This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

Today ~ so far so good!

  • 25 minute run with the dog
  • drank coffee made by husband
  • ate buckwheat-oat pancakes with almond butter and marionberries
  • showered… not yet

Last Tuesday ~ 4 hours class on breastfeeding ~ here’s what we learned

  • when baby is born, feeding comes first, family can wait – go for instant contact skin to skin with baby
  • watch out for smells (people wearing too much cologne or perfume) – might confuse the baby making it hard to find the boob
  • look for that wide mouth (like he’s going for a burger) and aim the nipple to babies nose
  • has the baby drank milk? check that the breast is less firm
  • sitting up straight is the best position, not hunching over
  • if you can breastfeed laying on the side do it
  • no hunching over
  • baby to boob, not boob to baby
  • watch for the four signs baby is hungry: sucking thumb, rooting (searching for boob), smacking lips and crying
  • again – look for big wide mouth before you bring baby to boob, it’s breastfeeding, not nipple feeding
  • nipple feeding hurts, breastfeeding should not hurt
  • position the baby’s tummy to mom’s tummy, making sure his neck isn’t turned.
  • use a pillow to prop him up while sitting (will help avoid hunching over)
  • don’t wait until he is super hungry, watch for those signs
  • husband’s job – protect mama and baby from negative people who are anti-breastfeeding, bring mom snacks, walk the dog…  basically treat mom like a queen (I think I’ll like this)
  • sleep when the baby sleeps
  • new born babies eat about every 3 hours
  • look for pee and poop, that means babies getting food
  • breasts produce milk based on demand – continue to feed your baby by breast and supply will continue with demand
  • random but interesting: a mother that smokes should still breastfeed her baby, surprisingly it’s still better than formula – go breast milk!
  • if things are tough, check with a lactation consultant
  • lastly – it gets easier – at least that’s what they say ๐Ÿ™‚

Mama’s out there, please share what you know on breastfeeding!  How did it go for you?  Tips and tricks are always welcome!

We’re so glad we went to the class, because we really knew n-o-t-h-i-n-g about breastfeeding, and now we know a little.  Once Hunter’s here we’ll learn A LOT more I’m sure.

Guess it’s time to shower.

Happy Sunday!

Heather

 

 

Avatar photo

Heather

Hi! Iโ€™m Heather, the creator of Fit Mama Real Food, cookbook author, nutrition coach, group fitness instructor, wife, and mom of four. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

13 Comments

  1. Christine says:

    I am the loving mother of 4 wonderful children. I nursed the first 3 exclusively with no problem. The fourth one had such a hard time latching on and would arch his back in pain. I was so confused and overwhelmed. We eventually figured out that he had a milk allergy and major reflux. My point is, try your hardest to breastfeed, but understand that sometimes moms really want to breastfeed but can’t.

    1. Get Healthy with Heather says:

      Hi Christine, thanks for sharing :). Yes, we’ll definitely have to roll with whatever gets thrown at us.

  2. Jenn says:

    Positioning can be a tricky one to get right, especially when you’re a bit sore from labour. With my 2nd, I tried what’s called “laid back breastfeeding” (you can google it) and it was awesome, much more restful, and is a good way to ensure baby is latching well, as its a very biological postion. Wishing you all the best! Breastfeeding is one of my favorite bits about mothering!

    1. Get Healthy with Heather says:

      I’m definitely going to look that up, thanks!!

  3. Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says:

    Here’s my advice that happens to be something I’m dealing with right now: make sure the baby finishes (drains as much as possible) on the first breast before switching to the second. If you switch too soon baby can end up with a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, which can result in all kids of digestive issues. Breastfeeding is more complicated than I ever thought it would be, but it is also the most amazing thing. I wouldn’t trade the opportunity to nurse my two little ones for anything. ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Get Healthy with Heather says:

      Wow that’s something I hadn’t even thought about. I’m sure I’ll be coming to you for more tips and tricks once we start breastfeeding!

  4. Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says:

    oh gosh…i should write a whole post about nursing! HANDS DOWN, my favorite part of mothering! My tip – commit to at least 8-10 weeks before you decide to give up (if it comes to that)..the baby should change and you’ll get the hang of it. You can totally do this!!

    1. Get Healthy with Heather says:

      You SHOULD write a post on it!

  5. Jentry Nielsen says:

    That is such a great idea you went to a class! My sister decided sort of more last minute that she wanted to breastfeed and she was not prepared, it ended up unfortunately not working out.

  6. Pure2raw twins says:

    love the boob tips ๐Ÿ™‚
    xoxo

  7. Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says:

    Sorry I can’t help you on tips on this one!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. Erica says:

    Glad the class was worthwhile! We took one too and I’m glad we did (although…I had, had enough of the national geographic -esque videos by the end of the class ;). I know you know what I’m talking about haha. I think the skin to skin right away is VERY important. I think whats truly key is to do what you can with breast feeding. For me, that was 4 1/2 months. I had a friend whose milk never came in, I had a friend who over produced from day 1 and I was somewhere in the middle. I know I said this about actual labor too, but you will know whats right for you two!

    1. Get Healthy with Heather says:

      Yes, definitely finding what works for us will be key. I guess I just have high hopes, but really anything can happen and I’ll roll with it.

      And the videos… oh my ๐Ÿ™‚