My Favorite Breastfeeding Products.
The day after I came home from the hospital I was in complete tears. Most of it was due to postpartum hormones but mainly because I didn’t want to breastfeed Annslee Kate anymore. Those super cute pictures on google of mommy and baby breastfeeding are what I imagined and that was NOT us. I felt this enormous guilt because society puts a ton of pressure on women and breastfeeding. Every ounce inside of me told myself to keep going but I really wanted to just give up.
I was completely exhausted because I was the only one feeding her (not to mention I just gave birth and was in labor for like 15 hours) and we were having terrible latching problems. Latching problems as in she were getting fed but her lip was tucked and it made sores. My nipples hurt. I mean I almost cried and gripped the couch at the beginning of every feeding.
My mom was there to help but said if this is too much you know you can give her a bottle. This exact situation happened with Grayson. I came home from the hospital and I didn’t have the team of nurses checking my latch every couple hours. I didn’t have the support and when he didn’t latch on, I pumped and gave him a bottle. He never latched on since I came home for the hospital.
If you can take anything from this blog post I want to tell you to not be afraid to ask. Moms need help. There is a special power that moms have when they form these groups and communities to give each other help and advice. I don’t encourage mom shaming (pointing out when a mom does something they think is wrong) but I do encourage moms helping other moms. So I reached out to a breastfeeding mom group on facebook and I posted my sore nipple situation. There were several moms telling me not to give up and they gave visual tips on helping my latch.
I have two friends that helped me so much and they still continue to help me. One has been breastfeeding her baby girl for a while. Not only did they give tips but they gave support and that’s what I needed more than anything. Someone on the sidelines telling me I can do it and I can keep going. I even sent pictures of my nipples to my friend Cassie and she didn’t mind at all. She saved our breastfeeding experience and I cannot thank her enough for that.
The CONS of Breastfeeding for me.
- You are the only one feeding your baby unless you pump and let daddy give a daddy bottle. So that’s where exhaustion kicks in especially if they are feeding every hour and a half to two hours.
- Your nipples will be sore for a while. A great latch helps but from what I have read even experienced breastfeeding moms still have sore nipples because they are being stretched and pulled.
- You don’t know if they are getting fed. This was hard for me because I didn’t know if she getting enough milk. Moms like feeding their children. I mean everytime I go to grandmas house whats the first thing they do? Ask if you are hungry. It’s in our nature to feed our children and it terrified me not knowing if Annslee Kate was getting fed.
The PROS of Breastfeeding for me.
- I don’t have to warm up a bottle and I don’t have to clean bottles all day. This is pretty much amazing.
- Breastfeeding does have so many benefits and I love how I am providing food for my baby. That is so cool.
- It contracts your uterus so your stomach will go down faster. Our bodies were meant to breastfeed and everything is connected. Breastfeeding helps postpartum and helps you get your body back.
- The bond. WOW. There really is a bond. I know this is something people make fun of or maybe don’t think is true. But coming from a mom that gave a bottle with her first and breastfed the second. It’s different. I wish I stuck with breastfeeding Grayson.
- It SAVES money. Who doesn’t wanna save money? I am not buying formula and so no telling how much money we are saving.
- It burns 500 calories a day. Another way you’re going to get your body back. Not that this is the most important thing but hey, I want it back lol.
- When I take the baby out I don’t have to pack bottles or formula. My diaper bag weighs less.
As you can see my pros definitely outweigh the cons for me. But this is my choice and if you want to give your baby formula you are not a bad mom and don’t feel like breastfeeding is something that has to be done. You do what’s best for you and your baby and if formula is best for yall then do it. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You are doing a great job raising your little tiny human. Formula or Breastmilk.
*to shop any of these products just click on the name of the product and it will take you to shop. Most are linked to Amazon.
PRODUCTS AND TIPS:
I had this breastpump when Grayson was born and I seriously love it. I don’t know if you know this or not but I am an organized freak and I love the bag and how you can zip it up and it has a ton of pockets. My breast milk supply has always responded well to this pump but nothing beats an actual latch when it comes to supply.
This pillow is a must-have for holding the baby but especially for breastfeeding the baby.
It’s a good idea to get a couple extra slipcovers too so you don’t have to do laundry every day. I cannot express how much I love this product.
They are a must when breastfeeding. I love these maternity bras. I got them when I was pregnant because my boobs grew so big and they are really affordable. I suggested them to one of my best friends and she loved them as well.
Maternity Bra for Hands Free Pumping
I haven’t tried this yet but since I feed her on one side and pump the other side for supply I am going to try this bra. Plus I will be pumping when I go back to work.
Water intake is so important. I don’t know if you are weird like me but I have to have my water extremely cold in a stainless steel cup with a straw. Something about it being cold makes me drink it more. Whatever works right?
Coconut Oil
It is cheaper and more organic then nipple cream. Use it liberally the first couple days. After every feed. I had a mom recommend this to me and I love it.
I have introduced one bottle a day for Annslee Kate. I call it the daddy bottle. I love these medela nipple attachments because I don’t have to pour the breastmilk into another bottle. I can just use the bottles I already have.
I bet you are wondering why I put a google home mini as one of my favorite products while breastfeeding? I play relaxing music when I feed her in her room. It just keeps me relaxed and not stressed. I just go into her room and clear my mind and the music helps.
These are my absolute favorite bags because they can stand up on their own and they don’t leak. You can get a 100 count for $14 on Amazon. Just use the link above.
This product suction cups to the opposite boob you are feeding on to catch the letdown flow. It is amazing how much milk you will save by using this. I love how I don’t have to hold this product it just stays on but you have to be careful not to knock it off because I spilled 4 ounces of milk on the floor yesterday and almost cried. I also think the suction is just a little uncomfortable but that is only because I am new at breastfeeding and I have really sore nipples.
A lot of moms swear by this product so I definitely think this is a must! It is so easy to use and you don’t have to worry about carrying the pump around your house. Also super easy to clean.
I know this is a long post but I hope it provided some help and encouragement from a new breastfeeding mom. I am enjoying every second of this newborn stage and soaking up every single minute.
As always, thanks for reading and don’t be afraid to comment any questions. I am not an expert but I would love to help. Did you see my video from the hospital? Click here to Meet Annslee Kate Schwartz.
Abraidedblonde
