Aug 10

10 Tips & Things to Have as a Nursing Mother + Giveaway

post featured image

A few readers and fellow mamas have requested a post about nursing and nursing wear, so in leu of National Breastfeeding Month I thought I would share what worked well for me the past 12 months. AND giveaway my favorite nursing cover from Covered Goods. Read on for more….
1. Don’t be surprised if it hurts (at first)
Breastfeeding hurts in the beginning. Your nipples are cracked and raw, your boobs are sore and letdowns can be painful at times. Just remember the first several weeks are the hardest. I remember thinking, will I ever be able to shower again without putting a washcloth over my nipples. 
2. Moisturize those nipples. 
I used Lanolin nipple ointment like it was going out of style. Thank god for amazon prime and two day shipping since I never left the house in the beginning. 
3. Practice makes perfect (well sort of)
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming (as Nemo would say) Just keep nursing, just keep nursing. Don’t let a bad feeding get you down.  Get support from other nursing moms, get online for support groups, or visit a lactation specialist. I did all of those. Whatever it takes to get you through the tough spots. 
4. Invest in some comfy nursing tanks and bras! (you will be living in them)
This is a no brainer. These three bras I wore in rotation non-stop: sports nursing bra, more supportive nursing bra, boob design nursing bra. Nursing tanks were also something I wore non-stop. Think v-neck tees, stretchy tanks, button down shirts-all these are great for easy access. 
5. Make sure you are eating enough and eating the right things! 
It is so easy in the beginning to be consumed with everything baby and forget to take care of yourself.  You may forget to eat or drink which can harm your supply. You need all the extra calories and fluids.  I love Oat Mama’s bars for a good an easy snack or meal. Oat mama bars are packed with healthy nuts, oats, berries all that you need to keep your supply up. I love the fact they are egg free, wheat free, soy free, dairy free in  case of any allergies.
I also took Fenugreek, which is a natural supplement that may increase milk supply. You can find it on Amazon or at Walgreens or CVS. 
6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! 
It’s so important to drink plenty of water! I used this water bottle and drank a full one first thing when I woke up, then aim to drink 2-3 more throughout the day.
7.  Pump, pump pump!
I had issues with my supply in the beginning. I went from being basketball size engorged to having no milk. In the beginning it takes time to establish a supply and it’s all about supply and demand. The first couple weeks my supply was low, Sutton would get frustrated and stop nursing. Therefore my boobs weren’t being told to make more milk so I had to pump to tell my body to make more. Once I started gaining more of a supply, I keep up my pumping and would pump every morning after her first nursing and then once in the evening and once more at 4am-so a total of three times a day in addition to her nursing. Doing so I created a major stock supply of milk. At one point my whole deep freeze was full of milk. This also gave me the freedom to go out on a date or go on work trips and I had plenty of milk at home for Sutton. I stopped pumping at around 7 months and stopped nursing all together just short of Sutton’s first birthday. I still have my freezer stocked full of milk and am grateful I can still offer her breastmilk. 
Here is the pump I used that worked well for me. Check to see if your insurance covers the cost of your breast pump.
8. Make Sure You are Comfortable When Nursing
Ways to ensure comfort while breasting:
-Have someone help you get positioned early on as you are trying to get the hang of things. My mom helped me so much with this, she was an OB/GYN nurse for 30 years, so I was very lucky to have her. Ask your nurse at the hospital, they are there to help!  I ended up liking the football hold for one side and the cradle hold for another. 
-Make sure the baby is latched correctly so that it doesn’t cause discomfort for you. A nurse or lactation consultant can help. I would suggest to master the latch before leaving the hospital, you have the experts there to help so take advantage. Request the lactation consultant and nurses to help. 
-Use a supportive pillow to nurse. I tried several different ones and this one from Bebe Au Lait was my favorite. 
-Consider a good foot rest and comfortable chair. I remember shopping for one and I couldn’t get over how expensive they were! However, it was worth every penny. I spent to many hours and nights in that chair. I did get a neutral colored one so I can use for next baby’s nursery and not have to buy another. 
9. Get a good nursing cover. 
Want to know the oddest place I nursed? It was in a gymnasium on bleachers during a wedding. It was not the easiest but Sutton was only one month old and I had to. Having a good nursing cover makes all the different. The Covered Goods nursing cover is by far my favorite. First of all, it doesn’t just cover the front of me but it covers the back too. With other covers I often felt exposed on my sides and back as I nurse. The one covers all sides and your back. With Sutton moving around and grabbing at things, I felt reassured that I will still remained covered. It is also extremely comfortable, made of soft, stretchy fabric. The stretchy fabric allows for it to be worn multiple ways. Plus it can be used as a carseat cover, scarf and shopping cart cover! All nursing moms need one. See how to win one below! 
10. Be Willing to Admit that Nursing Sucks sometimes!
Although breastfeeding can be an amazing bonding experience with your infant, at times it down right SUCKS…literally! That is why it is so important to have a strong support system and remember WHY you are breastfeeding your baby. 
*It is the best nutrition for your baby.
*You are boosting your baby’s immune system with antibodies now and down the road!
*You may be increasing your baby’s IQ
*You are creating a special bonding experience for your baby. 
*You may be decreasing your child’s risk of SIDS
*You may be decreasing your child’s risk for obesity later in life. 
The list goes on!! 
Breastfeeding was one of the hardest and best things I have ever done. Give it a chance…even a fighting chance. If things don’t end up working out the way you planned, know that you are still a great mother with your baby’s best interest in mind! 
And last but not least the giveaway details for the Covered Goods nursing cover. To enter all you need to do is follow @cellajaneblog and @coveredgoods on instagram, and comment below letting me know you entered! Giveaway ends Wednesday 08/12 at 11:59 PM CST and winner will be announced via instagram! 

xxBecky

RELATED Posts

Leave a Comment!

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Following both!

    I have heard great things about Covered Goods and would love one…. my little one and I really struggle with the public feeding thing as he is just all over the place. Sigh. Haha!

  2. I tried to comment but it didn't show after I submitted it. :/ so if you get it twice sorry! I entered the giveaway! Love my covered goods cover and want to gift one to my big sis if I win. She's inspired me as a mom and with breastfeeding. Support is another huge factor in breastfeeding along with great products ๐Ÿ˜‰

  3. I entered!!! Several of these have been my life savers the last 4 months with my daughter. I absolutely LOVE covered goods and I really want to gift my big sister with one. She's having her second baby in October and isn't much of a social media guru so I'd like to enter on her behalf. She's really inspired me as a mom and helped encourage me through the first weeks of breastfeeding even though we live 750 miles apart.

  4. Wonderful post. I love hearing helpful tips for when my son arrives in November. The covered goods nursing cover would make me more comfortable nursing in public. @staco (instagram)

  5. Following both! This would be absolutely amazing for my baby! I have been wanting one of these so bad! I would be ecstatic to win this nursing cover! Thanks for the tips and this opportunity! Instagram @jillmhudson

  6. I would Loooove one of these covers! I am a lactation counselor/childbirth educator/RN and breastfeeding mama. I would love this to share with my students/new parents ….most of whom are anxious about nursing in public!

  7. I entered! (as @mindtrek ). That pattern you are wearing for the cover is so cute! As is the cover of the nursing pillow… That will definitely be going on my wish list!

  8. I entered! ๐Ÿ™‚ my Instagram account is @laurenybug (not sure if you need to check!)
    Great post! My first baby girl should be arriving any day now and I am a whole mix of emotions, but I am hopefully that breastfeeding works out well for us!

  9. Following both on Instagram as Trishj66 I nursed my first though it was difficult and I'm hoping the second time round it will be easier. Thank you for the tips!

  10. Great post!! I remember its not the easiest of task as a new mommy. But I loved every minute of it with my first 3 and look forward to it when my new babes comes in a few months. I wish I had a covered goods when I had them. I entered and would love to win!!

  11. These are great tips! My son is 6 months old and we are still EBFing. It gets so much better the longer you keep at it. The first month really stunk. Also I entered the giveaway! I would love a nursing cover as my son is starting to get interested in pulling off the blanket I use when nursing in public.

  12. Nursing rocks! It's such a special thing. Please choose me! I would love to have a good nursing cover for my little girl and I. Love your blog and Instagram!

  13. Following both! @karenhdzglz
    Great advice for a soon to be FTM ๐Ÿ™‚
    We're expecting our little one this week!!! Maybe next, if she's stubborn! Lol

  14. I entered! One of my best friends loves Covered Goods + I've really wanted to try their nursing cover!

  15. I've been wanting a nursing cover like this since nursing baby number one. Pregnant with baby number three now.
    Following both IG accounts.
    IG: melindablodgett

  16. Great tips! I breastfed my first for a good year and really did love it. Yes, it was hard in the beginning, but so worth it. Now I'm due with number 2 and feeling way more nervous about breastfeeding. I think it's because I didn't know what was coming when I had my first. But what I do know is that I had amazing support and that's what got me through! Thanks for the opportunity to win one of these covers! I'm following you and @coveredgoods on insta as @hkaupert ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. I entered! And this advice is just perfect! I sent it to my sweet pregnant sister-in-law. If I win the giveaway I'll have to go ahead and buy another one so we can both have one! ๐Ÿ™‚

  18. I've entered! I couldn't agree more with what you said about breastfeeding. It was a struggle at first, then we both got the hang of it, then he got into his "distracted by everything" stage. In the end it's sweet and rewarding, especially when he smiles or blows raspberries ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. I've entered! I couldn't agree more with what you said about breastfeeding. It was a struggle at first, then we both got the hang of it, then he got into his "distracted by everything" stage. In the end it's sweet and rewarding, especially when he smiles or blows raspberries ๐Ÿ™‚

  20. Thank you for your tips! I am a first time mom due in October. I would love to have a nice cover to make the experience enjoyable for me and my baby!

  21. Thanks for the sweet tips! We have a baby girl due in a couple months & I just told my hubby… no matter what don't let me give up on nursing! I know it will be amazing, but also totally suck at times. Lol) No joke we were literally just talking/I was telling him (haha) about these pretty nursing covers that I forgot to register for! I would so LOVE to be able to win one from amaze Covered Goods! Thanks so much ya'll! xo P/S I totally pinned your tips for when I get discouraged, thanks mama.)

    Followed via Instagram (@happyjax)

  22. Thanks for the tips! I'm expecting a baby girl in November and am looking for all the advice I can get on breastfeeding. I entered the giveaway. Fingers crossed!!

  23. I'm having twins in November and am determined to exclusively brest feed! Although I know it won't be easy I know it will be worth it! I've had my eye on covered goods nursing cover for a while now and know it will make at least one aspect of nursing easier (and stylish!). Fingers crossed!
    Thanks!

  24. Entered! I've been eyeing that nursing cover for a long time! I know it will be a game changer when this baby is born!

  25. These are amazing tips! Thank you so much for helping me prepare for my first little baby! I would love to win the covered goods nursing cover!!!

  26. I love this!! My two best friends and I are all expecting our first little ones within just a couple months of each other!! Breastfeeding is what we are most nervous about! Thanks for this blog post! So helpful :). I entered the contest @abailey13 ๐Ÿ™‚

  27. Thank you so much! Kid you not, I am in labor right now as the pitocin runs through me! Entered for sure!

  28. Such helpful information! My daughter-in-law is expecting her first child and planning to nurse. I can't wait to share your blog with her. Thank you. Following both in Instagram. Please enter me in the giveaway.

  29. It does hurt!! But it really gets so much better. By 6 weeks it was easy and fine. I followed both accounts to enter! Thanks!!

  30. It does hurt!! But it really gets so much better. By 6 weeks it was easy and fine. I followed both accounts to enter! Thanks!!

  31. Following both on Instagram!! (IG: r_mitchell25) I'm so fortunate to be able to nurse my little man (my first babe) and absolutely love doing it! Would love to have a cover with full coverage like this one though, he's starting to get a little grabby with the cover! : )

  32. so refreshing to read an honest view of nursing! it is hard and it does suck sometimes!… but SO worth it! i've been dying to get a covered goods for my #3 due on thanksgiving! following both! @kelnicbow

  33. Thanks for the tips! I am on week 1 1/2 of nursing and it is stressful at times! ? I follow both you and Covered Goods!
    Instagram: mollieannj

  34. I seriously just heard about covered goods a week ago from a friend. I really can't wait to get one. We got rid of everything after our last baby cause we wanted to be done… Well here we are again completely starting over! We are excited and nervous! Thanks for the nursing tips as well….I really really hate nursing so every tip helps! Hope to win ๐Ÿ™‚

  35. I've entered! Thanks for the awesome tips. I am due in October with my third, hoping breastfeeding is smoother this time around.
    @ahillxoxo (instgram)

  36. Pinning this for future reference. I'm a first time mom, due in October, and reading posts like these give me the motivation to do everything in my power to be successful at breastfeeding. I'm a little nervous but would much rather be told of the challenges than to hear the sugar coated version.
    @janetolivas on IG

  37. Following both! Hoping to win on my baby girl's birthdAy – I'm having a csection on weds!! Hoping my BF journey lasts longer with this second try. Love these gorgeous covers!

  38. I entered (@c.walton)!! Thanks for the great suggestions!! I definitely think I'll have to try out the Oat Mama Bars along with the Covered Goods nursing cover if I win!! ๐Ÿ˜€

  39. I entered the give way & enjoyed all your comments on breastfeeding and wish I had one of these cover ups this past weekend. I attended a three day convention where I had to walk to a nursing room only to find no space and have to sit on the floor to nurse my 4 month old princess. I plan on nursing her minimally until she is a year old but considering doing that until she's two. Hoping for a win ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ

  40. Im following both just entered! Thanks for all of the great tips on breastfeeding. I'm due in december and know this cover will come in handy, plus it's really cute! ?

  41. Following both! I'm due in about 3 weeks and know this cover will come in handy, plus it's really cute! Thanks for all the tips on breastfeeding!

  42. I would LOVE this cover for baby #2 due in February. We will be on the go with big sister and lots more public nursing than with my first. This is BEAUTIFUL! And multifunctional! I'm sold.

  43. Entered and following! (IG: Gingerpocalypse) I going in to be induced tonight and I've been wanting one of these covers! Good luck everyone!!

  44. I entered with fingers crossed!! Due with my rainbow baby boy in early October and hoping I can breastfeed him as long as possible! ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ

  45. Entered! After having 2 kids I feel there is no better way to bond than being able to breast feed. My biggest difficulty has been doing so in public so a good nursing cover makes all the difference in the world! (IG: kelseynichole)

  46. I just entered! I love what you wrote about breastfeeding. I am due in four weeks with my first and I'm nervous and excited to breastfeed. Your post was very helpful. And I would love a Covered Goods cover! IG: emmikatherine

  47. I just put a comment on here but I don't see it?? ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ hopefully I am entered! Thank you for sharing these tips and tricks!!

  48. Entered! Due with my second in 3 weeks and would love one! Great post! I exclusively pumped with my first so I'm both nervous and (so) excited to nurse this babe. ๐Ÿ™‚

  49. These are all great tips! I had my 4th baby girl 4 weeks ago and so far so good on the breastfeeding. I have learned something new about breastfeeding with each baby. It is so important to have that support system and to not be afraid to ask questions and ask for help. It would be amazing to win a Covered Goods nursing cover. So wish I had one with all my other babies.

  50. I'm expecting my first so soaking up every tip and trick I can get! Following with user name bethmc28

  51. Just entered! Love the tips. I am two months in with my first little and we are finally to a place where nursing is comfortable. Wanting a covered goods cover so bad!

  52. I entered! Baby #3 (but first boy!) is coming any day now and I've had my eye on a covered goods cover for a while now! ๐Ÿ™‚

  53. I followed both accounts! Great advice! I am expecting a little princess in less than 30 days! This cover would be a blessing!

    Thank you!

    Nicole

  54. Entered! As I am pregnant with my first, I SO appreciate all of these tips!! We are planning to travel to and attend a wedding just a month after baby boy is due, so the covered goods nursing cover definitely just made it to my list of necessities!! Thank you!

  55. Love your blog! Great tips & so TRUE! I have been successfully nursing my baby for 11months (and still going) AND I'm PREGNANT! My supply is going down due to Charlotte eating more solids so I'm hoping to at least make it until her 1st birthday on the 31st ? I am so excited to continue my nursing with baby #2 in January! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a covered goods nursing cover! I hope I win the giveaway so baby #2 and I can get to nurse in peace and feel secure & covered! I love nursing &I love covered goods & your blog! Following both of you! God Bless & thank you for the opportunity! ??????
    -Alyssa

  56. Hello! ๐Ÿ™‚ I LOVE your blog! I am following both IG accounts! My IG is "helenishappy" and I am a first time mommy of a 7 week old girl. The biggest issue I also have with nursing covers is feeling exposed from the sides and back, so I am praying, wishing, and hoping dearly I will be the recipient of the Covered Goods nursing cover! ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO Have a great day!

  57. Wonderful post!! Thank you for sharing some great tips! Following both accounts on IG. @lorenaholgate

  58. Wonderful post!! Thank you for sharing some great tips! Following both accounts on IG. @lorenaholgate

  59. I entered! I'm pregnant with my second baby. Nursing didn't go over so well the first time.. I'm hoping it's better this time around! Thanks for the tips and awesome giveaway! My name is Morgan Manns on IG

  60. Great advice! I shared your page with a friend who wants to try breastfeeding her second for longer than she was able to with her first. ๐Ÿ™‚

    And I follow both on Instagram with @melissah.33. Thanks!

  61. Entered! Nursing is a job but it's great! I'd love a cover like this my son can't tear off!! @runoneaglewings

  62. I'm entered! I give Covered Goods nursing covers to all my friends as shower gifts now. I didn't know about them until I had already given up on Breastfeeding after a difficult first month and switched to pumping. However, it was a huge blessing for pumping! Road trips, planes, at my in-laws – I used it as much as I would have if I had been nursing. I'm due with baby #2 in September and looking forward to a second try at breastfeeding. Thanks for the tips!

    • Note: My name on Instagram is "Jenna Schmidt". Apparently I never update my google account so my name appeared as "Jenna Burdett" when posting. Oops!

  63. Only 2 months into my nursing journey and I loved your tips! I'm following both you and covered goods as @malpal0801

  64. awesome tips!! wish I had done more research and tried harder the 1st time around! but with baby #2, I'm determined to give it 110%! this cover would help with modesty while in public too! I hope I win ?
    instagram: gailwoodworthmorgan

  65. Entered and following!!! Would love this for nursing my 8 week old baby girl! Great post! Couldn't have said it better Instagram: mnr_1810

  66. Entered and following!!! Would love this for nursing my 8 week old baby girl! Great post! Couldn't have said it better Instagram: mnr_1810

  67. Great tips! I do all except sit in a comfy chair. It's time to invest is something cozy and cute! Following both lovely accounts. ig: jarispy

  68. This is a great post! I found breastfeeding really, really tough in the beginning. I'd sit there and try & try and cry & say "I hate this. How do women do this?" And I was unwilling to give up. And it turned out, I still dread the feeling of my milk letting down and my son is 6 months old – to me it's like nails on a chalkboard. But it's all SO worth it! My boy is doing great & I don't have to worry about the ingredients in formula!
    I lovelovelove @CoveredGoods! I'm entered & would love a new cover ๐Ÿ™‚

  69. Great advice! Loved nursing my daughter but she was such a wiggle warm the nursing cover I used only covered the front, would love to win the contest to get the coveredgoods cover before my baby boy is due in just 8 short weeks ? I'm sure covering the front and back helps a ton! My Instagram is @brookie320

  70. I entered! @lkguge

    I'm currently breastfeeding my 3 week old. It hasn't been easy and we're dealing with an oversupply/fast let-down issue but I know it will be worth it in the long run! And it is great bonding time.

  71. Entered! Thank you for all of the awesome tips. I'm due with my first in just four weeks so can use all the tips I can get ๐Ÿ™‚

  72. Entered! Thank you for all these wonderful tips and tricks. I am having my third baby in October and I can say breastfeeding is different with each baby. With my first after it came pretty natural and we had a few difficulties, but with my second baby we had trouble all the way through 9 months when I had to with to formula because my son was just not gaining weight.

  73. Done! Breastfeeding was so much harder than I imagined it was going to be. My third was the hardest. I got mastitis the it cut my milk supply in half! But we are still going strong.

    Thanks!
    Katherine

  74. I'm in my 3rd month of BFing. Thanks for sharing your great tips and for introducing coveredgoods to me. I entered the contest as well. ๐Ÿ™‚

  75. I'm in my 3rd month of BFing. Thanks for sharing your great tips and for introducing coveredgoods to me. I entered the contest as well. ๐Ÿ™‚

  76. Entered! As a first time mama I found this post both helpful and encouraging. I want to breastfeed as long as possible and it isn't easy so any advice like this makes it seem possible!

  77. Entered! As a first time mama I found this post both helpful and encouraging. I want to breastfeed as long as possible and it isn't easy so any advice like this makes it seem possible!

  78. Entered! ๐Ÿ™‚ All these tips are right on point! I'm currently nursing baby #2 after having a poor experience with my first, thank you! ๐Ÿ˜€

  79. I entered! I am pregnant with my 4th! And I have never had a nursing cover that I really liked! Would love to win and try this out! Thanks for the tips…. IG: miabbbrown4

  80. Hello! I would like to enter this contest. I'm going to be a mom for a second time and nursing is what I miss most about the "baby days". I look sooooo forward to being able to connect and bond with my new little.

  81. I entered! @themrsmomma

    I nursed my oldest for 16 months before I got pregnant with my second. I breastfed my second child for almost 3 years! She just weaned herself and I MISS it so much! A friend of mine is expecting her first baby and she is wanting to breastfeed. I'm so excited for her because she has been asking me for tips and I'm looking forward for her experience with nursing. This would make an awesome baby shower gift ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thanks for a chance, xoxo

  82. Thank you so much for the tips and tricks (& not sugar coating breast feeding! It's nice to here the struggles as well) & of course I entered the giveaway!

  83. I entered! We just welcomed our third baby 4 days ago, and I got rid of my old nursing cover so this would be so wonderful- and so cute!! You are right on with all of your tips- even the third time around! ?

  84. Entered as @lydeeah !!!
    I have 2 and I hope to win this for my best friend that's due in one month!
    Encourage breastfeeding ( in style & comfort )

  85. Entered! Even though my first was a struggle to get going, I can not wait to nurse #2, due on Feb. Hopefully with a Covered Goods ๐Ÿ˜‰

  86. I entered!! My little girl is almost 6 weeks old and as much as I love being able to breastfeed her, it has not been easy! Thank you for these great tips! I would love a great nursing cover from covered goods. It would be so helpful for when i start back to work in a few weeks!

  87. Thanks for the tips. It's only been almost 4 weeks but nursing has not been the easiest. It is getting better bet have yet to find a good cover. Just like coveredgoods as wellโ˜บ๏ธ

  88. Great tips! I've loved nursing my baby girl…the bonding is so special. I've been keeping an eye out for the best nursing cover. This looks awesome!