Shark Week: How to not let the first weeks of breastfeeding bite {+GIVEAWAY}

🦈Shark Week seems as good of a time as any to discuss surviving those first few weeks of breastfeeding with a newborn. Because if we are honest, sometimes that newborn latch feels like (what I assume) a shark bite would feel like. Here are some products as well as things I have been doing to make it much easier this go around.🦈

1. Use a good nipple cream religiously. Even if you don’t have nipple cracks or soreness. Just apply it after EVERY session. You can thank me later. I use a variety of nipple creams but right now I am LOVING my nipple salve from Birth Song Botanicals. Ultra soothing (for me it was INSTANT), organic, and doesn’t need to be washed off. Highly recommend it, mamas!
2. Nursing Pads. Don’t let your nipples sit saturated. That is a breeding ground for bacteria as well as causes your nipples to be irritated by the constant wetness from milk. During my super early stages while my milk regulates, I use disposables from Target. Later, I prefer to use reusable ones. I have found that Bamboobies has some of the softest nursing pads that are really absorbent. Plus, the heart shaped ones fit perfectly inside lower cut bras without peeking out.
3. Find Balance. While it is TOTALLY important to let your child comfort nurse and give him/her skin-to-skin. Find balance. Don’t let them suck on your nipple ALL DAY while your toes curl and you cry from the pain. Make sure you have fed them (obviously) and don’t feel guilty about taking a break. I have found the most helpful thing for desperate situations is to babywear. I am loving my ring sling from Soul Slings but my go-to as of late has been my Lalabu Baby Soothe Shirt. By Babywearing (with a ring sling or with my soothe shirt) I am providing him with the touch and skin-to-skin he developmentally needs while also buying my nipples some time to rest and recover. Do not feel guilty about this!
4. Catch that milk! Instead of letting your letdown just release into your nursing pads and be wasted, catch it! I love my Milkies Milk Saver. Unlike a pump, it just rests inside your bra with a hole for your nipple. It simply catches what will come out regardless. My baby is only 12 days old and I have over 40 oz of milk set aside for future date nights just from catching my letdown. Woohoo!!
5. Heat or Ice! If you haven’t invested in some good heating and cooling pads yet, it is an absolute must for your entire breastfeeding journey. I recommend the Lil’Bud’s Breast Comfort Packs Heat is great for clogged ducts, increasing milk supply, speeding up letdown, and to relieve overall pain. Don’t use too much heat or you could end up overproducing and engorged. I have to use mine cold. I am an overproducer (was with my first as well) and I have an overactive letdown. The cooling is excellent for that.
6. Breastfeeding Pillow. My current favorite is the Itzy Ritzy Breastfeeding Pillow. I love how simple in design it is and how I can slide my arm through it for easy carrying to and from rooms especially now that I am breastfeeding in all sorts of places keeping up with my toddler!
7. Water. Obviously. Stay hydrated
8. Lactation Granola Bars. It’s important to make sure you get the nutrients you need for you AND your baby. I have found that the Oat Mama Lactation Granola Bars are perfect for grabbing on the go or for eating one-handed when nursing. Not to mention, they are delicious. 😉
9. Invest in Nursing-friendly Clothing. I wish I had done this the first time around. There is something to be said about high quality nursing bras and tanks. Right now, my favorite nursing-friendly tank is the Mom Tank by CozyRack. It is a nursing tank that requires NO BRA. It is super supportive (I highly recommend for the first days postpartum for your tummy!!) There is a hidden mesh pocket to tuck in nursing pads as well. I love the convenience of wearing ONE thing. This was the first thing I wore postpartum and I genuinely felt like a million bucks.
10. Surround yourself with a good support team. Ask for help if needed! I highly recommend reaching out to a lactation consultant if you need help or have questions. Our hospital had multiple LCs on staff that checked for tongue and lip tie, good latch, and a basic refresher on breastfeeding. They are an amazing resource and have been a blessing to me as I navigated nursing my firstborn. I wouldn’t have made it to 15 months of breastfeeding (nor wanting to nurse another) without their help.

These are just the big things I have been doing and so far my breastfeeding journey with Finn has been a night and day difference from Isla’s. Two weeks down and many more to go! A lot of that is knowledge, awesome products, and a fantastic support team.

What are some things YOU recommend for making breastfeeding in the early stages easier? 🙂

Head to my Instagram @onemerrymama to enter to win an awesome bundle of some of my FAVORITE breastfeeding products!

XOXO,

Ashley