Must Know Breastfeeding Tips No One Ever Told You

This is a sponsored post by Tommee Tippeee. I was compensated for my honest opinion. All opinions are 100% my own.

Breast feeding is something I have always been extremely passionate about. I have nursed four of my own babies so far and cannot believe how meaningful it has been for me.  Nursing is a gift I have cherished being able to experience. It is hard, it hurts, it’s amazing – it’s everything your baby needs! Below I have listed a few tips I have learned through personal experience as well as through years of research. I really hope these tips help you with your breast feeding adventure.

1. It’s a Blessing: I have always felt that being able to breastfeed my babies is such a blessing. To be able to feed my baby whenever I want without any preparation is fabulous. Breast milk has everything my baby could ever want and need all packed into an easy to use, store and travel device.
2. It’s Hard: At the beginning breast feeding can be hard. Your breasts may be shaped in such a way that your baby may struggle to nurse at first. Getting the right latch and holding position can take some time at the beginning. Try nursing your little one in different positions, until you find the one that works best for you. Often times when your baby is nursing at the beginning your nipple will come out shaped like a tube of lipstick. If this happens I recommend trying to focus on getting your little one to open it’s mouth wider, as this shaped nipple is a sign of a shallow latch.
3. It Hurts: Now this is something I really wasn’t expecting, but it’s true. At the beginning you will likely struggle with cracked and bleeding nipples. It won’t last forever, only the first couple of weeks and if you can push past this part you won’t have any pain again with nursing. Something that I could never live without was Lanolin. It really helped sooth and heal my sore cracked nipples. I also recommend reaching out to a lactation specialist who can give you some one on one advice for you and your baby.
4. Skin to Skin is Best: As soon as your little one is born it will help develop a connection if you nurse skin to skin. Try placing your baby on your bare chest with just it’s diaper on. You will be surprised by how quickly your newborn will respond to just the smell and feel of your breasts.
5. Pumps can be a Lifesaver: When I had my first kiddo, I thought with breastfeeding I would never need a breast pump or bottles. I would just nurse whenever I needed to. But life doesn’t always work that way, sometimes you need to go back to work, or need a break from the family. With a pump you are allowed a new found type of freedom, while still feeding your baby your amazing breast milk.
6. Find your Brand: Finding a brand of bottles, breast pumps, storage containers – it all matters. For me I absolutely stand by Medela breast pumps! In my opinion the Medela breast pumps work best. As for bottles, nipples and storage containers I feel like I have tried them all and Tommee Tippee is by far my favorite. They have found a way to design supplies that work along side the breast feeding mom perfectly. My new favorite breast feeding tool is the Tommee Tippee Pump n’Go System. Which works perfectly along side your favorite breast pump. It comes with adapters to attach to your breast pump directly to storable containers, that can also be used with your Tommee Tippee bottles without even transferring containers or risking spilling a single drop of your “golden” juice (aka breast milk). Even better the refill Milk Pouches click securely into place with Breast Milk Pouch Bottle so no need to transfer milk to a bottle. They also comes complete with a unique, breast-like shaped nipple for easy-latch. These super-sensitive, easi-vent nipple valve are designed to eliminate excessive air flow. Seriously it doesn’t get any easier than this!