The Milk Supply Struggle

After breastfeeding 3 different kids (or at least trying with my second) I have constructed a list of tips that helped make breastfeeding as successful as I could. The great thing about getting first hand advice from another Mama is you wind up with a few tips you won't find in those "How to" books.

1. Drink Gatorade

Yes. Gatorade is one of my tips. I'm not sure if it's the electrolytes or just being really hydrated that makes this tip so successful, but every time I've overloaded on my Gatorade my breasts have went into working overtime and producing great results. Whenever I struggle with my milk supply decreasing this always helps me.

2. Nipple shields aren't worth it

Now for some people they may work great but for me they caused nothing but problems. I got thrush from using them and they actually made my nipples hurt worse even when I tried different sizes and companies. They also decreased my milk supply because my baby was not emptying my breasts fully. It was better to just let my nipples toughen up on their own and let my baby pull my flat nipples outward.

3. Co sleeping

If you are a breastfeeding mama who is comfortable with co sleeping do it! I side lye with my baby and feed all through the night. It makes it easier to get rest and my baby gets to eat whenever she feels the need to. She also comfort suckles which stimulates everything to make more milk. Not to mention she sleeps much better when I'm not far which means more sleep for me too!

4. Get the right pump

I cannot stress enough having the right pump. Make sure your pump works for you and has the right size shields. I went through three different pumps before I found one that worked for me. I ended up on the Lansinoh Manual Pump.

5. Pump after feedings

If you are trying to increase your supply pump after a feeding. It will help empty your breasts fully if your baby did not and it will stimulate milk production by supply and demand.

6. Try to avoid wired bras

Every time I wore a wired nursing bra I wound up with a sore chest, clogged milk ducts and even mastitis! Try to go with a wireless option if you can that is a breathable material. Your girls will feel much more comfortable and your breasts will be able to expand easier when they are filling up.

7. Don't stress out

It's easy to stress out if breastfeeding isn't going as planned but sometimes you have to remember that you and baby are learning something new and it may not always be smooth sailing. Just relax and try different things until you find what works for you and your baby.