Breastfeeding is amazing and has incredible benefits for Mama and baby! Breastfeeding can also be hard, painful and anxiety inducing. I’m sharing my experience, tips and favorite non-toxic products to hopefully help you in your own journey!
First and foremost I believe that fed is best. It’s a fact that breastmilk has benefits that outweigh formula but at the end of the day breastfed babies and formula fed babies can grow, meet milestones and be beautiful healthy kids!
With that being said I chose to do everything in my power to be able to breastfeed because I felt it was the most natural, budget friendly and healthy choice for my kids.
My journey was by no means easy and looking back I wish I had done somethings differently to make it a little easier. Here are my top 5 tips to help your breastfeeding journey along!
Start pumping early on
1. If you have low supply, start pumping early on! This is a big no from lactation specialist I met with but my supply was fairly low in the beginning and newborns can be sleepy! I think stimulating my supply more would have helped. I used the same pump for both my kids! The spectra 2 is amazing, use your insurance to get a free one or check it out by clicking here.
Healthy Snacks within Reach
2. Have easy healthy snacks ready before baby came! Eating granola bars filled with sugar and chips to satiate your hungry from nursing leaves you feeling junky. I wish I had made my own energy balls, smoothie packs or quick heat meals. I also wish I had sourced healthier bought snacks if I didn’t have time to make things. There are tons of healthy snacks and I’m sure you have your favorites but these Made Good bars from Target have less ingredients than a traditional granola bar! Click here to see my favorite ones!
Store Pump Parts in the Fridge between Feedings
3. Know that I didn’t have to wash my pump parts every time! I could store then in the fridge in between a few feeds! This is a huge time saver for me, I pump store for a few hours and pump again without washing. I usually wash after 8+ hours of use though and always refrigerate between uses! I usually just put my pump parts in by themselves but if you’re at work using a bag to help protect them is a good idea! Click here for the link to these reusable silicone bags, they are solid and help hide your parts if its a community fridge!
Protect your Nips
4. Used the nipple shields! Again lactation consults really recommended against these but when your nips are bleeding and you need to feed, they are a life saver! My kids never had issues using those and going back to regular no shield feedings. My favorites were the Lansinoh brand. I am honestly not sure that these are the most “non-toxic” but you hand wash them and use for a short time so I didn’t stress on it! Grab the lansinoh ones here.
Choose a Natural Nipple Cream
5. Earth Mama products are the best! Specifically the earth mama nipple butter! Not having to worry that your weeks old infant is ingesting toxins just for you to get some relief was such peace of mind. I typically applied this after every feed and then tried to let things air out if possible! Amazon was always the easiest place to find this for me but I am seeing it in more stores now! Click here for a link and remember the two pack is usually a better deal!
Try to enjoy the journey Mama! For me it was a really hard start filled with tears, stress, pain and frustration. It could be that way for you too but once you get the hang of it, it really is a breeze and something to be proud you worked hard to give your little one! Drop me a comment about where you are in your breastfeeding journey and your biggest tip for a fellow kinda natural mom!
Of course always consult with your doctor or licensed medical professional before implementing new advice!