Nursing 101

I had a few thoughts recently as I have a few friends who are excepting babies. My mom was very open with me with nursing and it helped me feel 100x more comfortable, when it could have been a scary thing.

1. Lanolin. The end. Put it on every single time before you nurse and take a shower and it will prevent cracking and bleeding nipples. It still hurts when baby latches on for a couple weeks, but this stuff is amazing!
2. Patience. When baby is drinking colostrum it seems to take forever! I think I nursed for 40 minutes (20 on each side) while in the hospital and until my milk came in, but it felt like an eternity. Once your milk comes in you'll have enough for twins!
3. If you are planning on exclusively breast feeding just get a cheap breast pump. It will help relieve you when you are engorged. Showers help too with let down. I have an even flow pump and its great. I use it occasionally when I need to pump for a date or something.
4. Enjoy the snuggle time. Even if its 3 am, it's an incredible feeling to just watch your sweet one eat and see how perfectly they fit in your arms.
5. Keep a water bottle and box of granola bars or some snack where you nurse most often, while they are sucking the life out of you, you gotta replenish!
6. I found that boppy (the nursing pillows) were more convenient for laying baby on to nap but too big to help me nurse. I just prop up my elbow with a pillow.
7. I forgot to mention that very first you should take a breast feeding class. We took one through the hospital in my third trimester and another one in the hospital after I delivered. So many good tips! Use the lactation specialist too when you are in the hospital. I didn't need to, but they are there to help.
8. Get a bracelet or one of those clips for your bra to remind you which side you are on. It is so hard to remember in the night and you want to keep it equal between sides.
9. Nursing bras! I got the maternity seamless duo from jc penny's. they are great. So comfortable and come in small, medium, and large which is so nice during engorgement and when you are really full.
10. Get lots of nursing pads. My favorite were made by Lansinoh. After about 3 months my milk was more stable and I made my own with flannel and fleece which work great and save me money. Check them out on Pinterest.
11. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I had my mom to ask and she helped me realize when I had thrush (OUCH) or you can call the la leche league for free for advise, or they can come to your home to watch you and baby latch on.
12. I truly love nursing and want to do it as long as Eli does. Whether that be 9, 12, or 18 months its so rewarding.

Hope these few tips help!