1. Use a Haaka (at first) to save your liquid gold.
When your milk comes in, sometimes the boobs go a little crazy! Meaning there is a lot of let-down (read: wasted precious breastmilk). So rather than let it go to waste in nursing pads or just soak your bra, latch on a haaka and save the good stuff! It really helps me have an extra supply if I need a babysitter for a longer stint or even for after my babies are weaned.
2. Always offer both sides.
A lactation consultant once told me this and boy was she right! There have been times I think to myself “there’s no way my baby can possibly eat more.” And they’re even slowing down and not seeming that interested too. Then I offer the other side and WAM! There they go eating like they never have before. Being fuller = longer between feedings = better for baby and momma!
3. Wear a bracelet.
I love doing this because it helps me remember which side to start on for the next feeding. And then I just switch when it’s time to feed baby again.
4. Not all nursing covers are created equal — get a good one!
Note that I didn’t say expensive. A good nursing cover is not necessarily a costly one. I got mine for $8 from wish. I like the ones like this:
It’s extra nice because it can be a nursing cover, swaddling blanket, and car seat cover all at the same time. And you don’t have to worry about a nip slip on the side like some other covers.
5. The side-lying position is a game-changer.
I didn’t even know this was a thing until I had spent way too many nights nursing on the couch. Just remember if you do this for nighttime feedings, you gotta stay awake enough to move your baby back to their own bed afterwards. Co-sleeping is unsafe for baby and can become a bad habit in itself (I met a kid one who was almost THREE and still co/slept with his mom and woke her up multiple times a night to nurse! She was miserable and I would have been too! No way José.)
6. Remember: eat, awake, then sleep.
Who wants a baby who only goes to sleep when he or she is hungry? Not me! I’m sure you’ve heard of Pavlov’s dog. You do not want to turn your baby into an infant dependent on eating in order to get to sleep. Note: the awake part can even be as short as 5 min.
7. It’s okay to breastfeed in the car (or anywhere!).
In the United States, it is perfectly legal to breastfeed in public. So don’t worry if you need to in your car, or wherever! Your baby being fed is more important than someone else’s comfort level. However, I do suggest not to stop on the side of the freeway to nurse like I did once…at least get off at the next exit 😂
8. Stay hydrated. And nourished!
Drink your water. I usually like to sip water whenever I’m nursing. As far as nourishment, I looove these lactation energy balls! I made a bunch of them ahead of time before my second kid was born and I was soooo glad I did. They were perfect for middle-of-the-night feedings.
9. Anything is better than nothing (as far as length of time).
It might be easy to beat yourself for how long you breastfeed — but just remember that fed is best and breastfeeding has tons of benefits…but none of them are worth the price of your mental and physical well-being. You’ll find a balance! My goal was to nurse until 12 months…but my babies weaned themselves around 9.5/10 months. Adjust, pivot, do what you need to — and you can always get help from professional consultants from La Leche League!
10. Nurse consistently every 3 hours during the day.
I find that doing this very consistently a) helps me know when baby is hungry — vs. tired, messy diaper, etc. b) helps baby to be fully hungry between meals leading to a full feeding — as opposed to snacking all day and c) helps us both to get better sleep at night. At least longer stretches!
Consistently feeding your baby every 3 hours can even means waking your baby to eat (or at least sleep-feeding). I used to believe the adage “never wake a sleeping baby” but experience has taught me otherwise.
What about you? I’d love to read your comments or questions about breastfeeding!