6 Things that Helped my Breastfeeding journey

I know breastfeeding isn’t for everyone but I absolutely love it. The bonding, being my child’s sole nourishment. It’s really special. I breastfed my son for 5 months and loved every second of it. There was so much I didn’t understand though so I had a better grip/understanding of it going into baby #2.

Here are some things that helped me!

1. Take Sunflower Lecithin like your life depends on it.

If you’re prone to clogged ducts and mastitis, take this supplement. I took it every single day, and hand expressed in the shower if my baby slept a little longer than normal and I didn’t get mastitis once.

2. Always latched baby

I didn’t stick to a specific schedule. She ate/nursed whenever she wanted. I feel like this helped me have a really chill approach and her have a strong nursing experience.

3. No schedule or sleep expectations

This goes hand in hand with the above and to each their own but I found myself to enjoy the experience much more when I let go of any schedule or expectation baby should be sleeping more. Do formula babies typically sleep better? Maybe but I didn’t care this time I just did what felt best for us and that typically included nursing a couple times in the middle of the night.

4. No pumping unless necessary

My first go at this I nursed and pumped and had a ridiculous supply. This time, I avoided pumping at all costs. I only had a hands free pump for when I was physically away from my baby and missed a feeding. After 6 months I stopped pumping regardless.

5. Fed anywhere, anyhow

I have a toddler at home with me, so baby ate wherever we were no matter what we were doing. At the park and hungry? No problem. Out on a playdate and needs to eat? She nursing while I’m walking around chatting and helping my toddler with one hand. I would not have lasted 11 months if I was stuck to a chair.

6. Husband support in other areas

I think many women, including myself, feel that extra mental load when you choose to breastfeed. Husband can’t help much unless you pump but I didn’t want to pump. So I chose and accepted I’d be the only one feeding my baby and up with her at night so to not feel like everything was on me, my husband and I went through the house and daily tasks and found where he could help more in those areas. It helped me really have a peace of mind and contentment through nursing without feeling burnt out.

I don’t know if those are helpful but I wanted to share because I’m really grateful for such a wonderful feeding journey. I can’t wait to hopefully do it again one day!