Nursing Survival Tips :: Third Time’s a Charm {Sponsored Lansinoh Giveaway}

Disclosure :: this is a sponsored post, but given that several of us on the New Orleans Moms Blog team – as well as dozens of our readers – choose to breastfeed, we simply could not pass up the opportunity for one of you to win a Lansinoh pump!

The Decision to Breastfeed (Or, In My Case, Pump)

{If you’re interested in a variety of nursing experiences, be sure to check out our sponsored Feeding Journeys series we ran in April 2013}

Making the choice to breastfeed your baby is not always an easy one. Through two very different nursing experiences I’ve learned a lot and feel ready for my upcoming journey with number three. Initially with my first son, I was sure that I was going to breastfeed. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind. Little did I know that only moments after he was born the challenges would begin. The doctor placed my son in my arms and told me that I could try to nurse him, if I wanted to. Of course I wanted to! Only, I could not get him to latch. It was then that the nurse advised me that I had inverted nipples and that nursing was going to be an uphill battle. Boy was she right. My son lost more than the recommended amount of weight in his first week, and his jaundice was getting worse because he wasn’t getting the milk that he needed. It was at his 1 week appointment with his pediatrician that I learned the value and benefits of a good breast pump. And thus, our journey began.

Since latching was an issue for us, I spent a good deal of time pumping before and after each feeding session. I relied so much on my pump in those first months,and I wouldn’t have been able to continue nursing if not for my pump. Even though I needed the pump to help me get a good latch, there are so many other reasons that all moms, not just those with a latch issue, will need a pump.

There will be times when your baby doesn’t take a full feed. Often something as simple as a stuffy nose can derail nursing and affect your supply. Rather than suffering with full breasts or worse, through a clogged duct, you can simply pump a few ounces and save it for that feeding where you don’t seem to have enough to satisfy baby’s hunger. There are so many reasons that – as an experienced pumping mom – I would recommend the Lansinoh Signature Pro. I like that it allows you to pump directly into a bottle that you can either use to feed the baby OR store for later use. Also, it has a screen with timer so you know exactly how long you’ve been pumping, which is a lifesaver when you’re a busy mom. Having a reliable pump will make your nursing journey much easier.

So You’ve Decided to Breastfeed (or Pump) … What Else?! 

In addition to the pump there are a few accessories and tid-bits of advice that can make your journey more enjoyable. The most important of which is to give yourself grace. Don’t go into nursing thinking that you HAVE to be exclusive or that it’s going to be easy. I recommend starting with an open mind. This is going to be a journey, and you’ll have good days and bad days. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your lactation consultant for support.

Recommended Nursing Supplies 

Before you have your baby, be prepared. There are a handful of items that you’ll need from the start. First, you’ll need to find a water bottle that you can access and drink from with one hand. I absolutely love my Lifefactory glass water bottle. You can easily find them at Whole Foods. Expect to feel extremely thirsty from the start, and don’t expect it to go away. Once you’ve conquered your thirst, you’ll need a nursing cover if you’re shy in public. There are so many to choose from, but I like the ones with an open neckline that allow you to see the baby while you nurse. My favorite is by Bebe au Lait. Now, it’s not fun, but you’ll need cream to help soothe your delicate nipple area. Without a doubt you’ll need Lansinoh Lanolin Cream; this is the best product to prevent cracks and super dry skin. Finally, get a soother and breast pads. A soother will feel like heaven when you’re tender in the beginning. Whether it’s hot or cold, at this point in your life, it’s better than a day at the spa! The breast pads are a little less luxurious; those are  just to keep your milk from leaking through your shirt and making a huge mess, but they’re also crucial.

New Orleans Nursing Resources

Here at New Orleans Moms Blog we are thrilled to offer you several resources that will help you through your experience.

• Leaving the hospital can be scary. If you’re looking for additional in home support, we love our sponsor Nurse Nikki. She is a registered nurse who is dedicated to all things baby and nursing. She is a fountain of knowledge and will help put your mind at ease in no time.
• Whether you’re expecting or already nursing your baby, our friends and sponsors at Zuka Baby offer a large variety of nursing products. They carry everything from nursing covers to breastfeeding supplements. If you’re getting ready for baby or struggling with any nursing problem, chances are good they’ll have something to help.
• The La Leche League is a non-profit organization that offers education, support and encouragement to nursing and expectant mothers. It meets at Zuka Baby and is run by none other than our contributor Courtney.
• And finally, here is a link to all of the wonderful content that our contributors have posted about their nursing experiences.

Here’s the exciting news! New Orleans Moms Blog and our sponsors Lansinoh are excited to help one lucky reader start their nursing journey on the right foot by giving away one Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric Breast Pump (retail value $149.99). While the giveaway is for a pump, we are all huge fans of Lansinoh’s products in general and strongly encourage you to check them out for your nursing needs!

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