama if you’re struggling to nurse, hang in there and stick to it!! Remember why you started and keep at it. YOU GIT THIS!
