Let’s Face It, Breastfeeding Ain’t Always Easy.
For many women it can be an uncomfortable process to settle into and there are plenty of factors that can leave you feeling discouraged as you navigate this exciting milestone. Common concerns like sore nipples, breast tenderness, lack of milk production and engorgement can make nursing uncomfortable and this stress can affect new moms on both a physical and emotional level in the first few weeks postnatal.
In most cases, discomfort while breastfeeding is a sign that something ain’t quite right.
Much to your surprise, a lactation consultant may advise some helpful tips that can get you back on track to a more comfortable and confident breastfeeding experience. We put together a list of our top 5 favorite tips to help mamas make their breastfeeding journey more comfortable and rewarding.
#1 Support Your Body
Your comfort is most important and getting yourself in a comfortable position to support your baby is a great first step. Some women prefer to lie on their side in bed while others comfortably lounge upright in a chair. Take some time to get yourself comfortable a few minutes before you begin breastfeeding, making sure you have plenty of support for your back, arms and a surface that you can comfortably elevate your legs.
#2 Support Your Baby
Getting your baby supported and situated comfortably will improve their latch and allow them to nurse as efficiently as possible. Your little one should be at the same height as your breast and nipple with their mouth directly opposite the nipple. Pillows or folded blankets help support your baby’s weight to keep them positioned properly and from tiring out your arms in the process. Some added support for baby can be a huge relief for mom.
#3 Find the Right Position
Trying out different positions help you customize your experience and make breastfeeding more comfortable for you. You may find that a combination of different latch positions help you stay comfortable during feedings and testing out different ways to hold or support your baby’s head and body weight will help you find one that works for you.
#4 Soothe Discomfort
When breasts become swollen or engorged, it can become painful. Allowing milk to drain completely by nursing or pumping frequently prevents ducts from becoming irritated or infected. Ice packs can also provide gentle relief from swelling discomfort.
Sore nipples usually occur when your baby isn’t latching properly, they’re pulling away too fast when they’re done eating or even a lip or tongue tie. Soothing chapped or irritated nipples prevents infection and allows feedings to more comfortably drain milk supply, preventing mastitis.
So, what is the best product to soothe and moisturize sore, chapped nipples during breastfeeding?
Soothe Those Suckers! Soothing Nipple Spray
Healthy mama’s Soothe Those Suckers! Soothing Nipple Spray helps soothe nipple discomfort with a touch-free spray that offers a sanitary alternative to messy nipple butter, creams and salves. Just spray and air dry for a few seconds for all natural relief that’s pediatrician approved, gynecologist reviewed, hypoallergenic, vegetarian (AKA- No Lanolin) and safe for baby to ingest. There’s no harmful chemicals to worry about or synthetic fillers that can irritate your skin further.
Does it really work?
Just ask Dr. Amy Gerhardt!
Dr. Amy Gerhardt, practicing OB/GYN at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ speaks about her experience with Soothe those Suckers! Soothing Nipple Spray and shares her feelings of safety on our YouTube channel.
# 5 Focus on Relaxing
It might seem like a no-brainer, but staying relaxed through your breastfeeding session is important. When you’re relaxed and well positioned while breastfeeding it helps empower you, promote improved milk flow and can help calm your fussy baby. Take a series of deep and calculated breaths to loosen up your posture and relax your muscles.
Along with some tips, patience and practice can help you find the positions and routine that works best for you and your little one.
Before you feel discouraged, take the opportunity to focus and relax before settling down to breastfeed. From finding the right position to an extra helping hand with irritation, breastfeeding can be an amazing and rewarding experience for mom and baby.
Don’t worry, you got this mama!
