Are you a new mom? Look for practical breastfeeding tips? I share 6 of the most important breastfeeding tips every new mom should know!
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As soon as you find out that you are pregnant, a lot of things go through your mind. Whether to breastfeed is definitely one of them, Deciding to breastfeed your baby is not an easy task! So I have gathered 10 breastfeeding tips for new moms. These are tips that are actually helpful, and honestly the only breastfeeding tips you will need moving forward!
6 Breastfeeding Tips For New Moms
1. Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things you should do after birth is to stay hydrated. Birth really does a number on our bodies, replenishing your body with fluids and nutrients after labor is key. Add breastfeeding to the mix, and you really need to up your daily water intake!
I found it best to have a 64oz water bottle with me throughout the day. Nursing mothers need about 16 cups of water per day. This can come from food, and other beverages as well.
Quick Tip: In order to make sure you get the fluids you need, try drinking a glass of water every time you nurse your baby.
How Much Water Do New Moms Need
Nursing moms need about 128 ounces of water a day, Which breaks down to 16 cups of water per day. I like to have a 64oz water bottle that I fill up twice a day. this helps me make sure I’m getting enough water for the day.
2. Setup A Nursing Station
I wish I knew about setting up a nursing station sooner than I did because it definitely saved me the added stress. Imagine it’s time to nurse or pump but you’re running around the house looking for your nursing pillow, or even pump parts? Argghhh!
Learn from me, set up a nursing station before you go into labor. Your nursing station should be somewhere where you will spend the most time feeding your baby. For me it was in my bedroom, those first couple of months after birth I spent most of my time in the bedroom
What should be in your nursing cart?
- Breastpump if pumping – A Personal Favorite
- Haaka silicon breast pump
- Nipple Cream – What I LOVED!
- Nursing Pads
- Burp Cloths
- Muslim Blankets – My Fav’s
- Snacks ( granola bars, trail Mix etc)
- Water Bottle
- Nursing Pillow
- Phone Charger – Trust me on this one!
- Breast Massager – I couldnt live without this
- Prenatals
- Pumping Bra ( If Pumping )
3. Rest When Possible
Sounds crazy, but resting whenever possible is the best advice I got as a new mom. Being a mom isn’t easy, and getting the proper rest throughout the day and night is important.
Believe it or not, Lack of sleep has been shown to decrease breast milk supply in nursing mothers. So grab your favorite blanket, give baby to dad and get the rest that you need, even if it’s just for an hour.
4. Find The Best Feeding Position
Another tip I wish I knew sooner, I was determined to make the breastfeeding position recommended by the breastfeeding nurse work. After much stress, and a few breakdowns I realized that I needed to find what feeding positions worked best for my baby and me.
Once I realized this I was able to find the best position for me, which made our breastfeeding journey much easier!
By no means am I saying to disregard what the breastfeeding specialist recommends, but realize that what works for some doesn’t always work for all. So be flexible and find what works for you.
4 Feeding Positions For New Moms To Try
5. Consult With Lactation Specialist
My journey didn’t start off great, in fact, I experienced a lot of pain while breastfeeding. After a few cracked nipples and feeling overwhelmed every time the next feeding was near, I knew it was time to reach out to a lactation specialist.
I always heard that if done properly, breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. Im here to tell you that this is true! I found out that I wasn’t giving my baby a chance to have a deep latch. I had to learn how to latch her so that would have a deep latch.
I eventually figured it out with the help of my lactation specialist, thank goodness. Don’t do what I did, reach out for help before you feel overwhelmed. You can even be proactive and meet with a lactation specialist before the baby arrives, what I plan on doing next time around.
6. Comfortable Nursing Bra
Last but certainly not least, find a nursing bra that is comfortable for you to wear throughout the day. Those first couple of weeks of breastfeeding can be tough. Sore nipples, and engorged boobs, ouch!
Having a well-fitted, comfortable nursing bra will be your saving grace. Most are extremely comfortable and allow for easy access when it’s time to nurse.
If you are pumping as well, try finding a bra that is great for nursing and pumping. It makes things so much easier when you don’t have to swap out bras every time you need to nurse or pump.
My Personal Fav’s
- Kindred Bravely Seamless Nursing Bra
- Click and Pump Bra – Accessory For Your Nursing Bra
- Medela Strapless Pumping Bra
