My Breastfeeding Journey: Tips + Essentials

I am closing in on the end of my “breastfeeding journey,” as many women lovingly (or not!) refer to the time they’ve devoted to nursing their child, so I thought I would reflect on the things I’ve learned and products I’ve loved along the way. I have been exclusively breastfeeding Olivia for the last [almost] 12 months and I’m not only shocked at how long I have been able to keep it up, but I’m also kinda proud of myself, because breastfeeding can be challenging and draining. I don’t have anything against formula or moms that choose not to breastfeed, to each their own (no mom judging here!), but I just never had the need to use formula, so I didn’t.

I will be the first to admit that before I ever considered having a child, I thought it was kinda weird to attach a tiny human to my boob. Of course, I don’t think that way now and nursing Olivia has become second nature and as much a part of my every day life as eating or using the bathroom– you just do it. The best part about nursing her is the inexplicable closeness. Not just physical closeness, although cuddling with her is pretty amazing, but that special and unequivocal bond between mommy and baby. That feeling is unparalleled and what has kept me going during tough times. Because even though I’ve had a wonderful breastfeeding experience, there is something to be said about your boobs belonging to you!

While I don’t have all the answers to breastfeeding questions or problems, I do have enough experience to give a few pointers to guide any moms that are currently in or about to embark on their breastfeeding journey.

• Do not set super high expectations for yourself. I know this may sound counterintuitive, but instead, set small, short term goals. When I first started breastfeeding, I said I would shoot for 3 months and see how it went. Then 6 months, then 9 months, then a year. Each time I evaluated how breastfeeding was working for my daughter and me and decided that I would continue. If you tell yourself that you plan on breastfeeding exclusively for one year and then for whatever reason, you don’t, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.
• Don’t quit on a bad day. I can’t tell you how many times I would have a hard time feeding Olivia– whether she was crying because my letdown wasn’t happening fast enough or there was too much milk coming out. And I would hastily hand her off to Eric and stomp out of the room grumbling about how I was so over breastfeeding and that I was done! But every time, I would cool off and get back at it and things would be fine. I’m so glad that I never let my frustration get the best of me and that I was able to stick with it.
• Give the bottle early and often. Do NOT make the same mistake I did by insisting on always breastfeeding. I know that pumping is such a pain in the butt– why would I pump just so she can take a bottle when I can give her my breast and cut out the middle man? Well I’ll tell ya why. Because one day you’re going to be apart from your child for more than 3 hours, or you’re going to have to go back to work, or you’ll have to take a trip and I can’t tell you how stressful it is to try and bottle feed your child who now has a very strong preference for the breast. And if you don’t believe me, read my previous post: Baby Bottle Bootcamp 101.
• Hurting does not necessarily mean you’re doing it wrong (at least at the beginning). I know those baby books and nursing books tell you that if breastfeeding hurts then you’re doing it wrong. This is just not true. Having a baby suck on your nipple a minimum of 8 times a day WILL hurt for at least 2-3 weeks after you start. I don’t know a single mama who said, oh yeah breastfeeding felt like walking through a field of daisies, because it freakin’ doesn’t! There will be pain, there will be dryness, and there may even be a little blood, but as long as you know your baby is latching properly then it will pass.

1. Lansinoh Nursing Pads – These nursing pads were the best brand I tried. They were the most absorbent, stuck to the inside of my bra the best, and shaped to my breast the best. Some of the other brands I tried were kind of lumpy and obvious through your shirt. Word to the wise– don’t go out without these until you really know your boobs and their quirks. I may or may not have looked like I was part of a poorly conducted wet t-shirt contest on a few occasions…
2. Lansinoh Lanolin – This was the kind that they gave me in the hospital and it worked wonders. I’m pretty sure my nipples would have fallen off if it weren’t for this stuff.
3. Medela Pump In Style – This is the pump I got through my insurance and loved it. It’s pretty small and compact so it was perfect for when I went back to work.
4. Nursing bra – I love, love, LOVE this nursing bra. These bras have literally been the only bra I’ve worn for the last 9 months. They are super comfy and don’t have any wire or padding which can be uncomfortable when your tah-tahs are the size of melons.
5. Milk Storage Bags – These bags were THE BEST (I also liked Ziplock brand milk storage bags but I don’t think they make them anymore). I had problems with other bags getting holes in them after thawing (insert angry face emoji here) and whoever said “don’t cry over spilled milk” definitely wasn’t talking about breastmilk.
6. Nursing tank – My absolute favorite nursing tank. I lived in these for the first 3 months after giving birth. The best part about them is they really hold you in when you feel like you have a jello mold for a tummy.

And that is my list of breastfeeding essentials! If you’re planning on nursing, I definitely recommend adding these things to your registry (and check out my registry list, too).

In just a couple weeks, my sweet baby will be one and I’ll begin the process of weaning and somehow I think I’m the one that’s going to take it the hardest. Do any of you mamas have breastfeeding tips, tricks, or must haves? Share for other moms in the comments below!

Thank you so much for reading and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a post, or you can follow along on Insta @myplotofsunshine. 🙂

XO,

L