Breastfeeding: A mother's survival guide

Breastfeeding is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. It's not just good for their health - it's good for yours, too. This guide will teach you how to get started, what supplies you need, how to handle common issues like sore nipples, when problems arise, and more.

Breastfeeding is hard. It's not for everyone, and that's okay. But if you're committed to breastfeeding your baby (or even if you're just curious), it can be really helpful to know how to make it work for you.

The first step is getting a good breast pump. There are lots of different kinds out there, so it's important to do some research and figure out what kind of pump will work best for your unique situation. The right pump will fit comfortably into your lifestyle without taking up too much time or space. You should also consider how much milk you'll need to store and how often you'll be using the pump - and whether it's a good fit for those needs.

You'll also need some extra supplies - like reusable pads, nipple cream, breastfeeding tea, breastfeeding vitamins etc. - to help make things run smoothly when it comes time for feeding time or pumping sessions.

Intro to breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the act of feeding your baby with breast milk. It's a natural way to feed your child, and it has many benefits for both you and your baby. Breastfeeding also helps to establish an emotional bond between you and your child, which can help with bonding later on in life. Breastfeeding is easy once you get used to it! The first few weeks are usually a bit tricky because it takes time for your body to adjust, but after that things should start falling into place naturally.

Breast milk provides your baby with all the nutrients she needs to grow and thrive - and it does so in a way that's gentle on her little tummy and digestive system. But there are lots of benefits for mom too! Breastfeeding helps regulate your hormones so they don't fluctuate as much when you're pregnant again (and again…). It lowers your risk of postpartum depression and lets you bond with your new baby in a way other mothers just can't understand. 

Types of breast pump

A breast pump is a device that can be used to extract milk from the breasts. A mother uses it to express her milk and store it for later use, whether it's for feeding the baby or storing in bottles for later use.

There are two main types of breast pumps: manual and electric. Manual pumps are less expensive than electric ones but require more effort on your part as you must manually squeeze them to get the milk out of your breasts. Electric pumps are easier to use but cost more money than manual ones because they require electricity and batteries (or rechargeable batteries). They also tend to be bulkier than manual ones because they contain motors inside them.

Here is a list of Sassy Organics' top 5 breast feeding essentials for new mums.

1. Portable breast pump

There are different types of breast pumps and you should choose one that fits your needs best. You should also consider your budget, as well as your comfort level with using the pump. If you're looking for a hands free breast pump, there are many options available. These pumps can help make pumping easier and more efficient for mothers who have trouble with hand fatigue or other issues during pumping sessions.

Hands free pump is convenient for mothers who have trouble holding their babies and bottles at the same time because they can keep their hands free for other tasks. They're also useful if you're trying to multitask while pumping because they allow you to do other things while still expressing milk without interruption.

If you've struggled to express and want to be able to collect and store breastmilk discreetly, then Mama Body Mama's Milk BPA Free Silicone Breast Pump is for you. The Mama Body silicone breast pump attaches purely with suction and can be left on to completely pump and drain your breasts, so you can express discreetly and quickly. Both the breast pump and milk drop stopper are made with food grade silicone, BPA free, dishwasher and steriliser safe. It holds over 110 ml of breastmilk. The shape of the silicone top is perfect for not only a comfortable fit but for capturing all the milk.

2. Reusable breast pads

Reusable breast pads are a great way to save money and reduce waste. They're also super easy to use!

Benefits of reusable breast pads:

• Save money by not having to buy disposable ones every time your baby nurses or when you pump.
• Reduce the amount of waste going into landfills by using less disposables, which are often made from non biodegradable materials like plastic.

Types of reusable breast pads:

• There are two main types: cloth and silicone (or gel). Cloth is generally more absorbent than silicone, but they may be slightly more expensive.

We love Mama Body Mama's Milk Organic Bamboo Reusable Breast Pads. These are very soft and comfortable and you can wear them against the skin without any irritation. They have a waterproof backing which is great when it comes to breast milk leaks.

These 6 washable bamboo cotton pads are for mamas who know caring for the earth is caring for our little ones too. Feel secure and prevent leakages all day and night. This set includes 2 white sets and 1 black set. Plus, enjoy a free handy waterproof zip bag for storing pads on the go!

3. Lactation tea

Lactation or breastfeeding tea is a great way to support your body during breastfeeding. They can help with milk production, reduce pain and swelling in the breasts and nipples, and even boost energy levels.

There are many different types of breastfeeding teas available on the market today; some contain herbs while others use essential oils or tinctures instead of dried plants or flowers. Some of the most common ingredients found in breastfeeding teas include fennel seed, nettle leaf, raspberry leaf, calendula flower petals or oil - all of which have been used for centuries to support lactation.

The Mother Nature Tea is an organic loose leaf blend that's hand blended by naturopaths to help ensure and maintain a healthy breast milk supply as well as support lactation. All of the herbs in this tea are traditionally used for these purposes, so you can rest assured that you're getting only the best ingredients for your precious baby. This delicious tea contains goats rue, fennel, aniseed, withania, lemon balm and cinnamon which have been traditionally used by mothers to support healthy breast milk production.

4. Breastfeeding supplements

Ever wonder what happens to women's bodies when they're pregnant or breastfeeding? It's no secret that, for most of us, the body goes through a lot of changes during these times. And if you're not eating the right foods, it can be even harder to manage the stressors and demands that come with pregnancy and breastfeeding.

That's why we love NuFerm Certified Organic Probiotic & Prebiotic Woman Blend, a blend of wholefoods that are fermented by organic probiotics, so you can get all the nutrients you need without artificial ingredients or preservatives. With these organic breastfeeding vitamins, you'll be able to make sure your body is getting everything it needs to support both hormones and thyroid function - and those are two very important things when it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Many of the foods that make up this blend are foods high in iodine, which is known to support the thyroid and thyroid function. And we know that when your thyroid is functioning optimally, your hormones are too. A perfect balance of iodine rich wholefoods broken down by a super culture of probiotics ensures that your gut stays healthy and ready to absorb whatever nutrition comes its way. And since none of these ingredients contain any artificial preservatives or fillers, this organic woman blend is 100% organic!

5. Nipple cream

Sometimes breastfeeding can be tough. Your nipples can crack and become sore, or even infected. That's where the breastfeeding nipple cream comes in - it's a natural way to soothe your tender nipples and promote elasticity for a smooth transition to breastfeeding.

But these balms are not just for breastfeeding! They are also great for mums to be who want to moisturise their skin as they prepare for breastfeeding in the third trimester. The Physic Garden nursing balm is made with the highest quality ingredients, sourced from organic, sustainable, and fair trade sources. Handmade with love in small batches here in Melbourne, Australia, their products are fresh and of the highest quality.  And did we mention that this balm is certified cruelty free and tested on humans - not animals!

Breastfeeding nipple creams can be applied to the nipples during breastfeeding. They help to protect and soothe sensitive areas, which can be useful in preventing pain or discomfort.

Breastfeeding tips for new moms

Pumping tips

• Make sure you have a pumping station that is quiet and private, with minimal distractions.
• Find the right position for you: sitting up or lying down? With your feet elevated or not? Positioning can make all the difference in how much milk you produce and how quickly it comes out of your breasts.
• Drink plenty of water before and during each pumping session, as well as eating healthy foods such as leafy greens, nuts/seeds/legumes (such as almonds), whole grains (like brown rice), lean protein sources - all foods that are good for milk production!

Storing milk storage guidelines

There are a few different ways to store breast milk, and some are better than others. Here are our top tips for storing breast milk:

• Use containers designed specifically for storing breast milk. These will prevent the potential growth of bacteria in your breast milk.
• Never use a container that has been used to store any other food or drink product; these containers can be contaminated with harmful bacteria that could be transferred to your baby through their mouth when they drink from them.
• Always label your containers with the date the milk was expressed, as well as how much is in each container. This will help you keep track of how much you've made and how long it's been stored.

Final thoughts

We hope this guide has been helpful to you in your breastfeeding journey. We know that breastfeeding can be a stressful and daunting process, but we also know that it's worth it - for both you and your baby. We hope that this guide has been helpful to you. We know that breastfeeding can be a challenging and rewarding experience, and we wish you the best of luck!

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