Hey hey ladies, hope you’re all doing freakin’ fantastic!! I’m gonna go ahead and jump right into this post because it’s gonna be somewhat lengthy since I’m gonna try to cover A LOT about breastfeeding here while baby girl is sleeping and I have a moment.. I know you can understand 🙂

I’m sure you already know the many benefits of breastfeeding so I’m not gonna go into all that but I will list a few facts at the end of this post just in case. I understand and know that not all women can breastfeed their babies, but if you can or can get some healthy breast milk for your baby it’s truly the best. I will choose and advise breast milk always over formula. That’s just my opinion.

**DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL OR LACTATION SPECIALIST. THE THOUGHTS AND STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS BLOG IS JUST WHAT WORKED FOR ME AND A FEW TIPS ON WHAT I DID/DO WITH MY BABY. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OR A LACTATION CONSULTANT BEFORE ACTING ON WHAT YOU HAVE READ HERE. ONCE AGAIN, I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL OR LACTATION SPECIALIST.**

So, my breastfeeding experience has been exactly that, an experience. I’ve made my mistakes and I’ve learned from them, so here I am to try to help you out and prevent you from making the same mistakes.

MY MISTAKES:

1. I didn’t breastfeed my daughter once she was born. This isn’t a major mistake, some babies just aren’t hungry at the time of delivery, but for bonding purposes I really wish I would have taken the time to feed her and help her get a correct latch from the jump.
2. I didn’t use lanolin (or any cream) right away on my nipples and trust me, they suffered for a few days. I quickly realized that lanolin was gonna be a friend to me.
3. I didn’t drink enough water. Not only will you suffer from not drinking enough but your baby can get dehydrated just from you not getting enough water.

That’s it.. those were my three breastfeeding mistakes and they aren’t all that major but just for any mamas out there that don’t think about those things, like me, there you go.

I also would like to share my tips with you. These are simply things that worked for me and my daughter. I’m not a lactation specialist, once again, these are just things that I did/do when I feed.

MY TIPS:

• If you can, breastfeed as soon as possible after delivery. It’s an amazing bonding moment that you shouldn’t miss out on.
• If possible, avoid giving your baby a pacifier until you both have established a good latch.
• Get you some Lanolin (I got mine at Walmart for about $9, with any lanolin check to make sure it’s only lanolin, no other chemicals in the ingredients) or any nipple cream to protect your nipples and keep them from going raw. (I also use Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, they’re both natural and won’t harm your baby by just using a small amount) The Shea Butter linked is also good to use on your baby bump while pregnant. I use it on me and my daughter’s skin and I absolutely love it. All of the products there are great.. Okay, back to my tips LOL
• Using your breast milk on your nips also helps relieve soreness, just express a little out and rub it in.
• Get you some healthy snacks. You are burning calories while your baby is eating, so chances are you’re gonna want to eat something too, it might as well be healthy.
• Drink lots of water. I can’t stress this enough. If you have to, add some fruit to your water to give it a little flavor but pleeeeaaasssaseee stay hydrated.
•  Wear a hair bow/tie on your wrist to remind you which breast you just fed baby on. (Ex. fed from left boob wear bow on left wrist and switch it when you feed from other boob.)
• Wear a good supportive nursing bra. I know some nursing bras can be pretty expensive but some are worth the cost. I found some nice, comfy bras at Walmart for about $10 a piece, you just really have to search.
• Stay positive and be patient! Breastfeeding can be stressful if you let it be. Ask for help if need be.
• Take your time. Help your little one get latched properly. Enjoy the bonding between you two 🙂

Those are my tips on breastfeeding! Not much just a few, you got this mama 😉

Healthy Snacks:

• String Cheese
• Raw Almonds
• Pretzels
• Pita Chips
• Hummus
• Greek Yogurt
• Almond Butter w/ apple slices or celery (my favorite)
• Green Smoothie
• Bananas
• Mixed Fruit

*Everything in moderation

Superfoods for Breastfeeding:

• Oatmeal
• Eggs
• Beans
• Salmon
• Leafy Greens
• Apricots
• Avocados

Drinks for Breastfeeding (and increasing milk supply):

• Water
• Lactation Smoothies
• Fennel Tea
• Fenugreek Tea
• Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
• Mother’s Milk Tea

Breastfeeding Facts:

• Breast milk contains substances to promote sleep and calms baby
• Breast milk adjusts to your baby (in case of illness, supply, etc.)
• Can lower the risks of SIDS
• A healthy newborns instincts to breastfeed peaks 20 – 30 minutes after birth
• Nursing gives you a natural high
• Breastfed babies can be less picky eaters
• You can save $500 – $2000 a year by breastfeeding
• Nursing can burn 300 – 500 calories a day
• Boosts baby’s immune system
• Helps mama help faster in postpartum

Welp, that’s all mamas! I hope this was informative. I’m still in the process of learning all this greatness, but if I can help in any way please leave a comment below or if you have some tips, please feel free to share! Time to go feed my baby girl now 🙂

As always, have a freakin’ fantastic day!!