Breast Feeding Survival Tips

disclaimer: These are a compilation of letters I've written to friends, or advice from my mother or friends. They are not written by doctors. Be sure to check with your pediatrician for any medical advice. Remember, that all babies are different. What works for one may not work for your baby.

As the nursing mother of a one year old, I've been through thousands of feedings. This is a list of things that helped me get through the first year.

1. Create a breastfeeding oasis:

• Be sure to have plenty of pillows to prop behind you, under the baby, under your legs, or wherever it makes you most comfortable. I highly recommend a boppy pillow. It made breastfeeding so much more comfortable.
• Have a water bottle filled and nearby to drink.
• Keep a box of klennex handy.
• Have a pile of burp cloths handy.
• Keep a nitelight plugged in close by for late night feedings.

2. Try to relax and focus on your baby when nursing. Your baby will pick up on any stress or anxiety you are feeling. If you need to, put on a relaxing cd to calm you and your baby.

3. I wish someone had told me that breastfeeding is uncomfortable to many people the first week or so. There was some pain when my baby first latched on, then it would go away. This does go away after two weeks. Pretty soon you won't feel anything but a gentle tug when your baby is feeding. If you are still feeling pain or discomfort after two weeks be sure to seek the help of a lactation consultant or La Leche League leader. Your baby may not be latching on properly.

4. I used to keep my baby's nail clippers handy. While breastfeeding, my son would hold completely still and let me clip his nails while he nursed. (Of course, as he got older he got too distracted)

5. If you can't find a good nursing bra, look into some camisoles with built in shelf bras. I finally gave up on finding a bra that didn't press in on my breast somewhere. I ended up buying multiple shelf bra camisoles. They were a lot cheaper than bras and they kept my stomach covered as I nursed. Plus, it was so much easier to push the strap down off my shoulder and push the camisole down than fumbling with the snaps or hooks on a nursing bra.

6. A sling is the ultimate breastfeeding necessity in public. You can position your baby up to your breast and nurse him/her hands free. Plus, you can pull the tail of the sling over your baby's head for privacy. Most people won't even know you are nursing.

7. Buy a small box of breast pads when your milk first comes in. Or better yet, ask some fellow moms for some of their leftover pad so you can try different brands and pick your favorites. After a while your supply will level out and you won't need them.

8. If you stopped wearing breast pads but feel yourself having a let down at an inopportune time, you can cross your arms over your chest and apply gentle pressure for a minute to stop the milk from flowing.

9. Join a La Leche League group or other nursing support group. It is amazing how much you will learn and become more comfortable when you are around other nursing mothers.

10. Plugged ducts usually occur if you have more milk than your baby can drink. They can also occur if you are overdoing it and get too stressed. If you get a plugged duct, here are some ways to clear it:

• Breastfeed often.
• Change your baby's position. (i.e. football hold, side lying, or get creative – I once had a stubborn plugged duct and only got rid of it by dangling my breast over my baby's mouth while I was on all fours)
• Apply a warm compress on the lump and your nipple.
• Take a warm bath and submerge your breast in the water, or fill a bowl with water and submerge your breast.
• Take a hot shower try to massage the lump. Then apply firm pressure to the lump while squeezing your nipple or rolling it between your fingers.
• Look at your nipple, if you see a small white dot you are probably looking at the plug. Try scraping it gently with your finger nail and then apply pressure to the lump and squeeze the nipple.
• Once the plug is free be sure to empty the breast, sometimes there is more than one plug in there.
• If you must pump to empty the breast go ahead, but be careful not to pump too long because it will increase your supply, causing more problems with plugged ducts.
• If you are getting recurring plugged ducts, it might be from your bra. Be sure that there is no constriction or pressure anywhere on or around your breasts.
• Take it easy! Try to spend the day in bed with your baby. Don't do any housework or chores if you can help it. It is important that you give your body a rest. If you don't you can put yourself at risk of developing a breast infection or mastitis.

11. Surround yourself with friends and family that are supportive of your breastfeeding. Make sure your partner does some reading or takes a course on breastfeeding. You will be more at ease and comfortable if others around you are. Pretty soon you will become more confident and be able to breastfeed around anyone.

I hope some of these tips help you. Good luck with your breastfeeding experience. It is one of my most cherished moments with my son!

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