3 Breastfeeding Tips — and How to Put Them Into Action

Yesterday, lactation consultant and nurse Shari Criso busted down some breastfeeding myths, which hopefully reassured all the mamas out there that they will be the milk-producing goddesses they want to be. Today she’s sharing her top three breastfeeding tips — and we’re sharing how to put them into action in the real world!

Shari Criso’s Top 3 Breastfeeding Tips

Shari Breastfeeding Tip #1: Become as knowledgeable and educated as possible about breastfeeding BEFORE you have your baby. Trying to wing it after the baby comes or rely on the staff at the hospital to teach you could be a disaster and the reason why breastfeeding was not successful.

Put it into action: Breastfeeding is a lot of learning on the job, and having a nurse at the hospital help you is key, but having a base of knowledge before going in can help a lot, too. Read books, attend breastfeeding classes and maybe most importantly, talk to those who had breastfeeding success. It can be so helpful to talk to other moms who got through those first rough couple of weeks and successfully established a long-term breastfeeding relationship.

Shari Breastfeeding Tip #2: Purchase what you will need to make breastfeeding more comfortable and easier, especially in the first few weeks when you are first adjusting as it is usually the most difficult time. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to accomplish this, but assume that you WILL be successful and get what you need. You may be able to get help with breastfeeding at no cost, since your health insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump — and may offer to cover either a rental or a new one for you to keep.

Put it into action: At the very least, buy a couple of nursing bras, nursing tanks or shirts, and a couple of pairs of easily accessible pajamas (nightgowns with straps that can be easily pulled down or tube-top style nightgowns will do the trick!). Easy access to the boobs is key to making it easier — and I know as I wasn’t packed for the hospital either time and did the “workaround the real clothes” situation before getting my nursing stuff out after a couple of days.

Shari Breastfeeding Tip #3:  Make sure you are surrounded with support. One of the biggest challenges and reasons for moms not having the success that they want with breastfeeding is not getting the support from the people around them. Get your partner on board with education and information. A supportive partner is one of the biggest reasons for breastfeeding success. Find friends and other breastfeeding moms who were successful to speak to and line up a lactation consultant before you deliver so you can reach out for help as soon as you need it.

Put it into action: Make sure your partner knows the demands of breastfeeding before you jump into it by taking him/her to the breastfeeding class or reading your breastfeeding books and noting passages to read. No partner wants to see a frustrated breastfeeding mom, but if you’re dedicated to making it work, make sure that partner knows that by saying things like “formula would just be easier” or “I don’t think you’re making enough milk” in the super early days isn’t going to do much to boost your confidence.

What would some of your top breastfeeding tips to new moms be? I think mine is to remember that not every feeding will go great and you just try, try again! —Erin