It was a week before my due date and I was enrolled in my first breastfeeding course. As I watched the videos of the lactation consultant demonstrate with a baby doll I remember thinking, "That looks easy."
Fast forward to first moment I held my daughter in my arms exhausted from the marathon that is labor and delivery. It was a holiday weekend which meant there were no lactation consultants on staff. The labor & delivery nurses were wonderful but not experts in lactation especially with a first time mom and a baby that was struggling to get a proper latch. I was so determined to learn how to breastfed that I stayed an extra night in the hospital to have help at every feeding. Let me tell you it was a long process.
Pumping, nipple shields, Medela SNS, syringes, wet wash clothes, naked baby, extra helping hands, you name it we tried it. We did not get our first official latch on the breast until 7 days after my daughter was born.
I am not a lactation consultant or a specialist in breastfeeding but I am a mama that has been exclusively breastfeeding for 7 months. So from mom to mom here are 10 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Breastfeeding.
1. The first month is HARD.
Breastfeeding hurts initially. Many expert say that it shouldn't hurt but when have you had a baby suck on your nipples all day every day, NEVER. You may experience cracked, bleeding, and sore nips (hurts 😭). The nights are very long with cluster feeds, witching hours, and no sleep. There is a learning curve for both baby and mama. Save your nipples with these Breastfeeding Must Haves
2. Breastfeeding feels like a job.
The Milk Bar is open 24/7 which makes breastfeeding feel like a job. You may have had a wonderful blissful experience from the start, but if you never feel like that it’s OK. You aren’t doing anything wrong
3. Measure Your Nipples
Breast Pumps have different flange sizes 🤯, so please measure your nips and get the correct size. Without the correct size you may experience a dip in supply or extra sore nipples. Also check with your insurance company as some cover the cost a breast pump.
4. Fed is best.
Breast, bottle, formula, you know what’s best mama. Choose what ever way is best for you and your baby. Breastfeeding can take a massive toll on your personal physical and mental health so make the best decision for you.
5. Babies are squirmy.
Like I mentioned earlier when I watched the breastfeeding course, I thought it would be easy, but I was wrong. Real human babies do not sit still like the videos show you. My Brestfriend pillow was a life saver. On the opposite end, I also had a baby that would fall asleep while nursing for the first month. Best tips if you have a sleepy nurser- undress baby, skin to skin while nursing, have a cold wash cloth handy, change diaper half way through, and keep all the lights on.
6. Haakaa is a game changer.
A Haakaa is a silicon cup that suctions to the opposite breast that the baby is nursing on. For squirmy baby make sure it’s very secure. This will collect the let down which not only helps to stock pile breastmilk early on but helps you stay dry. I have also used my Haakaa to unclog a milk duct but filling with warm water and 2 tbsp of epson salt.
7. Never stop drinking water.
I remember the first week home with my daughter my mouth was literally as dry as the desert. I has my water bottle with me where ever I went. Especially during nursing sessions my husband would automatically bring me a glass of water without thinking.
8. Be Patient. If at first your don’t succeed try, try again.
It can take up to 5 days for your milk to come in. Like I mentioned earlier, our first official latch without my husbands help, nipple shield and Medela SMS was on day 7. If breastfeeding is the goal and you are struggling, ask for help! Take a breastfeeding course, reach out to a lactation consultant, or ask a mom friend.
9. MomFidence.
That first time breastfeeding in public is scary, but you are incredible! So whip it out and fed yo baby! I have found that with almost every decision you make in motherhood someone with judge you but don't let that stop you. Ignore the haters and "Use Your Voice Even If It Shakes"-The Little Milk Bar.
10. It’s ok to feel all the feels.
During feedings I have laugh, cried, smiled, got frustrated, angry, upset, happy, and all the feels in between. Not only are your hormones raging but referring back to number one breastfeeding is hard. Your feelings are valid and you are not alone.
Share a Breastfeeding Tip For New Mamas in the comments⬇️
___________________
Hi, I’m Kelsey, founder of Mom Strong. I help empower and support new moms. Motherhood strength is not measured just in muscles but in love and attention for your mind, body, and community. Join our Mom Strong Squad for more education, support, and inspiration at instagram.com/coachkelseyjean