Did you know that many years ago, breastfeeding was looked down upon because it was a symbol of poverty? Crazy how much has changed! Today, we have further knowledge of the numerous benefits of feeding our babies breastmilk, and more women want to try it out. In turn, moms everywhere are in search of breastfeeding tips that will help them experience success with nursing.
This post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.
Whether you are are a future mom who’s interested in breastfeeding or a new mom seeking out help, the key to breastfeeding is in the preparation, and it’s never too late.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the memo. Breastfeeding was definitely not easy! I was unprepared both physically and mentally for the road ahead of me.
How was I going to reach my goal of breastfeeding for a year, if I already felt like I couldn’t continue after a couple weeks?!
But, the months went by, and it did get better. In fact, it became such an enjoyable, loving experience for my son and I.
After 13 months, my journey has sadly come to an end. Looking back, with all the struggles I had in the beginning, I stop to think about what actually got me through those difficult weeks of a massive oversupply, cracking, and latching problems.
I attribute much of my success to the help and support I received through various products and support systems I discovered along the way- things I want to share with other moms who wish to start their own breastfeeding journeys.
So, how can you be as ready as possible for this new journey in order to reach your own breastfeeding goals?
There are several basic and essential items that I, and other moms, found useful when beginning to breastfeed. Whether you are gearing up to welcome your newborn or you have already started your journey into motherhood, these breastfeeding tips and mom-approved products will make it easier to stick with your nursing plan.
Here are my top 11 breastfeeding tips for new and soon to be moms who want to plan for success:
1. Seek Out Support, Even Before Baby Arrives (This could be FREE!)
I cannot stress the importance of having a solid foundation for breastfeeding help!
Whether it’s a relative or friend, going to the hospital for a free breastfeeding support group, or hiring a certified lactation consultant to come to your house, make sure you are aware of your options before you start to feel hopeless in this process.
The best money I ever spent, was hiring a lactation consultant to come to my house to help with my child’s latching issues. If I had not, I’m sure I would’ve given up on my goals.
Another positive aspect of seeking out support from a hospital or lactation service is the possibility of making other mom friends. I know several women who bonded over breastfeeding and have formed long lasting friendships.
To learn more about how to make mom friends, check out my post here.
2. Get a Breast Pump
Start researching breast pumps during your pregnancy by calling your health insurance company to see what is covered. My Medela Pump in Style Advanced
Although you may not be pumping breastmilk right away, it is a good idea to have one handy.
As a side note, if you do plan on pumping and bottlefeeding expressed breastmilk, you will need other supplies aside from the ones I’ve listed in this post.
3. Have Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve – HPA Lanolin
or Organic Coconut Oil
Ready to Soothe
Ready to Soothe
Somehow, you get used to having your nipples tugged and sucked, but before that happens, they can become extremely sore and cracked.
Before and after feeding, make sure to apply some lanolin or coconut oil to help keep them in check. They’re totally safe for babies!
I have used both the Lansinoh HPA Lanolin
4. Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads
Are Great For Pain Relief
Along with lanolin and coconut, a cooling sensation will be perfect for some short-term relief.
These Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads
To save money, cut the pads into fours, so you can really get multiple uses out of the pads, as once you pull them from the adhesive. They’re only good for 48 hours!
5. Try Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads
for Leakage
It’s crazy how your boobs can feel like a leaky faucet. What’s embarrassing? Being out in public when this happens.
These stick-on absorbent Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads
6. Medela Contact Nipple Shield
Can Give You Time to Heal
More often than not, women I’ve spoken to have used a Medela Contact Nipple Shield
Weird, because I had never heard of something like this prior to having my baby. I wish I would have shared this breastfeeding tip with me!
They are perfect for newborns who have difficulty with latching or moms who need their breasts to heal while still being able to feed their hungry child.
Although I was able to purchase this from my lactation consultant, it would’ve been nice to have one readily available, so I could’ve started the healing process sooner.
You may have to try a couple of sizes before finding the one that works for you and your baby.
7. Breastfeeding Pillows Like Dr. Brown’s Gia Nursing Pillow
or Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner
Are Good to Have on Hand
I bought two of the most popular breastfeeding pillows: Gia Dr. Brown’s and Boppy, but didn’t end up using either. So why is it still one of my breastfeeding tips? I know a lot of mamas who LOVE and use their pillows often, while feeding at home.
I did have a chance to try them out and personally prefer the fit and feel of the Dr. Brown’s Gia Nursing Pillow
Either would be a great addition to your breastfeeding a newborn survival kit!
For each pillow, you’ll need a case, so don’t forget to add that to your list! Here
Dr. Brown Gia Nursing Pillow Cover in a Cute Whale Print
8. Plug-In Night Light
Since breastfeeding a newborn is a learning experience for both you and your baby, it makes it extremely difficult to work with your little one in the middle night, if you can’t see them! One of my favorite breastfeeding tips is to remind mom’s they need nightlights throughout the house.
I love the automatic sensors on these Plug-In Night Lights
9. Get Lots of LARGE Receiving Blankets
Why do they make burp rags so freaking small? Honestly, my baby’s spit up was rarely saved by a tiny rag!
Large swaddle blankets and receiving blankets are necessary for spit-up, vomit, and other messes that occur during and after feedings!
You may be able to snag a few during your hospital stay, but will want some fresh ones for your newborn too.
For more tips on what to do during your hospital stay, check out my post here.
10. Nursing Attire is a Must
Comfortable nursing clothes are a must and here’s why:
- You’ll have to change outfits at least 3 times a day due to milk, spit up, or vomit.
- You’ll want that baby to have easy access to the thing that’s going to make them stop crying- your booby!
- You’ll be tired AF, so you’ll want to feel as normal as possible in your clothes.
Use this list of my favorite nursing wear as a starting point for your wardrobe.
11. Carbona Stain Removers
Get Milk Out
Get Milk Out
To go along with the clothes, you will definitely need some dairy and grease stain removers! This is one of those lesser thought of breastfeeding tips, but necessary to save your clothes.
Greasy residue can easily end up on your clothes when you are using products to help soothe your sore nips. Likewise, breastfeeding a newborn results in milk everywhere and is a hell of a stain, if not treated properly.
The Carbona Stain Removers work wonders and are useful to have on hand and definitely one of my most popular breastfeeding tips that you probably haven’t considered yet! Although the pack I’m suggesting has more than grease and milk stain removers, I use all of them at my house on a regular basis! What? I’m a messy new mom!
Breastfeeding Tips in a Nutshell
For many, breastfeeding a newborn is a struggle. One way you can make this next step in your life easier, is to be prepared. Use these breastfeeding tips to help reach your goals by noting these suggestions and making the necessary purchases to ready yourself for the unknown.
Need another way to feel prepared for baby? Then you gotta check out my registry checklist. Not only is is totally awesome, but it’s FREE. Get it straight to your inbox below.
Yes! Yes! and Yes! agree with all. This is a complete list in one post. Great compilation. I personally couldn’t have done it with family support those initial few weeks, my breastfeeding pillow and nipple butter. All are super important for securing a good start.I am still going strong at 20 months thanks to these.
That’s so great to hear! My child naturally weaned on his own, otherwise I don’t know if I would’ve been ready to give it up. Thanks for including your personal suggestions, Ophira!
These are great to know, even for Dad’s who want to know what to expect.
Thanks!
So true! It was hard for my husband to understand what I was going through, but the support was so important. You’re ahead of the game! Nice job!