In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week and of the unbelievable joy I have found in nursing my own baby, following are a few lists of "Bests" of breastfeeding, according to me, at least.
Best Nursing Products: You don't need a million products to breastfeed your baby. In fact, you really only need your boobs, and, well, your BABY! But some products are fun and can make life easier!
1. Undercover Mama: No one wants to show off their post-baby belly to the world while nursing and shirts designed for breastfeeding with special openings or panels can be very costly - and not too cute! These tops turn any shirt into a nursing top and cost much less!
2. Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle: These supplements (herbs) have been used throughout history to help nursing mama's increase their milk supply. This is especially helpful for moms who want to increase their stockpile of milk or moms returning to work who plan to pump frequently.
3. Loved Baby Nursing Shawl: Breastfeeding is very special between mothers and their little ones. But sometimes we want to keep it that way--between us and our little one and not share everything we've got with the world. This shawl is very versatile and has many other uses; I've used it as a blanket, burp cloth, a playmat on the floor, and in a pinch, in a public diaper changing area where I didn't want to lay my baby down. The shawl comes in several colors and is a casual cover for nursing in public - unlike some covers that more closely resemble the shower curtain Halloween costume from The Karate Kid movie. In addition to being very useful the shawl is beautiful, washes very nicely and doesn't wrinkle!
4. Lansinoh Lanolin Cream: This is really a miracle cream for sore or cracked nipples. It's great for dry skin and chapped lips too! Available at most major retailers.
5. Washable Nursing Pads: Even though disposable nursing pads are available- washable ones are more comfortable and absorb better. And they come in awesome prints like these!
6. Electric Breastpump. There are several brands available and they vary in price. Medela pumps are housed in discreet black bags and are often preferred by moms who will need to take their pump to work. If they seem too expensive for you look for a good used pump and purchase new tubing, valves, and membranes through a retailer like Amazon. Sometimes hospitals and birthing centers rent breastpumps to moms who don't have funds to purchase their own.
7. Boppy Pillow: Some moms prefer the "My Brest Friend" pillow but the Boppy seems to have more long term use - like propping baby up and aiding in sitting up on the floor when baby gets bigger.
8. Nursing Tank Tops: These are great for sleeping and wearing around the house. The clasps allow for good coverage but quick and easy access for nursing your little one. (Much better than hiking up your sleep shirt or nightgown!) Check out this brand for pretty tops around $15 each.
Best Advice from Other Moms: When it comes to having a baby, everyone (EVERYONE!) has advice for the new mom. In my experience, successful breastfeeding moms have some of the very best advice though. This is what I learned:
1. Attend a La Leche League meeting BEFORE your baby is born.
2. KEEP GOING to La Leche League meetings AFTER your baby arrives! Moms in these groups can help new moms be successful and overcome problems or discomforts with nursing.
3. Smile and nod! Others are bound to make insensitive or irritating comments about your choice to breastfeed. Sometimes its best to just smile and nod and let the comment pass. (Disclaimer: This is much easier said than done!)
4. Don't buy a stockpile of nursing bras before your baby is born. Purchase one or two comfortable bras ahead of time and the rest after baby arrives. It's hard to know when you're pregnant exactly what will fit you once your milk comes in. You can save a lot of hassle by waiting until a few weeks after baby is born to purchase as many bras as you think you will need. The best kind to start off with are soft sleeping bras or sport-style nursing bras.
5. You don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get a good nursing bra. Check out stores like Target and Motherhood Maternity for a good selection of low-cost nursing bras.
6. Drink plenty of water! Keep a large cup or water bottle with you all of the time and refill it often! Staying hydrated is key to breastfeeding success.
7. Don't worry about losing the baby weight right away. Nursing your baby and drinking plenty of water will help you lose the weight safely over time and not at the expense of your health or milk supply.
8. Make friends with other nursing moms! Their support and friendship will be invaluable. If you can't find someone in your local area, join an online forum through a site like Mothering.
9. Change nursing holds frequently. This can help ease engorgement and maintain milk supply. It can also help relieve the symptoms of mastitis.
10. Learn the side-lying nursing hold. This position allows you and your baby to relax together.
11. Find and utilize a lactation consultant. Try to find a consultant who can come to your home and help you learn proper latch and nursing positions in your own environment. We spent about $120 for this service when our baby was born but my husband declared it to be the best $120 we ever spent! If you have your baby in a hospital there is sometimes a consultant on staff. (Be sure to ask if she is IBLCE certified though as more moms are reporting nurses with only workshop hours in lactation posing as consultants!)
12. Consider co sleeping with your baby. This can help maintain adequate supply and help mom and baby BOTH get more rest than getting up and going to the baby's room several time each night to nurse.
12. Read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.
13. Wear your baby. Babywearing has many of advantages including bonding, some hands-free time for mom, and babywearing can help soothe a fussy baby. Some research also indicates that babywearing can help mothers produce and adequate milk supply.
Best Breastfeeding Websites: Sometimes a Google search can render more results than anyone can begin to search through or decode. These websites offer great advice for getting started with breastfeeding, finding solutions for issues, and getting the support moms need.
1. La Leche League International: Established by seven women in 1956 (after breastfeeding rates in the United States dropped to nearly 20%) to help, support, and educate mothers who wish to breastfeed.
2. La Leche League in the USA: the U.S. branch of LLLI. Offers links to local chapters and a Breastfeeding Helpline.
3. Mothering: Mothering Magazine was created in 1976 and continues today as a web company. Moms can find information on many natural parenting related topics, including breastfeeding.
4. Peaceful Parenting: A blog devoted to kind parenting offers many breastfeeding related articles.
5. Ask Dr. Sears: William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN. Pediatrician and parents of eight children, Dr. Bill and Martha offer advice on many parenting related issues they've encountered in their own family and through 40 years in pediatrics.
Love this! Great advice!
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