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Hey Mama! Embarking on the journey of motherhood is a remarkable experience filled with joy, challenges, and endless learning opportunities. Among the many decisions new moms face, breastfeeding often stands as a cornerstone of nurturing your little one. While it can be a profoundly rewarding experience, it also comes with its share of questions and uncertainties. Fear not, dear mom-to-be, for this guide is here to offer you insights, tips, and resources to make your breastfeeding journey smoother and more fulfilling

Must Have Products for your breastfeeding Journey

Nursing pillow

Survival Kit-3 Piece Gift Set

Silverettes- Healing Silver nipple cover cups

These were just my top picks, and I’ve sprinkled in a few great recommendations throughout this post!

**If you haven’t yet, start your amazon registry to get your free welcome gift!**

Create your Amazon Baby Registry Here

My top Breastfeeding Tips

PrepareYourself

Educate Yourself: Before your baby arrives, take time to learn about breastfeeding. Attend prenatal breastfeeding classes, read reliable resources (check out this book on breastfeeding!), or watch videos that cover the basics—like proper latch techniques and common challenges. I had no idea about things like breastfeeding aversion or dysphoric milk (something I’m struggling with the second time around). I wish I had known this was possible, so that I could have better prepared for this, mentally.

Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who can encourage and guide you, whether it’s your partner, a lactation consultant, or a community of other moms. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Lean on this support during moments of doubt or frustration. There is plenty of misinformation going around, and sadly I feel this may be the cause of so many moms choosing to forego breastfeeding entirely, or give up too soon. There are almost always resources or techniques to rebuild a supply that is lost or manage symptoms like clogged ducts. Be sure to seek professional advice, especially if you feel like you need more encouragement and everyone you know just wants to tell you to quit. Most hospitals can provide a one on one with a Lactation Consultant after birth, and your L&D nurses are great mentors when your babe is first born. Ask all the questions, before you head home, that’s what they’re there for. Don’t be shy!

Create a Breastfeeding Space: Set up a cozy, peaceful area where you can nurse. Keep essentials nearby, like water, snacks, burp cloths, and your favorite devotional book to nourish your spirit during feedings. In the beginning especially, prioritizing your comfort will make it easier to keep with it! Setting up a cozy and conducive nursing environment can significantly enhance your breastfeeding experience. Designate a quiet corner or breastfeeding station in your home where you can relax and feed your baby without distractions. Invest in supportive nursing pillows (yes, the Boppy is my fave! And don’t forget to add it to your hospital bag checklist), comfortable chairs or rocking chairs, and soft lighting to create a soothing atmosphere. Keep essential supplies like silverettes, nursing pads, nipple cream, and water within arm's reach to streamline your breastfeeding sessions. Also consider the comfort level of your bra. Some women prefer loose fit, while others like a snug and supportive fit. Engorgement plays a huge role in this, and I found myself needing different kinds of bras for different stages in my breastfeeding journey. I used these bras the most in the beginning, when I was at home a lot more, as they were very lightweight, and gentle on me. Plus, I could wear them at night without discomfort.

Embrace Sustainable Practices: Invest in silverettes, reusable nursing pads, nipple cream, and a comfortable nursing bra. These small preparations reduce unnecessary waste and promote breastfeeding ease. And did you know you can apply the nipple creams and balms prior to feeding or pumping to promote lactation for a better pump and reduce nipple chapping and discomfort? I had no idea until halfway through my first breastfeeding journey and it was a lifesaver I wish I’d known early on. If you think about it, you put on chapstick BEFORE you kiss your partner right? I rest my case.

Breastfeeding can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavor, but it doesn't have to be. Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, and fellow moms who can offer encouragement, advice, and practical assistance. Joining breastfeeding support groups, both online and in your community, can connect you with other moms who are on a similar journey. Remember, you're not alone, and seeking support during the highs and lows of breastfeeding can make all the difference. For more help check out the new mom bundle: filled with free printables and templates to help the new and expecting mama!

Establishing your Supply

Skin-to-Skin Contact: Spend as much time as possible holding your baby skin-to-skin. Spend as much time as possible snuggling your baby against your bare chest in the early days and weeks after birth. Plus, it's a wonderful opportunity to bask in the warmth of your newborn's presence. This intimate contact stimulates your baby's instinctual breastfeeding behaviors, regulates their body temperature and heart rate, and enhances milk production. One way you can do this is in the bath! Especially with my firstborn, I started every shower holding my baby close under the stream of the running warm water. He enjoyed the soothing water, and we got to bond. I highly recommend trying this if your baby is particularly fussy! Using a baby carrier wrap (highly recommend this one!) during breastfeeding can also be an easy way to get skin to skin while you get some chores done around the house!
Frequent Nursing: Feed on demand, even if it feels constant. Your baby’s frequent nursing signals your body to produce milk. They say to watch your baby, not the clock. Scheduled feedings work best for formula fed babies. If your baby is telling you they’re hungry, listen to them! And especially in the newborn phase, it is completely normal for a baby to wake up hungry throughout the night! This can feel demanding, but in order to establish the best supply you will not want to skip any night feeds!
Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water and eat nourishing foods that support lactation. Incorporate ingredients like oats, and flaxseed. I personally had success with oatmeal snack bars and cream pies! Yum! And I’ll never not recommend these electrolyte pouches, good for so many reasons postpartum, especially for breastmilk supply.

As you adjust to the demands of a newborn, remember Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” On hard days, let this truth sustain you.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Breastfeeding isn’t without its hurdles. Here are my best scrunchy tips to tackle common issues:

Engorgement: Use cold compresses or cabbage leaves to reduce swelling, and hand-express a small amount of milk for relief.
Sore Nipples: Apply a natural lanolin-free nipple balm or coconut oil to soothe irritation.
Low Supply: Try power pumping or incorporate milk-boosting foods like brewer’s yeast and almonds into your diet. Consider teas with galactagogues, but always check with your healthcare provider.
Latch Issues and Pumping whoas: Seek guidance from a lactation consultant. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—it’s an act of strength, not weakness. They can help you with so many things like assisting you and your baby with a good latch, measuring you for your best fitting flange size for optimal and pain free pumping, and even teach you to hand express.

Balancing Breastfeeding with Motherhood

As a mom of two, I’ve learned the art of balancing breastfeeding with other responsibilities. Here’s what’s helped me:

Use a Nursing Cover: A breathable, organic cotton cover can make nursing on the go more comfortable. This isn’t totally necessary for everyone, but it’s always nice to have the option! Sometimes I feel totally fine without it, and other times the need arises if I don’t feel comfortable feeding around certain strangers.
Babywearing: Invest in a quality baby carrier to nurse hands-free while chasing after older children. I personally love the versatility of the Tula for more intensive activity on top of being able to nurse baby!

Involve Your Partner: Invite your partner to take on other tasks, like diaper changes or preparing meals, so you can focus on feeding your baby. As a mom of two under two a good example of this is my husband and I split duties at night so that if I am busy with breastfeeding, he will tackle any needs our toddler may wake up with. Especially in the beginning, older kids can have regressions in sleep when adjusting to a newborn in the home. So, it is very helpful to have a plan on who will take care of which baby!

Prioritizing Healing and Recovery with Self-Care

Postpartum healing and recovery can be a challenging but crucial time for new mothers. Here are some basics to help promote healing and support recovery after childbirth. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support healing and provide energy. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which is especially important if you're breastfeeding. And follow your healthcare provider’s recommendation for pain management.

Prioritize Self-Care-Amidst the demands of caring for a newborn, don't forget to prioritize your own well-being. Self-care is crucial for maintaining your physical and emotional health, which directly impacts your ability to breastfeed successfully. Make time for restorative activities that nourish your body and soul, whether it's taking short naps, enjoying a warm bath, practicing gentle yoga, or simply savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea. For more tips on self-care during Postpartum recovery check out my post Mindfulness for Moms: Finding Peace Amidst Pregnancy and Postpartum — XO Marilyn Elizabeth

Breastfeeding is not only a physical act but can also be a spiritual one. It’s a time to reflect on your motherhood journey as a whole. Check in with yourself, and see what your needs are, and take them to God. This is a wonderful way to meditate on God’s incredible design and provision. As you nurse, you can use any quiet moments to pray for your baby, thank God for your body’s ability to nourish life, and ask for patience and wisdom in your motherhood journey. I know first hand that it is difficult to find time to work on a relationship with God when you have a newborn. You may have heard motherhood is sanctifying, and it is true in so many ways. Rest in Jesus, knowing that God understands this season of your life best, and will always meet you where you are! With my two under two, I was stretching myself thin, and I needed to lean on my faith more than ever, and I found the night feedings with my newborn to be the best time to reflect and pray.

Remember, a nurtured mother is better equipped to nurture her baby. I know the 3 most important and practical things I did for myself besides healing and recovery efforts, were staying hydrated (check out my favorite electrolyte packets), getting as much sleep as possible, and taking a hot shower every single day. I had a these as daily reminders in my phone, and ensuring I prioritized these basics for myself was actually the loving self-care I needed to feel energized. It doesn’t hurt to keep some snacks around the house, either. I probably kept a box of oatmeal snack bars in every room, and I made a freezer supply of lactation/protein balls. You can get my recipe in the free printable new mom bundle! My toddler even likes them!

What else is in a Scrunchy mom’s breastfeeding toolbox?

A journal to track feedings and write prayers or reflections. This is helpful to remember which breast you fed on last. In the beginning this can be crucial to supporting a good supply on both sides. You can also reflect on what is working for you and your baby, and what isn’t, like positions, food you’re eating, etc. I think this can also be beneficial to help keep track of your emotions and recognize any signs of postpartum depression. Here’s a journal made especially for the postpartum mama!
Reusable glass or silicone milk storage containers. Some mamas use large Mason jars for the pitcher method of pumping and storing milk. I like using these silicone bags if I am going to use the milk within the following 24 hours and just leave it in the fridge! Or if you’re about to head out and don’t want to nurse, pump before you leave the house and use a silicone bag. It’ll be good to use for a bottle feed for 4 hours at room temp!

Are you ready to embrace a sustainable, faith-based approach to motherhood? My Scrunchy Mom Course is designed for you. It’s packed with tips, resources, and encouragement to help you navigate parenting with balance and confidence. From sustainable and minimalist practices to eco-friendly choices, this course will equip you with the tools you need to create purpose and thrive in your motherhood journey. Get on the wait list now!

Breastfeeding is a journey filled with love, dedication, and profound connection between mother and baby. While it may present its share of challenges, with patience, support, and a little bit of know-how, you can navigate through them with grace and confidence. Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and what matters most is the bond you cultivate with your little one along the way. Trust your instincts, lean on your support system, and cherish each precious moment of this extraordinary experience. Happy breastfeeding, mama!