As women we tend to expect our bodies to just naturally know
how to care for these tiny miracles and are frustrated when we struggle. Let's
face it, for many women breastfeeding is hard; and for some that is down right
impossible. (I want to be clear, this article is not about the evils of formula
feeding--ensuring your baby is well fed whether via breast or formula is the
goal.) But knowing you are not alone can make those toe-curlingly-painful
moments a little more bearable.
Before my son was born I was overwhelmed with stories of
cracked, bleeding nipples, and women crying in pain every time their baby
latched. I was almost more scared of breastfeeding then I was of childbirth. I
attended breastfeeding classes offered by the hospital, spoke to my birthing
instructor, and read books. However, I still wasn't prepared for how draining
and utterly difficult being the sole source of nutrition, for a demanding
little person, could be.
I was very blessed that within minutes of being born Luke
latched and began feeding, no significant pain and no cracked nipples. I was so
pleased, all that time I invested in research seemed to pay off... But over the
next 72 hours I found myself in tears. Not because of pain, but exhaustion! My
tiny 6lb 7oz baby boy seemed to be permanently suction cupped to my breast. He
would scream if I detached for any amount of time. Bathroom trips, which were
their own form of torture, became a sprint to get back to my squeezing little
nursling. Forget meals, brushing my teeth, or showering. Oh and that whole
sleep when your baby sleeps... It sounds great in practice, but he would wake
every 30mins desperate for nourishment. DAY AND NIGHT! I was defeated,
exhausted, and wished God had given men breasts also so we could at least take
turns. AND that is all without mentioning the horrible labor-like cramping that
comes with breastfeeding and the aforementioned nipple agony some women have to
endure. I knew breastfeeding was what I wanted, but nothing I had read prepared
me for this.
Now fast forward 7 months. I have a happy, healthy, Rolly
Polly little boy who continues to breastfeed with no intention of slowing down
anytime soon. Thankfully, we have fallen into a predictable pattern of feeding
and mama gets to pee and shower in peace... Most of the time ;) But the journey
wasn't easy and if breastfeeding your baby is what you want, I am hear to say
YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THE STRUGGLE and YOU CAN DO THIS!
Along the way I found some products to be especially key in
making my journey successful:
1. Good breastfeeding tops! This one is huge, because in the
beginning especially, quick access will keep everyone happier.
- Bravado Designs
Dream
Nursing Tank: This tank is comfortable and supportive enough to be worn
without a bra. In fact I never wear a bra with it! The cups are designed to fit
your specific bra size and expand and contract with your changing milk supply.
The design is simple and discrete enough to to wear alone or layer with your
favorite jacket. The silhouette is flattering without hugging tightly. And if
you are unsure of your size Bravado has professional fitting experts who are
happy to guide you to the perfect fit.
- Naked Tank
I admit it,
initially I was a little confused as to why one would need this strange looking
tank, but thought I would give it a try. It is designed with a cut-out that
fits underneath your bust, allowing easy access to your bra/breast without
changing the neckline of your top. After the first few months passed and I
became more comfortable with breastfeeding I started to miss my
"normal" tops. You know the ones that don't have strange panels which
scream "BREASTFEEDER". This tank literally turns any shirt into
a nursing top! AMAZING! By layering it underneath my work blouses I can pump at
work without feeling exposed. Such a fantastic design, both the black and white
are staples of my wardrobe.
White Bamboo Naked Tank
- Au Fait Mama
This brand
makes adorable clothes that don't sacrifice comfort or style to allow nursing
access. Made from a luxuriously soft bamboo, AFM's nursing pieces all have an
elastic neckline that easily expands to allow full access, but what I low so
much is that because there are no extra panels or clips, all their nursing
clothes can stay part of your permanent wardrobe once your nursing days are
over.
AFM ruched t-shirt dress
AFM nurture t-shirt
AFM nourish long sleeve t-shirt
AFM even makes baby leggings
2. Comfortable Nursing Bras! This was initially a challenge
for me. They can be expensive and super awkward. So my first suggestion is to
either go to a retailer where you can try some on, or make sure you can easily
exchange. Also make sure you buy the correct size because your breast size will
change drastically over the first 3-5 months.
-Bravado Designs
I LOVE their
Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. It is incredibly comfortable, folds back
easily, and changes cup size seamlessly with my changing milk supply. This is
the perfect bra to have in your hospital bag and the bra I would recommend to
anyone who has ever struggled with mastitis or clogged milk ducts. They come in
lots of fun colors and are available in a Yoga version with convertible straps as well!
Bravado also makes a beautiful and comfortable wireless nursing bra called the Bliss Nursing
Bra that is perfect for when you are looking for a little more support.
Personally I had to size down one size to achieve optimal fit for both full and
empty times of the day.
- Pea in the Pod
Once your
milk supply has stabilized and you are ready for underwire again. I found the
Pea in the Pod Demi bras at Motherhood Maternity to be the only structured bra
that didn't make me choose between constricting full breasts or puckering as my
supply diminished during the day. Plus, these bras convert to racer back
allowing them to work with a variety of tops.
3. Supportive Nursing pillow! When 8-14 hours each day and
into the night are dedicated to one task, you had better make sure you are
comfortable. Otherwise many neck and back aches are in your future. Thankfully,
there are many different breastfeeding pillows out there, some are firm, others
soft. Some rest on your lap while others buckle around your waist. Each one has
it's own benefits.
- Nook Niche
I tried 3 different brands of nursing pillow before investing
in the Niche. I just couldn't bring myself to fork over so much for a surface
to lay my son on while he eats. However, when breastfeeding lead to painful
neck, shoulders, and back-- I eagerly searched for a solution. For me, that
solution came in to form of a square pebbled pillow that held Luke at the
perfect angle to allow me to work hands free without being hunched over. Plus,
the Nook Niche makes a super comfortable adult pillow for side-sleepers once
you are past your nursing days!
