Guest Post: Breastfeeding - I Can't Do Without These!

Welcome to Mommy's Milk : A Breastfeeding Series! Today I welcome a guest post from Lizanne of Clay Jar People.

Since my son was born in 2010, I have been breastfeeding almost straight... (Well, excluding the 3 months between Elijah weaning himself and Naomi's birth) I think that's quite intense. While I love the bond and the knowledge that I am feeding my child the best nourishment, there are definitely things that I rely on to get me through.  


Oh So Cute nursing cover: my stylish black and white cover is great for discreet feeding in public. It's really very helpful, I've used it in restaurants without anyone knowing, and even with friends at home, the guys didn't even realize I had Naomi with me ;)  

Peek-a-Moo feeding tops: these are hands down the most comfy and easy to use feeding tops. They lift just enough to latch your baby but can be used easily without even needing a nursing cover. I really love mine, the best part is that they don't scream "feeding top" but look classy and not frumpy. Total win!  

Reusable breast pads : with my son I bought some Snookums breast pads which work like a charm, but are kind of pricy. I decided to see if I can find a tutorial to make my own. I did, and it's so easy and cheap. I used my Snookums ones as a pattern, and cut out 2 layers of flannel fabric and one layer of polar fleece. Then I just overlocked them together, the flannel layers go on your skin and the polar fleece acts as a waterproof layer, protecting against leaks. These work so well, and don't sweat like the plastic disposable types. I will never buy disposable breast pads again.

Jungle juice: Most clinics recommend using this to increase milk supply. I also like it as a bit of an energy boost when I am feeling a bit under the weather from being climbed on and lack of sleep. It's really easy to make:
 1 liter berry/apple/grape juice
2 liters of water
1 sachet Rehidrat
60 ml Blackthorn Berry elixir
Optional 10 drops of rescue remedy
Just mix it all together and drink within 24 hours.  

Lanolin or Coconut oil: In the beginning, with both my kids my nipples were a bit damaged from bad latches, and these products were my lifesavers. Alternating the two helped me heal much faster. Coconut oil is also really helpful for thrush and as a moisturizer for baby.  

Water: this is definitely the most important thing, I try to have a bottle of water with me at all times. Breastfeeding is thirsty work ;)  

Comfy chair: since you spend a ton of time feeding the baby, you need somewhere comfortable to do it. With my first child I mostly fed lying down,so my bed was my comfy place. However, with a toddler and a small baby I now feed on our fairly comfy couch most times, and I am wishing it was a whole load more cushy... Haha!

Last but not least, I could not have survived breastfeeding without support from my husband and family. I would not have made it through the first day at home with Elijah, if my mom hadn't been there... She was amazing. She has supported me with both my breastfeeding journeys by encouraging me and helping me practically. My husband has also been really amazing, he has helped me when I struggled to latch, and supported me when I need to feed at night and encouraged me when it gets hard. I know that without the support I would not have made it so far.

I also strongly recommend that new moms join a La Leche League group, and get as much info as possible before starting this amazing journey.

I'm a stay at home mama to a 2 year old boy, Elijah and a 8 week old girl, Naomi. Married to my high school sweetheart for 5 years. I blog at www.clayjarpeople.co.za about being a Christian mama and wife, and all kinds of natural things.