Nursing Positions & Latching

I learned in my breastfeeding class that women learn how to breastfeed by watching other moms.  Well, sometimes it's difficult to get together with other moms and watch them.  I learned a lot from videos.  It helps to see what latching looks like and how the baby is suppose to respond.  This one has great information!

Pacifiers & Bottles

During my breastfeeding class I learned that if you introduce a pacifier or bottle too early it can interfere with latching. This is what I understood. Well, I was determined to breastfeed so I didn't let a pacifier or bottle near my baby for 2 weeks! 

Every baby is different, but mine didn't have a problem and she took to breastfeeding right away.  She always latched fine and she never refused to nurse.  During her 2nd day, I remember allowing her to nurse as long as she wanted.  She nursed a total of 45 minutes on one side!

Even though I was so happy that we were on a good path of nursing, when I finally introduced her to a pacifier or bottle - she refused it!  I tried and tried, but nothing worked.  I even dipped the pacifier in Karo syrup, and she still didn't want it.

From my experience I suggest introducing either a pacifier or bottle sooner than 2 weeks.  If you are wanting to pump and feed, a bottle is the only way you'll be able to feed your baby.  Also, a pacifier can come in handy.  Especially in public when you need to "pacify" your baby until you can nurse them.  We never had this option.  On the bright side, we won't have to take it away from her.  Take it from me, introduce what you plan to use early.


Here she is with a pacifier.  I think this is the only time we took a picture with it in her mouth.

Breastfeeding Tools

These were the tools I used in the beginning of breastfeeding.  They were very helpful for me and I wanted to share them with you!!  Pictured here is my boppy pillow, disposable nursing pads, prenatal vitamins, and nipple cream.

I became very attached to my boppy pillow.  Boppy pillows can be expensive, but you want to find one that you're most comfortable with because you will use it constantly. They are definitely worth the money!  I loved mine because I was able to breastfeed and have my hands free.  I took it everywhere. 

Disposable nursing pads are awesome because they are so absorbent.  I feel silly because I didn't have them in the very beginning, but I definitely needed them!  I always thought about nursing pads as an 'in between feedings' necessity.  What I didn't realize was that you need them during feedings for the other side.  Let down causes the flow of milk on both sides at the same time.  Be sure you have some of these handy.

Prenatal vitamins become your daily routine during pregnancy.  Continuing them while breastfeeding should be second nature to you.  They continue to provide you with the right vitamins while breastfeeding too.  They're great!  My doctor told me that I didn't have to take any of the expensive kinds.  I personally prefer the ones from Target. 

Nipple cream was given to me by my discharge nurse at the hospital.  I am so thankful that she gave it to me!  I hadn't purchased it ahead of time, and to be honest it wasn't on my list of necessities.   I recommend using it during your shower to protect your most sensitive area.  During the first few weeks you are very tender there and need protection.  This kind worked great!

 

Breastfeeding a distracted baby

Breastfeeding a distracted baby can be difficult.  Especially when they want to squirm around, unlatch, and look at everything else but you.  When babies are newborns it's hard to get them to do anything else but nurse.  When they are older, all they want to do is get down and play.  Here are a few tips that have worked for me.

First, we go into her bedroom, turn off the lights, and turn the fan on.  She sleeps with a fan at night.  It helps reduce any noise coming from the living room especially if her daddy is here. Her daddy is a big distraction because she sees him as a playmate who rough-houses.  It's very sweet, but when it's time to nurse, you need as few distractions as possible.

Second, I sit "indian style" so she's cradled in my lap.  I also sit on the edge of a bed.  If I sit in a rocking chair, she tries to roll over and twist around to an awkward position.  Plus, she'll unlatch and try to get down.

Third, I wear a necklace or earrings that she tries to play with.  You have to be careful though.  My little girl wants to pull the earrings out of my ear!  I won't let that happen, but the earring distracts her so she'll keep nursing instead of turn around.

Breastfeeding... is your baby getting enough?

Breastfeeding hasn't always been popular.  Sometimes you will hear critics while you're breastfeeding.  The most common comment is that your baby isn't "getting enough".

When my grandmothers were having babies, doctors were not encouraging them to breastfeed. They were telling them that formula was the best option because it gave specific vitamins and nutrients.  They didn't have the technology to study breast milk like they do today.  They also didn't know that it contains the best nourishment.  Human milk is best for human babies.

Growing up, I heard the phrases: "the baby's not satisfied" or "she didn't produce enough milk".  Even though these situations do happen, it may not be the case for you.  In spite of it all, you'll still hear criticism from some learking individuals out there.  How to feel secure?  Here's how...

Your baby should be wetting around 5-6 diapers per day and having regular dirty diapers.  Some babies will have a dirty diaper with each feeding.  Mine came close, but she didn't have one every time.  Click here to learn more about what is normal for your baby's dirty diapers.

Your doctor will schedule regular check-ups where you can keep track of his or her weight.  As long as the doctor says your baby is progressing in weight, you're fine. 

Another way to tell is that you'll feel the "let down" of your milk and you will hear your baby drinking.  If you still feel insecure about your milk supply, you can always talk with a lactation consultant and schedule a visit.  They can measure the amount of milk during the feeding.  They will weigh the baby before and after each feeding to see how many ounces were received.  It's quite interesting!

Unlatching & No Pain

The last thing you want to do is pull your baby off without unlatching properly.  I remember talking to a friend who said that she just pulled her baby off and it hurt really bad.  Yes it would hurt!! Ouch!  I have a tip on how to unlatch without pain.

During my breastfeeding class I was taught to stick my finger in the corner of her mouth to release the suction.  I've also read this in many books and online.  However, I have long nails and it didn't seem that comfortable for me at first.  It's also impossible to constantly wash your hands and keep them clean, especially when you're breastfeeding every 2 hours.  I also thought about how clean (or not so clean) my hands were.

This is what I started to do... I would take my thumb or index finger and touch right above her lip, kind of like in the "mustache" area and lift up her lip.  This sounds funny, but make your baby do the "Elvis lip"  LOL!  This releases the suction without putting your finger in her mouth, and potentially scraping her gums with your nail.  This has worked for me every time!

Nursing Bras

Nursing bras... full coverage and clip down.  Shopping for these for the first time can be a little strange. Bra advertisements sell us on how their bra will lift, support, and flatter.  However, it's not the same feeling when shopping for a nursing bra.  The goal is to provide comfort, support, and accessibility.  Accessibility??  Something that's not so common :-)

While I was pregnant, I went into Motherhood Maternity to shop for a nursing bra. I was approached by a sales woman.  I thought she was trying to "sell me" and pursuade me to buy several bras. I didn't realize at the time that she was actually giving me helpful advice.  Do not buy a nursing bra while you're pregnant.  Wait until after your milk comes in.  So helpful!

The style that I prefer most is the Seamless Lift Up Nursing Bra.  Click here to view this style.  This bra is the absolute best in my opinion!!!  You can wear any shirt in your wardrobe, you avoid the "bulge" in between feedings, and it provides great coverage with the built-in pads.  It is also very comfortable!

Girls, I promise you can go back to your cute and flattering bras after nursing.  Go for comfort now! 

Welcome to The Nursing Mommy Blog!

During the past 11 months of motherhood I have experienced many moments where the "light bulb" came on for me.  I thought "Goodness! If I had just known about this a month ago, my life would've been so much easier!" 

The purpose of this blog is to share all of these "light bulb" moments with you.  I want to encourage and empower all mothers through the journey of motherhood.  I plan to share tips on caring for a new baby, living with sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, and much more.

Breastfeeding isn't easy, however the benefits for you and your baby are priceless.  Join me as we embark on this journey together.  Share with other moms, moms-to-be, and grandmothers.  This is going to be fun!!