It’s Okay to Cry Over Spilled Milk
Whomever said “It’s no use crying over spilled milk” never spilled 6 oz of freshly pumped breastmilk. I cried. I cried even harder when I realized it spilled on my baby’s head as he patiently sat in the Baby Bjorn on the floor below the counter. Breastfeeding can be so rewarding but darn it, it can be so hard as well.
These 8 products to help your breastfeeding journey are things I use on a daily basis as well as some tips that have helped along the way.
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1| The Essential Breast Pump
Having a really strong, hospital-grade breast pump is essential. Pumping in between nursing sessions increases your supply and demand. What I love about the Spectra S1 is it has a rechargeable battery so the pump can move with you! Even in the car for those long road trips.
Be sure to check in with your insurance company as many will provide a breast pump. Extra tip: pump an extra five minutes after your breast is empty. This will send a message to your body that the demand is greater than the supply.
2| Nursing Pillow
Save your arms and back while nursing your baby. The Boppy Pillow allows you to comfortably rest your baby snug against you while you feed. I tried other nursing pillows and found this one to be the most comfortable. In addition, it can be used for tummy time support!
3| A Hands Free Pumping Bra is a Game Changer
This hands free pumping bra changed my productivity during my sessions. In my first two weeks of pumping I was holding the bottles up against my breast. As you can imagine, this left me with not only leaky milk sessions but 15-20 minutes in my day where I could not multi-task. Once I got a pumping bra, I was to do multiple things during my pumping sessions.
4| The Manual Breast Pump
Catching every last drop with the Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump! While I am breastfeeding on one side I stick this on the other and it collects the dripping milk that would otherwise be wasted. Sometimes it only collects a half an ounce but those half ounces add up when building a frozen stash of breastmilk. Watch this great tutorial on YouTube to learn how to use it and see how much milk you can collect.
In addition to catching every last drop the manual breast pump can also be used to relieve a clogged milk duct, which can be so painful! To do so, fill the pump with two tablespoons of epson salt and warm water. Submerge your nipple into the pump and suction it on. Let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times throughout the day. Adding heat therapy while doing this helps relieve the clog. It may take 2-3 days to clear the clog. And when it does clear you will feel so much relieve!
5| A Nursing Bra
Finding a good nursing bra that is comfortable to wear at night as well as going out was important for me. I actually bought these nursing bras while I was still pregnant because my regular wire bras were digging into my skin as my breasts grew. These are so comfortable and provide the support needed. They also come with extenders which have come in handy as my breast size has changed during pregnancy and postpartum.
6| Breast Pads – Don’t leave home without them
I am here to tell you that there is nothing more embarrassing than speaking to someone and your milk starts leaking through your shirt. The slow descent of their gaze from your face stopping at your breast is mortifying. Breast Pads are a necessity and reusable ones like these are even better to ensure you never run out! I don’t leave home without them and keep a set in the diaper bag.
7| Heat and Cold Therapy
Adding heat to your breasts with these therapy pads stimulates the let-down process. Your milk will begin to flow immediately. These have been a lifesaver when my breasts are engorged or when I have a clogged duct. Bonus is you can put them in the freezer and apply when needed for sore breasts and nipples.
8| Nipple Cream
Breastfeeding can leave your nipples feeling rough, cracked, and raw. Coupled that with a screaming hungry baby, feeding sessions can be overall a stressful experience. I found this natural Organic Nipple Butter by Earth Mama to be so soothing. It healed any cracks I had and is safe for the baby to nurse. I also use this on any rough patches my baby has on his skin. Works wonders!
Tips to Increase Your Breastmilk Supply
The worry of not having enough breast milk is real. There is nothing worse than my son screaming for milk and I grab my deflated breast knowing that there isn’t much juice in there.
In addition to the mentioned products to aid your supply, it’s important to also take factor in these tips as well:
Supply and Demand
The secret to successful breastfeeding is supply and demand. The more you nurse the more milk your body will produce. But, there’s more to it than that. This took me a little too long for my liking to come to understand– whenever possible you need to empty your breast at each feeding or pumping. Your body will only get the single that more needs to be produced when there is nothing left in there.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s important to stay hydrated while breastfeeding. Over 80% of breastmilk is water and you are drinking for two after all. When you are not breastfeeding it is best to drink half of you body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 140 pounds, you need to be drinking 70 ounces of water a day. Now use that as your base line and take into account that you are breastfeeding and double that to accommodate for the breast milk that you are making. Note that you can get water from the foods you eat as well.
I constantly have to remind myself to drink water. Some people set alarms on their phones every half hour. What I have found helpful is to always have a water bottle/jar with me. I love having these 32 ounce wide mouth mason jars on hand. I know if I drink 4 of these a day, I hit my target. Or this 30 ounce tumbler which can keep a beverage cold all day long.
RELATED: 8 Best Tips to Drink More Water
Nutritious Diet
It takes a lot of energy for our bodies to produce milk. We get our energy from the foods that we eat. Choose nourishing foods that support your breast milk production: oats, barley, garlic, nuts, fruits, leafy green veggies, carrots, salmon. I also always try to have a healthy snack on hand for the middle of the night feedings. I’ve been known to open up the protein bar at 3 in the morning after a feeding.
Indulge in lactation cookies. You don’t have to tempt me twice to eat a chocolate chip cookie for breakfast. I found this recipe for lactation cookies to be not only delicious but actually works!
RELATED: 10 Foods to Increase Milk Supply
Reaching Out for Help if Needed
Don’t go at it alone. Breastfeeding can be an extremely frustrating and isolating. We are told the experience is one of the most natural a woman can have but are often left without much guidance once we leave the hospital. Tap into the help that is out there.
Lactation Consultant
If needed, don’t hesitate to contact a lactation consultant to help you. I took advantage of the consultant at the hospital after birth and followed up twice afterwards to help with latch issues. Also, there are many Facebook Groups you can join to connect with other breastfeeding mothers.
Find Community
Contact your local La Leche League chapter. There mission is: to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
Remind Yourself That It is a Journey
It amazes me that breastmilk can provide all the nutrients your baby needs for the first 6 months of life. Our bodies are AMAZING! Breastfeeding is a journey and one that becomes easier over time. Tap into all of the resources that you can to help ease your process. I hope you find these products to help your breastfeeding journey helpful!
Are there some products that you have come to rely on? Drop a line in the comments below and I’d love to know!
