So, you’re having a baby. Congratulations! You’ve decided to breastfeed? Terrific!
You may have heard by now that breastfeeding can be tough. It can be. But with a little bit of preparation, you’ll do just fine! Here is some helpful information to get you through the first six weeks.
In no way is this article about bashing moms who are unable to breastfeed. Fed and loved is best. However, if you are determined to exclusively breastfeed, these are the very best tips I have as someone who made it through those first few weeks and went on to breastfeed my baby for a year and counting. At the end of the day, being a mom is all about survival. Do what’s best for you and your baby, Mama!
1.Baby comes out HUNGRY. No one can fully prepare you for the first 24 hours of baby’s life. However you deliver baby, you will be exhausted. And in the beginning of your little bundle of joy’s life, she needs to nurse constantly. This is to help your milk come in. When baby suckles, it tells your body to produce milk. No matter how exhausted you are, keep on nursing! Supplementing with formula while you are trying to establish your supply can completely derail your breastfeeding journey.
2.Breastfeeding can hurt at the beginning. Your nipples are getting used to being used in a completely different way. This hurts! You can expect to feel discomfort for the first several weeks. Power through! Nipple cream along with cold gel pads can help ease your pain. Remember, this too shall pass! If pain is absolutely unbearable, seek help from a lactation consultant. There may be a problem with baby’s latch.
3.The more you nurse, the more you produce. Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. If you are concerned about not producing enough milk, nurse more! The very worst thing you can do for your supply is supplement. If you are truly concerned that baby isn’t getting enough milk, do a weighted feeding. Baby is probably getting more than you think!
4.Pumping output is not a good indication of supply. Neither is a baby who is constantly nursing. No pump is as effective as your baby is. And “cluster-feeding” is a completely normal infant behavior. Again, if you’re concerned, do a weighted feeding. This is the very best way to learn exactly how much milk baby is getting.
5.Have a little faith in your body and its abilities. Every new mom worries about whether she is doing a good job. Whether or not baby is getting enough to eat is always at the front of our minds. Trust in your body! For the majority of women, your boobs work just fine. Choosing a good pediatrician who supports breastfeeding can go a long way for helping you feel condident.
6.Baby doesn’t need that much milk. Remember, your little one is tiny! He has a tiny stomach too. Here is a useful guide for how much your little one’s stomach can actually hold.
7.Take care of yourself! Stay hydrated. Eat plenty of good, nutrient-dense foods (500 more calories than you would normally need!). Rest when baby is resting. Take your vitamins. Being another person’s sole source of nutrition is hard work and takes a lot out of you! Just staying hydrated and eating healthy will go a long way towards making enough milk for your baby!
8.Get Comfy! Breastfeeding is extremely time-consuming at times- especially when baby is cluster feeding. Find a good show to binge watch or books and magazines to read. Make sure your phone charger is nearby! Plan ahead with lots of snacks and water. Settle in and enjoy the snuggles, this phase won’t last forever.
9.Surround yourself with support. Motherhood can be isolating. Scratch that. Motherhood IS isolating. Surround yourself with people who know what you’re going through. If you’re having a tough time, seek help! From support groups on Facebook to lactation consultants, there are a lot of great people out there who are rooting for you and your success. You don’t have to go through this alone.
10.The law protects you. Whether you are returning to work and need to pump or just need to feed your baby in public, the law has your back. Find out more about federal and state laws here.
11.You don’t need to spend a ton on breastfeeding gear. The boppy’s, nursing bras and tanks and nursing covers can really add up! A pillow will work in place of a boppy. Regular tanks and bras can easily be pulled down for nursing access. If you want to cover up, a blanket will do just fine!
12. Don’t quit on a bad day. We all have these days. You’re sleep deprived, emotional and your sweet baby’s mouth feels like razor blades! Furthermore, you have no idea how much milk your baby is actually getting. It’s can feel like too much to deal with. Keep on going, Mama! You are amazing.
13. Finally, don’t compare yourself to other moms! Some moms will seem to glide effortlessly through parenting. Others will struggle every step of the way. Whatever category you fall into, don’t be too hard on yourself. In the end, what counts is that you did your best and your child was loved!
Mellow Momma 
This is a delightful blog! Nice Work
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