Breastfeeding tips. What an unfortunate sounding phrase!
But in the name of motherhood, I wanted to share my top 10 things that were ESSENTIAL to get the ‘hang’ of breastfeeding:
1. The Breast Nest
When I first started breastfeeding my whole method was such a palaver that I only wanted to do it in private. I’d look at women casually nursing in cafés chatting to their friends and be amazed they could manage it. I had a number of fairly mad looking methods for the latching on part, one in particular that I couldn’t imagine doing in public – ‘the breast sandwich.’ So I made what we termed a Breast Nest in my son’s room where I held hostage every pillow in the house and passed many hours eating, crying in frustration, staring at his lovely dark eyelashes, listening to podcasts and generally finding a groove with the breastfeeding. Incredibly, I did eventually fly the nest and got to the stage where I could nurse using a sling and walk AND TALK all the same time. Boom.
2. Support
I found the early months of breastfeeding very challenging, and I came close to giving up many times. Talking to people who were supportive without being overly dogmatic about it really, really helped. Also, The Man was very understanding – this was massive, a supportive partner is so important.
3. A Lactation Consultant aka the Nipple Whisperer
With hindsight, I now think that breastfeeding is a lot about instinct. After having my son, I was very low, and I had absolutely no faith in myself as a mother. I was completely convinced that nothing was coming out of my breasts. The LC was like a therapy session and a how-to rolled into one. She was full of practical advice. The best thing she did was so simple but genius. To address my conviction that no milk was coming out, she weighed my son, had me feed him and then weighed him again to show me that he was heavier.
4. Chilled Cabbage Leaves
These were a lifesaver when my milk came in, and my boobs became engorged. Two words: Sweet relief.
5. High-Quality Double Breast Pump aka The Udder Sucker
I found this very, very useful. If you’re going to be pumping at all, don’t f*ck around with some namby, pamby little machine. The Man surprised me with the Udder Sucker (his words) as a gift when I became frustrated with the hand pump – it was so romantic. Of course, this doesn’t apply to everyone but with my various issues I was usually latched to the baby or the Udder Sucker at all times.
6. Reassurance
A lot of advocates of breastfeeding feel that any negative stories about breastfeeding are detrimental to women’s perception of the practice and damage the important message of encouragement that we need to give new mothers in this country. Personally, I found people’s stories (both good and bad) heartening when I was struggling with breastfeeding. Hearing that others find it difficult made the issues I was having seem more normal and also surmountable. Rather than discouraging me these anecdotes helped me to persevere.
7. Podcasts
What did breastfeeding mums do before smartphones? I’m told my granny used to take to the bed with the baby, a cup of tea and a copy of Hello! Here are 5 suggestions for the best podcasts to tune into while feeding the baba.
8. Snacks and Water, Water and More Water
Nursing is hungry and thirsty work. Eating loads of snacks is one of the biggest bonuses of breastfeeding (along with all the cuddling, bonding, nutritional value and sheer convenience obvi). Use a water bottle with a sports top instead of a glass as it’s way more convenient for the ‘breast nest’ and keep a continuous supply of one-hander snacks at the ready.
9. Lots of black and white light vests
Every top becomes a nursing top with one of these bad boys on. Wear them underneath your shirt then just lift your top, flip one of those boob flaps out over the vest and bam breastfeeding like a mofo.
10. It sounds like a platitude BUT do what’s right for you
If feeding full-time works for you, great. If introducing a bottle and combo feeding works, great. If pumping works, great. If formula feeding works, great. The main aim I’ve noticed is to feed them when they’re hungry, if we’re doing that then GREAT!
Haters gonna hate, judgers gonna judge but dammit our kids are damn lucky to have us for mothers. So own it.
What tips do you have for the Art of Breastfeeding?
