Hey there! I’m Gina, and I’m excited to share my journey as a new mom of four. With our newest addition arriving just a few days ago, I’ve been diving deep into the world of breastfeeding once again. As many new mothers know, breastfeeding a newborn can be both a beautiful and challenging experience, so I wanted to offer a peek into what I’m doing to support this precious time with my baby.
The Transition from Colostrum to Mature Milk
You may have heard new moms say they’re waiting for their “milk to come in,” but the truth is you already have milk, it’s just a small volume, high nutrient colostrum that is vital for feeding baby their first few days of life. Right now, I’m in the exciting phase where my milk is transitioning from colostrum—highly nutritious but low in volume—to mature milk, which is higher in both volume and nutrients. This change is essential for the baby’s growth, and it’s noticeable as my breasts are becoming fuller and more visibly engorged. This transition also means that our little one is eating more and her poops are changing, which is a good sign of healthy development.
Perfecting the Latch
One of the most crucial aspects of successful breastfeeding is achieving a good latch. Although breastfeeding is a natural process, it often requires a bit of practice. I’ve found the cross-cradle hold to be particularly effective. By using my opposite arm to support the back of the baby’s head and my same-side hand to guide the breast into her mouth, I can ensure she gets a deep latch. After the latch is secure, I adjust my position for comfort, often shifting to a more upright position or using other holds like the football hold if necessary.
It’s important to note that a good latch should feel more like a pulling sensation rather than pain. If you’re experiencing discomfort, it might be a sign that the latch needs adjustment. Seek help from your labor nurse or a lactation consultant if needed.
Soothing Sore Nipples
Sore nipples can be a common challenge, especially in the early days. For relief, I’ve been using Silverettes, which are silver cups that have natural healing properties. They help with soreness and can also collect a bit of breast milk, which is beneficial for healing. Another product I use is Motherlove’s Nipple Cream, which helps lubricate and protect the nipples from sticking to my bra. I’ve also found gel soothing pads, which can be refrigerated for extra comfort, useful for managing pain. You can find all of these products HERE.
Comfortable and Supportive Nursing Bras
A well-fitting, non-compressive bra is essential. I’ve been using the Everything Bra from Bodily, which offers support without being too tight. This is important to avoid clogged ducts, which can occur from excessive compression. After the initial weeks, I’ll transition to the Bao Bei Bralette, (use code MAMASTEFIT for 15% off!), which offers more support as I become more active.
Managing Letdown and Milk Storage
To manage milk letdown and avoid waste, I’m using a Haakaa, a silicone manual pump that collects milk from the opposite side while nursing. This allows me to build a small stash without investing in a large electric pump unless I need it for more extensive milk storage or if I’m away from the baby for a while. In addition, I have disposable nursing pads from when I do start leaking a lot more, especially with that letdown.
If you are going to be returning to work, or you do need to build a stash, or you’re exclusively pumping, getting an electric pump with your insurance is a definite must as you’re preparing for breastfeeding.
Staying Hydrated
Hydration is key for a breastfeeding mom, and I’ve found the Easy Jug with its long straw to be a game-changer. It allows me to drink water easily in any nursing position. I also use electrolyte salts like LMNT to maintain my hydration levels and support my milk supply.
Rest and Recovery
Rest is crucial, especially after the birth. I’m currently focusing on staying in bed, bonding with my baby, and allowing my body to heal. I plan to incorporate gentle movements and breathing exercises as I begin my recovery. For those looking for structured support, we offer a free early postpartum recovery course that includes gentle exercises to aid healing.
If you want more after that, we do have our postpartum return to fitness programs as well. We have our app based program and on demand. I’m going to be refilming the on demand with the new baby to update the programming, so there will be new videos in that. But with our postpartum programs, it’s going to help you return to fitness, return to lifting, to running, so that you can feel strong again after giving birth.
Looking Ahead...
In the coming weeks, I’ll start incorporating more movement and eventually return to a more active lifestyle. For now, it’s all about enjoying these early moments with my new baby and adjusting to the demands of breastfeeding.
If you’re on a similar journey or looking for more information on postpartum fitness, be sure to check out our programs and be sure to use code YOUTUBE10 for 10% off any of our online offerings.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Be sure to subscribe to our channel and follow along as I continue to share more about our postpartum experience and tips for new moms. See you next time!