Before my first son was born, I planned to breastfeed him. I certainly didn’t know what to expect or how to prepare, so I did what every (elder) millennial does, and I asked the internet.
I added the recommended breastfeeding items to my registry. I signed up and attended a breastfeeding class at the hospital where I was going to give birth. I even read Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding.
Then my son was born, and I learned what it actually meant to breastfeed a baby.
I’ve had two a few more babies since then, and breastfed each for over a year. In that time, I’ve discovered a few things to make breastfeeding easier on myself. While none of these things are necessary, they can help reduce the stress on baby and mama, and, hopefully, set you both up for success on your breastfeeding journey.
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Local Breastfeeding Support
My first piece of advice is to find and use breastfeeding support! Most hospitals offer access to a lactation consultant, who can be a huge help while you’re in the hospital. However, a lot of first-time moms leave the hospital before their milk comes in, and find it’s a whole new ball game once they get home.
That’s when you call the pediatrician. A lot of pediatricians staff lactation consultants or IBCLCs. Get those phone numbers and use them. They are there to help you!
Check here for a list of local IBCLC’s you can reach out to. La Leche League of Texas is another great resource to check out.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Breastfeeding Resources in and Around Dallas <<
Eat and Hydrate
Eat and drink a lot. I mean, a lot. Eat and drink way more than you think you need! I’ve never been as thirsty in my life as I was after my oldest was born. Your body is working hard to make the milk your baby needs. Help yourself out, and keep eating and drinking.
If you, like a lot of moms, worry that you don’t have an adequate milk supply and that your baby is not eating enough, discuss this issue with your pediatrician and lactation consultant to see if they share your concern.
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My favorite ways to hydrate, besides drinking water, are with Gatorade or nuun (so yummy!). And my favorite lactation snacks are these cookies. I make them for all my new-mom friends. Some foods that are considered helpful in producing milk are oatmeal, brewer’s yeast, and fenugreek seeds.
Nursing Covers
Ok, now you’re ready to leave the house, but how on Earth are you supposed to breastfeed in public?! With my oldest, I spent a lot of time nursing him in the car. This is fine! Do what makes you comfortable! Eventually, though, I was ready to leave the car. Afterall, it gets hot and lonely in there. One of the first things I looked for was a comfortable and practical nursing cover.
Multifunctional Cover :: My personal preference for a nursing cover is one like this from Milk Snob. It doubles as a car seat cover, if you want to keep baby sleeping or keep other people (and their germs) away. It also folds up small enough to keep in the diaper bag.
Muslin Blankets :: Muslin blankets have so many different uses. They are good to have on hand whether you use them as a nursing cover or not. Tie or tuck it around your neck to stay covered up while breastfeeding.
Nursing Apron :: A lot of new moms prefer this apron-style cover from Bebe Au Lait. This style makes it easy to look down and check your baby’s latch, which is especially helpful at the beginning stages of breastfeeding.
Places in Dallas That Make Breastfeeding Easier
Despite having an awesome nursing cover, it can still take a while to feel perfectly comfortable nursing in public. Here are a few places in Dallas that are breastfeeding-friendly.
Nordstrom :: The women’s lounge inside Nordstrom at the Galleria or NorthPark has couches and a large table to change baby.
Perot Museum :: The Perot Museum has two private nursing rooms. They are on level four and the lower level inside the children’s play area.
Target :: What mom doesn’t love Target? I know I spend a lot of time there. If you ask an employee, he or she will offer you a fitting room that you can use to feed your baby. Some Target stores have even outfitted a fitting room as a nursing room!
Clothes That Make Breastfeeding Easier
When your baby is crying and hungry, every second can feel like an eternity. Fortunately, there are many breastfeeding-friendly clothes that can help speed the process along. A few favorite brands of mine are Latched Mama, Kindred Bravely, Nursing Queen, and Roolee Mom.
>> RELATED READ :: My Favorite Breastfeeding-Friendly Clothing for Nursing Moms <<
Another tried and true option is to wear a nursing tank underneath whatever shirt you’re already planning to wear. This option might get a little hot in the summer here in Texas, but it might also save you the stress of shopping with a new baby.
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful, beautiful experience for both you and your baby. It can also be exhausting and stressful. Lean on these tips to make breastfeeding easier, and know that you’ve got this, mama!
