The first few days at home with a newborn can be a whirlwind. You are sleep deprived and busy learning all about this new little person that you have just brought home from the hospital. AND if you already have children at home, you are learning to juggle the needs of multiple children.
As a nursing mom, this can be a difficult transition due the demands of a hungry baby. But, it can be done and if you are prepared, it is a wonderful thing. I know, I know…it is a natural thing and “everyone” does it. Yeah, well the reality is that it does not come easy to “everyone” AND every baby and mother is different. All 3 of mine were completely different when it came to breastfeeding and by #3 I had it down. Whether you are a new mom or have done this before, I hope that these Nursing Mom Must-Haves/Tips are helpful to you during your breastfeeding journey.
Set up a Nursing “Command Center” – Yes, I know another “command center” from me – if you missed my household command center you can find it here. But this one was the best thing I did. This isn’t to say that you have to ALWAYS feed your baby here but for those middle of the night feedings it is wonderful.
- Glider or rocker with a nursing stool or ottoman. You are going to be in this chair for many hours a day so you want to make sure that it is comfortable.
- Snacks and a water bottle next to your chair – you WILL be hungry and thirsty as your newborn is snacking away and in case your hubby isn’t close by, you will have everything that you need at your finger tips.
- Soothies Gel Pads & Nipple Cream – have these close by on a small table as well so that you can get some relief after nursing (especially after a cluster feeding).
- Nursing Tank Tops & Washable Nursing Pads are a must have – I loved to layer with these tanks so that my belly was always covered and the washable nursing pads are so soft and you will save money over the reusable ones.
- Electric Breast Pump – once your baby is in a good nursing routine, you are going to want the opportunity to give he or she a bottle so that you can have a break and a breast pump is a must have. If you have it right next to you in your “command center” you can start nursing on one side and pump the other at the same time – this will not only help with your supply but will help jump start your storage of breastmilk for when you return to work.
BONUS: Utilize the lactation consultants in your area. I delivered all of my children at Exeter Hospital in NH and the location consultants and the breastfeeding support group were WONDERFUL. They were so helpful and talking to other moms about any issues I was having was so encouraging.
Are you expecting? As an Exeter, NH Birth and Newborn Photographer, I am currently booking births and newborn sessions for 2017. For more information on Birth and Newborn Stories by White Wave Photography please contact me today. I would love to set up a consultation to discuss being part of your journey. For more mommy must haves and to receive my FREE Birth & Newborn Client Guides, please sign up below for my monthly newsletter.
