I recently hit my seven month mark for breastfeeding and for me it was quite the accomplishment.
I struggled at the beginning because my son was born early and went in the NICU. I remember pumping every two hours in his room, around the clock.
For almost a week I couldn’t put him to breast and it was really challenging. Not to mention emotional.
I worried that not be able to breastfeed for that time would diminish my supply, but with the help of several lactation consultants, great information from websites like KellyMom.com and several nursing products, I was able to be successful.
I never had a hard and fast goal when it came to breastfeeding because I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to.
Quick back story, I had a breast reduction 11 years ago, so I was told then at the age of 21, that breastfeeding will most likely not even happen. I worked hard with my first child and was able to breastfeed for eight weeks.
With my second child, I was able to breastfeed for four months.
Now, with my third, because of the knowledge and support that I have, I’ve gone seven months and I’m still going strong. I plan to go the full year and then I will start to wean when the time is right.
With my third child in particular, I’ve had most of my help with nursing products. They’ve made my life easier and it’s enabled me to be a bit more comfortable.
Here are some products I’ve found to personally helpful:
mombo Nursing Pillow: Mombo has a unique shape compared to other nursing pillows and has a two-sided design called Firm2Soft™. The firm side gives support for mom and her nursing baby. The soft side is cozier which has been great for when baby lounges or during tummy time. mombo is also the only nursing pillow with a vibration feature, offering baby a soothing experience while hanging out.
I have the Boppy nursing pillow and the mombo. I enjoy the mombo more because of its firm side feature. It was especially helpful when my son was a newborn because it kept his body straight. The pillow also seemed to fit my body better because of its firmness. The vibration feature is pretty cool too! My son enjoys that while relaxing.
Hands-free pumping bra: Not only does the Simple Wishes™ Hands-Free Pumping Bra free up your hands during pumping sessions, it also helps create a better seal for your pump flanges, improving suction. It works with all electric breast pumps.
The biggest time saver of all has been using the Lansinoh/Simple Wishes Hands-free Bra. This bra is ah-mazing! I now have two because I just cannot go one pumping session without wearing it.
It allows you to multitask and do other things while pumping. I’ve been able to eat breakfast, type this post and play with my children. The bra also adjusts for an ideal fit over time. It’s available in XS to L or L-Plus.
Organic Mother’s Milk Tea: Traditional European herbs used to help nursing mothers with breast milk production.* It’s sweet, slightly bitter with a distinct licorice-like taste.
Because I drink this tea and take the Fenugreek supplements I can’t tell which product increases my milk supply more. However, I enjoy the taste of it. I like that it’s safe to drink while breastfeeding and I have noticed a difference in my supply. I started drinking it in the hospital soon after giving birth. I made sure to pack a box with me in my overnight bag. Drinking 3-5 cups a day is recommended.
Nursing camisole by Undercover Mama: Undercover Mama functions as an undershirt, keeping your back, sides and belly covered as you nurse. It has no straps and attaches directly to any bra. When you need to nurse you just undo the flap on your bra and Undercover Mama opens with it.
This nursing tank has a built-in shelf bra and works with any bra that you’re wearing. It has two attachment options and essentially turns any normal shirt your wearing into a nursing shirt. The tank covers your mid area nicely and fits snugly. It’s soft cotton and is long enough to provide a nice layering look.
Fenugreek Seed: Fenugreek seeds naturally contain nutrients such as B vitamins, Vitamin C, and Beta Carotene – all of which support the optimal production of breast milk.*
Friends recommended this to me, as well as some lactation consultants. I’ve heard mixed reviews as to whether or not it actually works. For me it did. Whenever I take this pill I see an increase in supply. Sometimes an extra ounce of milk per pumping session. The downside? Your body smells like maple syrup. Pancakes, anyone?
Nursing sleepwear: Allows you to nurse comfortably at night.
I don’t have a particular favorite brand. I’ve bought a few of my sleepwear sets from Target and they’ve been soft and functional. I nurse my son laying down at night, so wearing a nursing tank to bed helps immensely. All I do is un-clip the side I need, and he’s eating in no time. The tanks usually have a built-in shelf bra too, which is super helpful because moms have an abundance of milk at night, and this feature adds extra comfort.
What are/were your nursing essentials?
Disclosure: I received the mombo nursing pillow and Undercover Mama tank for review. All opinions are my own and I wasn’t told what to say.