Tips for Busy Breastfeeding Mums

Tips for Busy Breastfeeding Mums

Breastfeeding can be a challenge, no matter what the circumstances. But for busy mums on the go, mums who work, or those who have other little ones in tow, nursing your bubs can seem downright impossible.

The good news is that even with a stacked schedule, breastfeeding is possible. Today we’re sharing some of the top tips we have gotten from experienced breastfeeding mums to help your breastfeeding journey be a successful one.

Plan in advance

If you and your bubs are comfortable feeding in almost any environment, then you may not need to do much planning. But if you will be away from your baby for a few hours, or if you aren’t too comfortable feeding in public, a bit of preparation will help.

  • For mums who work: The breast pump will quickly become your best friend. Pumping does take a bit of practice, so rent both manual and electric pumps before purchasing one and try hand expressing milk for a few minutes to increase your flow.

In some situations, you may need to pump at work. By law, employers are obligated to give Australian mums time and a comfortable space in which to pump, like in your office or a conference room.

  • For mums out and about: Many public spaces now have designated areas for breastfeeding. If you’re concerned about being somewhere that doesn’t have one of these breastfeeding “pods”, plan your day so that you end up at home or a friend’s house for a good 30 to 60 minutes for feeding.

Experiment with different holds

Breastfeeding while lounging on the couch is one thing. But breastfeeding in less comfortable public places can immediately result in sore shoulders, a throbbing neck, and a painful back.

The cradle hold is a classic, but it may not be the kindest for your body if you’re sitting on a hard park bench or out on the lawn.

  • Football hold: This “clutch” hold is great for mums who have had a c-section, have large breasts, or who have a smaller or premature baby.
  • Laid-back hold: A good position for mums with smaller breasts, this hold allows your baby to lie tummy-to-tummy in almost any position.

Keep track of your breasts

Don’t trust your memory when it comes to which breast your bubs fed from last. There are a number of apps available that can help you keep track, or you can try one of the oldest tricks in the book: the hair tie.

Chances are you’ll need a hair tie to keep your bub’s wandering, grabbing hands from pulling fistfuls of your hair while you feed anyway. Put one hair tie on your wrist to pull your hair back, and keep another one on your wrist for feeding. Alternate which wrist it’s on to coincide with which breast you should be feeding from next.

Plan your maternity clothes

Privacy and discretion are two things breastfeeding mums crave when nursing their babies. Instead of placing a blankie over your child’s head (which many babies won’t tolerate), struggling with the neckline of your top, or fiddling with clasps on your bra, invest in your comfort by purchasing some good quality breastfeeding attire.

  • Nursing bra. The nursing bra is a lifesaver for breastfeeding mums. Well designed breastfeeding bras provide fast access to the breast, offer support to your breasts, and Peachymama bamboo nursing bras will wick away wetness which will keep your breasts comfortable and your skin healthy.
  • Nursing attire. Button-up tops and wrap dresses are cost-effective maternity attire options. Peachymama breastfeeding clothing gives mums an alternative option for those times they may be attending a wedding, heading off to a work conference, or who appreciate having a more extensive, stylish breastfeeding wardrobe.

Our final tip: never be afraid to reach out and get help. Breastfeeding may be natural, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. Talk about it with loved ones and other mamas, and don’t forget to pay a visit to your GP or a lactation consultant for further advice.

Photo by Julie Johnson on Unsplash

Further Reading:

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/working-mothers-breastfeeding-tips#2

https://www.hygeiahealth.com/blog/simple-breastfeeding-tips-busy-mom/

 

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