Mum hacks to make breastfeeding a little easier

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a mum can do and we all know that breast milk is the best and most nutritious thing for our little ones. All that being said, it doesn’t always mean that breastfeeding is the easiest thing in the world. Here are some little tips and tricks that have helped us along the way.

Create a breastfeeding epicentre

Make your go-to breastfeeding location ready for any eventuality. Sneak a nutritious protein bar or snack down the sofa for when you’re desperately hungry and can’t move. Make sure all your TV remotes are always within reach so you can catch up with your favourite box set, whilst baby is happily suckling away. Keep a spare muslin or two to hand for any spillages. And, definitely have your trusted nipple cream available for when you need it post feed.

Invest in a breastfeeding pillow

Finding that elusive comfy position that works for you and your baby is very much trial and error. Using a specially designed breastfeeding pillow can make a difference and stop those awkward moments where you’re hunched over numerous pillows and your arm is aching trying to hold your baby in place.

Make sure you are able to feed yourself

This may sound silly, but breastfeeding can leave you one-handed, which means it’s difficult to use a knife and fork and eat food normally. Meals and snacks that you can eat with your fingers (think toast cut into manageable, bite-size squares) or with a spoon or fork are a life saver. It’s important for mums to eat healthily whilst breastfeeding so you transfer vital nutrients to your babies. You don’t want to be skipping meals just because you’re breastfeeding and can’t actually eat what your partner might have lovingly prepared for you.

Have a big bottle of water within reach

Breastfeeding is thirsty work. Like being able to feed yourself, having a big bottle of water to hand will make it much easier for you to re-hydrate. This means you won't risk disturbing your baby by trying to reach for a glass of water, having just found the perfect breastfeeding position.

It’s important for mums to eat healthily whilst breastfeeding so you transfer vital nutrients to your babies.

Use a breastfeeding app

In the middle of the night, or day for that matter, it is so easy to forget which side you’ve fed from and for how long. Keeping things even can help prevent issues such as mastitis, which is terribly painful. Thankfully, there are a number of good apps available so you can record all aspects of your breastfeeding routine there and then, via your phone. Some also track things like nappy changes which is really important in the very early days with your newborn.

We hope you found these hacks useful. If you did, why not share them with some of your mamma friends. We’d love to hear about any top hacks that have made your lives easier whilst breastfeeding, so please get in touch. You can also check out our blog, for more tips on the best breastfeeding food and drinks for mums and babies.