Benefits of Breastfeeding + 3 Tips

Let’s talk about breastfeeding, shall we?  I mean, it’s World Breastfeeding Week so what better time?  You can also enter to win some awesome gifts here in honor of this week. 

So…what’s the big deal about breastfeeding?

• -        Breast milk is custom made for your baby. 
• -       It helps your baby’s immune system, protects them from many diseases (both now and later on in life). 
• -       Breastfeeding promotes bonding
• -       Is easily digestible for baby
• -       Helps your uterus shrink!
• -       Can help you lose that baby weight (can I get an “amen”?!)
• -       Can lower your child’s chances of developing allergies and asthma
• -       Breastmilk also promotes sleep and calmness (again, AMEN!)
• -       Your breasts can detect fluctuations in your baby’s temperature and heat up or cool down the milk accordingly. AMAZING!
• -       Breastfeeding SAVES money
• -       It triggers the release of oxytocin which can relax you and baby
• -    Most insurances cover the cost of your breast pump.  Yeah, I JUST found out about this.
• -       It is preparation free! Just pop that baby under your shirt when baby is hungry!  

Obviously, I think that breastfeeding is amazing.  But I will add this – it isn’t always easy at first.  My first two weeks were awful.  I am talking, “grit my teeth and cuss” painful.  However, I am SO glad that I pushed through.  It was worth it. Which brings us to my tips.

Tip 1: use melagel during this time.  It really helped me heal quickly and helped soothe the sore nips.  And I wasn't worried about my boy getting any traces of it in his mouth because I knew it was safe.  

Tip 2: stop stressing out.  I know, easier said than done.  I stressed OUT. And looking back I wish I hadn’t.  Stress can affect your milk supply.  So calm down, brew yourself some Mother’s Milk Tea and breathe.  You’ve got this, mama!

Tip 3: pump while you can! I so wish I had pumped a lot in the beginning when my supply was high and still adjusting.  It would have helped me so much to have a good solid freezer supply when I went back to work.  I would have stressed out less (see tip 2). 

Finally, don’t judge the mamas that can’t/won’t/tried to breastfeed.  You haven’t walked in their shoes and we really need to support each other.  We are all in this together and man, can it be TOUGH!

Ok, that is my 2 cents on breastfeeding. 

OH! Check out this awesome way of breastfeeding that was totally new to me! I can’t wait to try it out with my new little one!