If you are breastfeeding or plan to, you know that it can be challenging! Breastfeeding takes time and today I am going to share some breastfeeding hacks for nursing mamas, to make things a little bit easier. These tips and tricks will help you increase your milk supply, nursing tips for new moms, how to keep baby fuller, and more.
Some of these tips I think if you are already breastfeeding, you might think – I wish I knew these sooner! These genius hacks will help make nursing your baby a lot easier, and help you not feel as stressed during the process as you and baby are learning how to do this! Breastfeeding is natural, but it isn’t always the easiest, so let me help!
Breastfeeding Hacks, Tips and Tricks
Hydrate
Make sure that when you are breastfeeding, you stay hydrated. Your body is working so hard to produce fluid and nourish your baby. If you don’t drink enough you can become dehydrated and this can lessen your milk supply. So make sure to have water in a reusable tumbler by your side at all times, even during late night feedings.
Milksavers
This is a great tip that some moms really love. Buy milk savers and attach to your bra, and it will catch any milk released after a feeding session. Any mom will tell you how much they hate losing any drop of milk.
Store Milk in A Case of Soda
After you drink a 6-pack of soda, save the box, and use it to hold your milk bags. They fit perfectly and just remember to put the freshly pumped milk bags to the back, so you stay on top of the rotation.
Remember Which Breast You Fed On Last
You might be amazed but you might forget which breast is next for pumping or next midnight feeding. Attach a paper clip on your bra so you know which breast is up next. Or you can use a rubber band for the breast as well. We love this discreet and nursing clip made by LatchPal to help you remember.
Nursing App
Consider downloading a free nursing app like Baby Nursing! It will help you to remember when your baby ate last, which side and for how long. You can also keep track of diapers, baby’s growth and more.
Nursing Necklace
Buy a nursing necklace to wear when you nurse, if you have a fidgeting baby. It will help you save your hair from your baby pulling on it when you are nursing.
Nipple Shield
If you’re struggling with your baby latching, get a nipple shield. This is a great way to help your baby latch easier, and get the milk they need from you!
Lactation Boosting Cookies or Smoothies
You can go on Pinterest or even google lactation cookies or smoothies and get recipes to make. These cookies and smoothies have all the healthy much-needed nutrients to help boost your milk supply if you feel you are not producing enough! Try our Best Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookie recipe or purchase ready to made lactation snacks.
Carry Picture Of Baby With You
If you are struggling with let-down or pumping, relax and breathe and take a picture of your baby with you. This will help you to be able to pump easier, it causes Oxytocin to flow, and triggers letdown. You can get some ideas from monthly milestone picture ideas.
Cabbage
We love this breastfeeding hack because this wives tale does work! Take cold clean cabbage leaves, and tuck into your breast. It can help with engorgement when you try to wean from breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Basket
Keep a basket near your area where you breastfeed that has some non-perishable snacks, hair ties, a book for reading, water, etc. These items will be handy to reach down and grab as you will spend lots of time feeding.
Double Cami Coverup
Wear a tank under your shirt, this will help you from exposing yourself. When you pull your top shirt up, it covers the top of you, and the tank covers the bottom of your belly.
What more breastfeeding hacks? Read our breastfeeding must haves!
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Creating Your Newborn Schedule
Wife and mother of twins. Founder of Pride & Joy Baby Planners and The Expecting Mamas Network.
[…] So rock out this breastfeeding thing. If you need more help and support – check out our Facebook group. You can also check out our Nursing & Pumping Guide and Breastfeeding Hacks. […]