Preparing the products you’ll need, information on how to use the products, and education on breastfeeding tips before you give birth is crucial to meeting your breastfeeding goals!
My previous breastfeeding struggles have made me so passionate to be a CLC now and help you in any way I can to make your breastfeeding dreams and goals come true! So let’s begin!
1. Find a Lactation Consultant During Pregnancy
I highly recommend finding a lactation consultant near you who you will trust and feel comfortable with if you decide you want help later on.
Then you will already have their contact information and have done your research about the lactation consultant!
Doing this could really save some time and stress later on.
You deserve the most relaxing and enjoyable postpartum with your newborn as you can have, so anything that may help you have that I believe is so important!
And it never hurts to be prepared and one step ahead if needed.
2. Purchase and Prepare Your Breastfeeding Must-Haves
Depending on what your life may look like after you give birth to your baby, some or all of these breastfeeding products may be essential to you.
For a comprehensive (yet, brutally honest) list of all the things you need to breastfeed check out: The Complete List of Breastfeeding Essentials (Less than You Think!) (coming soon).
3. Learn the Different Breastfeeding Positions
It will be so beneficial to learn some practical and comfortable breastfeeding positions before having your baby.
I didn’t do this enough before my daughter, and it made breastfeeding a little harder at times when I didn’t know a variety of positions to try.
Check out: 6 Breastfeeding Positions You Need to Try.
4. Organic Nipple Balm?
Organic nipple balm can be beneficial if you will be pumping to lubricate the flange of your pump to reduce friction. However, contrary to popular belief, nipple balm is not necessary for healing cracked or sore nipples.
If you’re experiencing nipple pain or cracked nipples we should first check the latch, try different positions, and if that doesn’t work then call a lactation consultant. Check out How to Overcome a Positioning and Attachment Breastfeeding Problem.
A randomized controlled trial found that using only latch correctment without added gadgets such as lanolin, nipple shield/shells, glycerin gel, etc. you have the same success with a decrease in pain compared to those who paired gadgets with latch correctment [1]. Furthermore, the group without gadgets or commercial preparations also had faster healing times with a decreased need for follow-up regarding their pain.
If you’d like a nipple balm, it’s essential to choose an organic and all-natural nipple balm that has no petroleum, parabens, or lanolin so that it is entirely safe for your baby, and there’s no need to wash it off before nursing. I recommend the Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter for its high-quality natural ingredients at an affordable price!
Sources
[1] Cadwell K, Turner-Maffei C, Blair A, Brimdyr K, Maja McInerney Z. Pain reduction and treatment of sore nipples in nursing mothers. J Perinat Educ. 2004 Winter;13(1):29-35. doi: 10.1624/105812404X109375. PMID: 17273373; PMCID: PMC1615851.
DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding you or your baby’s health. Please read my Medical Disclaimer for more info
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