Breastfeeding Tips + Online Course
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Hey hey! Today I wanted to share some resources for some of the most useful breastfeeding tips. Breastmilk is amazing- right! There are endless uses for it and countless benefits. This liquid gold is exactly what your baby needs, and I encourage everyone to research and try it if you are able to. But also keep this in mind- if it doesn't work out, it's okay! This does not make you a failure, and learning these tips and tricks may help you prepare for any speed bumps along the way. Don't forget to check out the amazing Milkology Course at the bottom of this post!
MOMMY ON PURPOSE
Carly has a ton of great posts related to breastfeeding, pumping, storing- and everything in between. You gotta check out her post- The First Week Nursing A Newborn! There are tons of tips on what to expect, and how to handle challenges that may come up.
TALES OF A MESSY MOM
I love this post from Nicolle- Dad and the Breastfed Baby; Ways to Bond & Get Involved. It's actually written by her husband and offers a different perspective. Lot's of great tips for helping out mama, and getting involved. Share this with your partner, and set up a plan so both of you are bonding and enjoying the wonders of breastfeeding.
LOVE REMODELED
Lauren, over at Love Remodeled, has some crazy-good tips for babies that are struggling to latch on, or just can't keep a rhythm. My favorite tip, co-bathe! She is a real mom, with real-life experience. Check out all of her breastfeeding tips and tricks here.
MAMA DOING IT ALL
Are you concerned about pumping? Maybe you will need to return to work after 6 weeks, or maybe you want to perfect-the-pump and build up that inventory? Natalie, from Mama Doing It All, has some awesome tips for pumping and storing your breastmilk. My favorite tip, a pumping hack- using rubber bands! Check out the other tips and tricks here.
I wanted to talk a little bit about gut health and breastfeeding. You can improve both the baby's life, as well as your own, by nurturing the bacteria around you and keeping your supply healthy.
1. AVOID ANTIBIOTICS
Of course, there are times when antibiotics are necessary, but as a whole- we are definitely overdoing them. In our house, we avoid antibiotics in our food and during illness. Antibiotics can destroy both good and bad bacteria, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an infant with a brand new gut garden.
We haven't had anyone sick in our home for years- check out how I keep my family well.
2. AVOID HAND SANITIZER
You've seen it- heck you have probably done it. I'm talking about pouring on the sanitizer every time you pick up a baby or making others do the same before they hold your little one. This was so me! I used to be (and sort of still am) a germ freak! If somebody picked up my baby without using sanitizer, I would lose it, start staring at their hands and wonder what the heck they just touched. Another reason I don't like most restaurants! I mean, it makes sense- we don't want pathogens near our babies. But, this is actually doing more harm, than good, by blocking the colonization of nurturing bacteria. Obviously, we don't want anyone who is sick to be around our babies., and also keep in mind that those who were just vaccinated may be shedding the virus. This is something you may want to ask your visitors about.
We don't use traditional sanitizer anymore, and if you still are, definitely take a look at the ingredients. Most alarming is the endocrine disruptors that adversely affect sex hormones, especially in infants and new mothers. Also, if you haven't made the switch to natural cleaners, I suggest you look into that as well.
Grab this toxic checklist to start getting chemicals and toxins out of your casa!
3. PRACTICE SKIN TO SKIN
Immediately after birth, you can expose your infant to your bacteria, through skin to skin contact. This will immediately start to create a more diverse gut garden for your baby. Skin to skin contact for several hours a day can benefit baby in so many ways, and can also make breastfeeding easier- as it aids baby to seek out and latch on to mom’s nipple, reducing soreness.
Breastfeeding can be hard work, but in the end- so extremely beneficial for your baby. If you are still worried about breastfeeding, maintaining your supply, even the pain that can exist for some mothers- I suggest you check out this amazing online breastfeeding class! This class will help give you the confidence you need to successfully reach your lactation goals.
The Milkology Breastfeeding Class includes 13 videos, trouble-shooting guide, class notes, and the little black book of breastfeeding secrets!
I hope you found these resources helpful, and I wish you nothing but success with your breastfeeding goals! Do you have any tips for new moms? I would love to hear from you.
xoxo Christina
