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            I believe in breastfeeding and the benefits it has for our babies.  I decided to breastfeed my son until he was one, although it took time for me to completely wean him off I stopped indefinitely by the time he was 14 months.  I now have a nine month old daughter whom I also decided to breastfeed and plan on doing so until her first birthday.  I have seen benefits from nursing in both of my kids and I know that it is the best thing for them and me.  Regardless of whatever method of food you chose for your baby make sure it’s what is best for the both of you.  Here are a few things I have learned from breastfeeding both of my kids, I hope that they can help some of you moms out there who are also nursing or choosing to nurse your babies. 

1.  Always keep your breasts clean and dry.  I like to keep wipes close by so I can clean myself before and after I nurse.  Sometimes If I have a chance I will by the pacifier wipes, or just use the regular non scented baby wipes.  If you have time before you nurse, clean under your arms do clean off any deodorant residue you may have, or sweat.  I feel this makes the baby more comfortable and you feel cleaner.  You can do this with a warm towel and soap.  Sometimes as busy moms we don’ t always have time to take showers before and after.  This should do the trick, it’s always worked for me. 

2.  Use lanolin daily.  Even if you are not experiencing chapped or dry breasts make sure to use this product regardless.  I feel it helps relieve any pain or discomfort and is just like a lotion and really helps your breasts heal. 

3. Wear nursing bras.  I know they are not the pretties bras around, but they are the most comfortable.  I like to use these bras because whenever I nurse It’s easy access and I don’t have to worry about ruining my regular bras.  This is so much easier.  They are pricey, so make sure to look around for the best ones that suit you.  I know that the lactation connection has a pretty good selection and prices.  I’ll include their face book page below. 

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4.  Use nipple shields.  Don’t be afraid to use nipple shields for protection.  Sometimes an improper latch can affect the amount of milk you produce and the amount your baby eats.  Sometimes these shields help your baby get that perfect latch.  They also help when your baby’s teeth come in.  Sometimes they bite and it is painful, the shields protect you and they also help.  You can discard of them whenever you feel necessary.  However, every baby is different and it can also cause nipple confusion.  Meaning they are used to the shield and not your nipple.  My kids never had a problem, and I was able to use them on and off.

5.  Pump as needed.  I am including this because I never pumped.  This definitely affected me.  Both of my babies were always very attached to me, and I could only leave them for short periods of time because I would have to come back and nurse.  It’s always good to have some milk around in case you need to go out or run errands.  Pumps can be expensive, but you can look into the hospitals where you gave birth and they can rent them.  Breastfeeding also becomes a convenience for the mom, especially if you stay home.  I think that it’s easier to just nurse directly from your breast, than to prepare a bottle.  This was always my case.  Neither of my kids took a bottle they started on Sippy cups at an early age.  So for me this worked.

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6. Always be prepared for the unexpected.  In your diaper bag, always, always pack nursing pads and an extra bra.  You never know when you’re going to need it. Accidents happen and you want to be prepared.  I bought this great kit when my daughter was born it was an “Avent nursing starter kit”.  I bought it at babies r us and it was $14.99.  You can also purchase it online for different prices.   It included nursing pads, cloth and disposable, cooling and heating system to help extract milk and soothe and it all came in a nice little bag discreet enough to fit in your purse or diaper bag.  I put a bra inside just in case.  

7. Pack a water bottle and snack.  As a nursing mother it’s very important to always have water and snacks when you go out and about.  I have a water bottle that attaches to my diaper bag and I take it with me everywhere.  You can buy them at Target and they are $7.99.  They have a plastic round key ring like thing that hooks right onto your diaper bag.  It’s really convenient. 

8.  Do not use breastfeeding as birth control.  Some women think that because they are not having menstruation cycles, they are not ovulating and cannot get pregnant.  WRONG.  You can get pregnant while breastfeeding and it is not a proper method for contraceptive.  Some women, like myself do in fact menstruate while they nurse.  I received my cycle two months after my kids were born.  It’s important to protect yourself if you do not want to have a baby right away.  There are also birth control pills that are safe to take while nursing.  You can ask your gynecologist about this for more information. 

            These are just a few tips I have learned over the years.  With my first child I was always over prepared, now I have learned that is a good thing.  You never know what will or can happen when you breastfeed.  I hope that some of these tips can help you nursing mamas out.  I know that I always look and search for other mommies opinions because who knows better about these issues than mommies?

            Thanks for stopping by and remember to share this information with other moms out there.  The more we share together we can continue to strive for success in whatever we do! 🙂

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