Breast is Best

Last week was World Breastfeeding Week, and I wanted share a few things I love about our nursing relationship over the last 18 months (yes, we are still enjoying a little nursing cuddle every now and then) and a few things that might help you if you are wanting to breastfeed your little one.

- the sweet little noises they make as they nurse

- having the perfect antidote on hand for fussiness, pain or sleeplessness at all times

- the reminder to sit or lay down and enjoy my baby and the moment.

- the cuddles from those warm little arms and excitement from her little face

- knowing that I have provided nourishment and protection (strong immune system) to my precious baby

~ Tips ~

Go easy on yourself the first weeks. Try and rest as much as you can (easier said than done...I know!), drink lots of water, spend lots of time skin to skin with your new bundle and nurse on demand to establish your milk supply (even if it's 3-4 times in an hour). You are both learning something new and it took us a little while to figure it all out, but it was so worth it.

Establish a team of support people. My husband, family and friends were great at doing what I asked and encouraging me. Getting me water, helping me get comfortable or driving a breast pump 25 mins in the middle of the night to help me (thanks Jennie). My La Leche League group was a wonderful and unexpected find. I attended a meeting with my best friend when Olivia was only 8 days old. I needed help and wasn't afraid to ask for it. I went once and have found an amazing group of women that have great tips for breastfeeding and parenting. They are also lots of fun and we always have a good laugh.

- Read "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding". You can get your copy at the LLL website and donate to them at the same time.

Get a few basic tank tops. I was given this tip from a mom at the LLL group and I still do it. Wear a regular tank top under your tops / sweaters. When you need to nurse your babe you can pull the top shirt up and your tank top down. That way you aren't completely exposing your healing body to strangers but have easy enough access to the girls.

No need to purchase expensive nipple cream. A little expressed breast milk works wonders for dry, soar and cracked nipples.

Get a good quality canopy. I know some moms say they didn't need one to breastfeed, however for the more reserved mama or for shy eyes a canopy like the one below with a built in wire helps you keep an eye on your little one.

Do you have any breastfeeding tips to share?