When I first started breastfeeding, I was completely blindsided by how difficult it could be. You always hear moms talking about how “beautiful” of an experience it is, but no one tells you that it can be a process. I’m grateful that I didn’t have issues with supply, but I had a lot of issues with discomfort starting off. I wanted to put together a complete guide of must haves, notating things I wish I knew as a first time mom! I know from experience that it can be hard breaking into, so I hope this helps you get started with confidence!
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The Complete Guide to Breastfeeding & First Time Mom Must Haves
I want to start off by saying that there isn’t a standard breastfeeding experience for every woman. Like most things in life, breastfeeding isn’t black and white; there’s a lot of gray matter. Each one of us are uniquely different, as are our pregnancies, and your breastfeeding journey will be, also. Some mothers try their hardest to breastfeed and their body simply won’t let them. Some mothers have a medical condition or are on medications that restrict the option. Regardless of your circumstances, it shouldn’t make you feel like any less of a mom if you’re not able to, or simply can’t, do it. You still have options!
Alternative Options to Breastfeeding
1. Formula: A safe, popular, and nutritious alternative to breastfeeding.
Pros of Formula:
Lifestyle flexibility
No dietary restrictions
Intake trackability
In-store availability
Etc.
Cons of Formula:
Cost over time
Reduced bonding
Constipation
No immune support
Nutritional limitation
Etc.
2. Donor Milk: Breast milk received from another lactating mother.
I think it goes without saying that accepting donor milk does have it’s risks. However, it also can be immensely beneficial, and there are protective guidelines you are required to meet to be a donor.
If you want to learn about it, you can start by visiting the Human Milk Banking Association of America.
Why “breast is Best” Opposed to Formula
Breast milk is not only highly nutritious, but also supports baby far beyond the feed. Feeding by breast can reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), support the babies immune system, put them ahead in development, and so much more! It’s not just good for the baby; mothers benefit, too!
Breastfeeding mothers can expect to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies faster, as it burns calories and helps your uterus contract. It also reduces risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and diabetes. It’s also SO much more convenient than bottle feeding, especially during the night! And the biggest bonus is you typically don’t have a period while actively breastfeeding. 😉
Breastfeeding Basics for Beginners
Milk Supply
The biggest impact on your milk supply is your lifestyle. It’s so important as a mom that you take care of yourself, too. Even neglecting the most basic self-care can have a huge impact on your supply. In order to grow and maintain a steady supply, I recommend honing into these the most:
Tips to Increase Your Milk Supply
Stay Hydrated: Hydration plays a significant role when it comes to breastfeeding because breast milk itself is 90% water. This doesn’t mean that you’ll produce more if you drink more, but hydration is very important overall.
Eat Well & Frequent: It takes more calories to product milk than it does to maintain a pregnancy. Weird, but true! The more milk you produce, the more calories you burn. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself hungrier than usual! You need at least 500-700 extra calories a day.
Pump Regularly: The standard for pumping is every 3 hours for 20 minute increments. A lot of how often you pump or feed will depend on your schedule, circumstances, and preferences.
For example, it’s generally recommended that you wake up at night to feed. Between 1AM-5AM your prolactin (the hormone responsible for lactation) is highest. However, without sleep, I personally cannot function. Lack of sleep also can cause your supply to go down. Therefore, I choose to not feed or pump at night. As long as my baby sleeps, I sleep, and I promise that your body and supply will adjust accordingly.
If you need additional help, I highly recommend investing in brewers yeast or some form of lactation treats. My favorite have always been Mommy Knows Best cookies! Once I started eating them, by supply literally doubled!
Feeding Positions
In my opinion, all nursing positions are subjective. When I had my daughter, the nurses at the hospital were so particular about how I held her. It was overwhelming and stressful, making me feel like I couldn’t do anything right. Let me tell you this, as a now seasoned mom: most of it’s mild propaganda, for lack of a better word. Every standard position is nothing but a suggestion. You can and should hold the baby in whatever position feels both comfortable and secure to you.
Regardless of my experience, here are some positions for reference as they can still help:
Breast Care
When you’re first starting out with nursing, it’s best to invest in a few items that might help relieve your discomfort. I was so sore starting out and I iced my nipples daily. I’m a huge Frida fan, and they offer a pack that includes everything you need.
Another great thing for nipple soreness is latch guards! They’re inexpensive and can create a barrier between your baby and the nipple to help when you’re extra sore. I wouldn’t recommend using them exclusively, but they can be a lifesaver!
A natural, budget-friendly alternative, is opting to add breast milk to your nipples for treatment. It’s great for soothing, moisturizing, and is a great anti-inflammatory! I personally find most nipple balms to be too thick, at least they were for my needs. Breast milk works wonderfully!
Breast Pumping Basics for Beginners
Choosing the Right Pump
The first place to start when deciding what kind of breast pump to get is to consider your lifestyle, budget, and how frequently you’ll be feeding and pumping. I realize this can be hard to determine right off the bat. However, if you’re a stay at home mom versus going back to work post-maternity leave, you’re both going to have different schedules and needs!
Types of Breast Pumps
Manual: Hand expressed focusing on one single breast at a time. Great for on-the-go expression.
Electric: Outlet or battery powered. Portable.
Hospital Grade: A motored unit that’s typically, but not always, rental-based. These are commonly used by NICU moms. The best example of one is the Medela Symphony.
Wearable: Hands-free, mobile pumping that you stuff in your bra.
Medea Symphony Pump
Willow 360 Wearable Pump
Spectra S2 Electric Pump
Medela Manual Breast Pump
Pump Cost & Insurance
I didn’t add a pump to my baby registry, nor did I purchase a breast pump for my first pregnancy. Not only did I feel bad asking for such an expensive gift (which you shouldn’t), but I was on such a tight budget that I couldn’t see spending the money when a manual one would suffice (it didn’t). Without insurance, beast pumps range anywhere from $150 to $500, which is a lot when you’re living small!
Most don’t know that through the Affordable Care Act, insurance can help cover – if not completely cover – a pump for you! All you need is a prescription from your OB. For my last pregnancy, I went through Aeroflow Breastpumps and they made the entire insurance process so easy! If you want to check to see if you qualify, you can check for coverage here.
Breastfeeding must haves for the first time mom
Nursing Apparel
First and foremost, I don’t personally subscribe to the idea that you need to invest in a new wardrobe in order to breast feed. As a first time mom, you think you need everything (I know I did) when you really can get by with the basics.
The one thing I do recommend investing in is a set of nursing bras, especially if you’re an underwire wearer. Underwire is hard on your breasts and can clog your ducts and restrict milk flow. Investing in something with “breathing room” will keep you and your breasts happy.
Breastfeeding on-the-go
I hope I helped make things more comprehensible. One of the hardest parts for me was scaling down the mass marketing to decipher the essential breastfeeding must haves as a first time mom! I hope this guide helps to simplify your life and make the process a lot smoother.
What are some nursing essentials that you swear by?
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