Are You Struggling With Breastfeeding?

Believe me, you’re not alone! I’ve been there, and so have so many other new moms! I’ve asked my tribe of over one five hundred nursing moms for breastfeeding tips and encouragement to share with you and I got some great responses.

Don’t miss my free printable nursing tracker (it’s super cute and functional!) at the end of this post.

Having nursed both of my babies, (for a total of 28 and counting months!) I feel like I am a pro when it comes to breastfeeding tips. I can hardly believe I am saying that! When Rilynn was born and our breastfeeding journey began, the struggle was REAL! This new piece of my heart that had a terrible latch combined with my stress, fear, and doubt about everything I was doing made a rocky start to our nursing relationship. I cried about breastfeeding more times than I can count, but I can honestly say it was the best decision I made as a new mom.

If you’re reading this post, it’s probably because you are too, are having a rough time breastfeeding and are searching for breastfeeding tips. Mama, I’ve been there. And so have many others! If you’re looking for tips and encouragement from real moms who are successfully breastfeeding, you’ve landed in the right place. So here goes!

Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

1. Never Give up! It will be hard, but it gets better and it is so worth it!
2. Talk about it.Do NOT be ashamed. Feed your baby. It’s okay if you have to supplement. If you make it to your goal, almost to your goal or never at all, it’s okay. Just feed your baby! (love this advice!)
3. Drink all the water you possibly can and eat, eat, eat! This was the main cause of my supply drop after going back to work.
4. It is hard! And sometimes, bring you to tears hard, but give it your best and make sure to take care of yourself.
5. Whatever works for you and your baby is best, be it exclusively breastfeeding, pumping or supplementing. Whatever you need to do, do it! There are no rules. Follow your gut.
6. It’s one of the hardest things you will do, but the most rewarding all in one.
7. Figure out a support system early – friends, La Leche League, Lactation Consultant, etc. It really can make all the difference.
8. Make sure to see the Lactation Consultant while you are in the hospital if available. Most latch issues can be caught and corrected early on.
9. Trust your body! We were made to feed our babies. Don’t give up.
10. Don’t give up on your worst day. When having a rough day, tell yourself you can quit tomorrow, when it’s not out of desperation. The next day I was ready to keep going.
11. Trust your baby and your body! You are learning to become a good breastfeeding team and you will have your ups and downs. It takes time and patience.
12. Put together a nursing basket BEFORE baby comes! Include things like a large water bottle with a straw so you don’t have to worry about unscrewing a top, nuts, energy bars, extra nursing pads, lanolin, burp rag, pacifiers, and chapstick.
13. When pumping, you can combine milk from different nursing sessions before you put it in the freezer to save on bags.
14. In the early days, expect to be nursing around the clock! Dedicate all of your time to nursing and don’t worry about doing anything else. Your only job at this point is to nurse your baby. The rest wait.
15. If baby is growing and has a good diaper output, your supply is more than likely just fine!
16. Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand. Breasts are magical and eventually produce the perfect amount for your baby!
17.  After about 8-10 weeks your supply will adjust to your baby and your breasts will feel as if they are empty. They are not! Your body has just fine tuned to the amount of milk your baby is eating. Don’t worry that you aren’t producing enough (as long as baby is happy and diapers are good).
18. An overactive letdown can cause baby to pop off of the breast, fuss and seem uncomfortable. Let down into a towel and then continue nursing.
19. Surround yourself with like-minded people who encourage breastfeeding
20. Nursing in public takes time and practice. First try to accomplish it in a fitting room, or the lounge area in a department store bathroom. Doing that gave me the courage to successfully nurse in public without being afraid I’d show the world my nipples!
21. Never dump your breastmilk! (if you have consumed alcohol or maybe realized baby has a food sensitivity) You can use the milk for many different things like adding it to the bath, diaper rash, putting it on your own nipples to help them heal, eye drops for baby, etc.