From first time mom to Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Here are my top 3 breastfeeding essentials
The journey to nursing our little one is not always easy but it is rewarding. I am grateful to have nursed for 5 out of the 6 years of my 2 little ones. I know from personal and professional experience every mother is searching for the newest and top-notch breastfeeding equipment. What if I informed you that you don't actually need all that much?
As a seasoned mom who has tested numerous products, I reached a point where I realized my financial resources were being unnecessarily drained. I understand the desire to have everything prepared for the arrival of a new family member. Through my experience as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, with over 1000 hours of practice, I have discovered that simplicity is key. While there are many excellent products available, I firmly believe that less is often more for families.
#1: A comfy dedicated nursing area
Frist things first, a comfy dedicated space for nursing. That's right, you need 1-2 nursing spaces that when you get in them you feel supported and relaxed. Many times I've seen moms sit in uncomfortable positions that helping latch their baby becomes overwhelming. They are not feeling comfortable or they are sacrificing comfort for the latch. Theses new babies need some guidance when latching and you being comfortable is key. I firmly believe the moment mom is in a comfortable spot the oxytocin starts flowing and their milk ejection reflex or "let down" happens.
We are looking for the nursing parent shoulders to be relaxed away from the ears, relaxed forehead, eyes and jaw, upper back rested on the back of nursing area and feet to be up off the floor.
What this might look like is:
Some place that allows the nursing parent to have a supported back and arms and feet to be elevated. This could be on a recliner, bed, or couch. You may be using couch or bed pillows to support your arms and lower back. Maybe you even put a pillow under your legs to take the pressure off your lower back when laying in bed.
As your baby grows older and gains better head control and you become more comfortable with breastfeeding, you will discover many more places where you can nurse.
#2: Skin-to-skin
Skin-to-skin is a bonding experience for you and your baby. It helps with oxytocin, which is the love hormone and the key factor for the milk ejection reflex, our "letdown", and increasing breastmilk! This contact should begin as early as possible after birth and happen for as many hours as possible per day.
This experience
lowers stress, calming and relaxing both nursing parent and baby
regulates baby's heart rate and breathing
regulates temperature
providing protection against infection by allowing colonization of the baby's skin with the mother's friendly bacteria
stimulates digesting and an interest in feeding
This looks like
Nursing parent in a simi reclined position
allowing baby to lay vertically in the middle of chest
baby is naked with only a diaper on
a light blanket over the parent and baby
Your baby may begin to self attach to nurse. This is called reflexive latching. Latching is primitive action babies are wired to do. They are attracted to the breast based off smell, temperature, your heart beat and the color contrast of the nipple and areola area.
You may notice that your baby sleeps well on your chest. Babies connect through closeness and proximity in the first year of life based off of Dr. Neufeld attachment model. I recommend skin-to-skin as a reset space for babies who are fussy or having trouble latching.
This is a great bonding experience for the non nursing parent as well.
#3: Double electric breast pump
Okay, so yes, it is important to get a double electric breast pump. Why you ask? Well, there are some reasons to why your baby might need some expressed breastmilk. Many lactation professionals will also support hand expression for some of these risk factors. Some risk factors include:
jaundice
low blood sugars
c section
oral restrictions
delayed milk transition
premature birth
multiples
maternal risk factors
injury during birth
These double electric pumps are not your hands free ones. While the hands free are great for some families they are not for families who are trying to establish their milk supply. These double electric breast pumps you get from insurance or your WIC office with little to no extra charge.
Most recommended from lactation professionals:
Spectra 1 or 2
Motif Luna
Pumpable Genie Advanced
Use edgepark to order a double electric pump easily by putting in your insurance information.
For wearables many lactating families like:
Willow Go
Legendary milk Imani i2
Momcozy
It may be difficult to imagine, but in a society of excess, it's important to note that breastfeeding doesn't require a multitude of products. Some of those products are helpful for the right person. Lots of time I see them on Facebook for free or reduced price saying "barely used".
For further information on certain tools and products that might assist you during your lactation journey, please check here.
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