As a breastfeeding mom, it’s so helpful to have tips and hacks that make breastfeeding easier. That’s why, in this post, I want to share 12 of my favorite breastfeeding tips and hacks that every mom should know.
Breastfeeding Tips and Hacks Every Mom Should Know
1. Ask your lactation consultant for supplies
Your lactation consultant is there to help make breastfeeding easier for you. Many hospitals are happy to provide you with a free manual hand breast pump, breast pad samples, nipple cream, and more. Additionally, you may be able to request extra tubes and other pumping parts. Just tell your lactation consultant the brand of your pump at home, and they will supply you with whatever you need.
2. Use milk savers to catch your milk
As breastfeeding moms, we know that breast milk is a precious commodity. Milk savers allow you to collect any leaking breast milk as you nurse.
3. Use moist heat to increase milk supply
Moist heat is the process of using warm water to reduce pain and inflammation and to stimulate circulation. Warm water can be applied after a bath or shower through steam (such as steam in the bathroom) or moist towels.
4. Use the two-shirt method
The two-shirt method involves having a tank top on underneath another shirt. When it’s time to feed your child, pull down the tank top to expose your breast, and you won’t have to feel uncomfortable exposing yourself while breastfeeding.
Credit: @milkymamallc
5. Use a hairband to remember which side you last nursed on
When switching between breast, it can be challenging to remember which breast you last fed from. Place a hairband on the wrist you’re currently feeding from, to avoid any confusion.
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6. Eat lactation boosting foods
Try lactation boosting recipes for smoothies, cookies, and more to help boost your breast milk supply.
7. Buy, sell, or donate your breastmilk
Only the Breast is a community for moms to donate, sell, or buy breast milk. By selling your breast milk, you can make a side income while helping moms and babies in need.
8. Make a nursing necklace
The concept of the nursing necklace is simple. It gives your baby something safe to grab on to while nursing.
9. Use panty liners if you run out of nursing pads
If you’ve run out of nursing pads, you can use panty liners as a quick and easy replacement. Simply cut the panty liner in half and stick them inside of your bra cups.
10. Store breast milk in an empty soda box
You can resue your empty soda boxes by storing your breast milk in them. Make sure you first freeze your milk laying flat. Once frozen, store them vertically in an empty 12 pack soda box.
Credit: How to Store Breast Milk
11. Use nipple cream
Nipple cream will help soothe sore, dry, and cracked nipples. Motherlove Nipple Cream is highly rated among breastfeeding moms.
12. Have your insurance pay for your breast pump
The current health care law covers breast pumps for moms. Under the Affordable Health Care Act “Your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump. It may either be a rental or a new one you’ll keep.”