Tips I share with my friends when they start breastfeeding …the most important one though… breastfeeding is the hardest and most proudest thing I have ever done. YOU can do this.
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Find someone who will support you (for me it was my partner). Having people tell you to “just quit” makes it so hard.
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Check you flange sizes
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Use pumping spray to make pumping have less friction
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Look into collection cups for the wall pump- game changer!
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Get your hands on a bottle washer- it saves so much time, effort, and back pain
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Look into pumping bras to hold your flanges
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Be sure to try a different pump before rolling out breastfeeding- my first pump did not work well for me.
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Know your worth- you are an amazing woman who carried a baby, birth a baby, and you are now a mamma. You are enough.
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Periods come back and they do impact your supply- just keep pumping and nursing. (Some say to take calcium and magnesium the week before, which I’m going to try)
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Cold compress for clogged ducts - also find sunflower lectin super helpful
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Pump/nurse after warm shower may get a fast letdown for you!
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4 hours fresh milk, 4 days fridge, 6 months freezer, 1 year deep freezer for milk storage guidelines
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Pump and store in 2-4 oz increments for easier use later when your thaw
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Do a high liapse test (try giving baby thawed milk early)
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Choose a bottle that requires sucking and milk doesn’t drip out
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At the start pump /nurse every 2.5 -3 hours and anytime baby has hungry cues- so not back down here. If baby is wanting to latch more- this is good- it is saying to your body to make milk.
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Milk takes time to come in- that is okay- keep pumping and latching
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Stimulation mode tells your body “hey turn on the milk” , expression mode is for once the pipes warm up and the milk is flowing.
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Pump or nurse in private or public- you do you!!
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Talk to lactation- I had to go to many appointments for success!
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Learn the hamburger hold for a good latch
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Side laying is a great position for big babes!
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Breastfeeding is an ADA - you can bring your parts water etc to things like concerts
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Water water water- hydration is needed
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Don’t forget to eat Becuase it impacts Your sleep
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When in doubt, add a pump or latch to help build your supply
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Breastfeeding is the hardest and most proudest thing I have ever done. YOU can do this.
And honestly that first one is HUGE. Having somebody in your corner when you’re exhausted and struggling can make such a difference. I also agree with checking flange size because I feel like so many moms dont even realize how much that can affect pumping comfort and output!
After doing bottles and pump parts over and over and over again, anything that saves time is a win in my book. I love that you included the reminder that breastfeeding doesnt have to look one specific way either. Pumping, nursing, using a shield, feeding in public, feeding in private… whatever works for you mama. You are still doing an amazing job. That “YOU can do this” at the beginning AND end really got me 
