Nursing your baby is not an easy job. Everyone makes it seem effortless and a natural process, you’re supposed to know how to do it. But as a Savannah Newborn Photographer and mom of two, I’ve had lots of experience with trying to nurse my children. I’ve had lots of successes and some failures. Always keep in mind, that whether you decide that nursing is for you or not, a happy fed baby is the most crucial part.
I had a rough time nursing my first child and eventually decided formula would make me a happier and a more capable mom. When I became pregnant with my second child, I didn't even want to nurse her, because of the bad experience I had with my first baby. She naturally just started nursing right after birth, and I gave it a try, ending up having a super beautiful nursing relationship with my sweet baby.
Here are a few things I learned that helped me along the way.
It’s ok to ask for help.
If you give birth at a hospital or birth center, there are typically lactation consultants available on staff to help and answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask. Both you and your baby are learning how to nurse.
My sweet friend Christina (right in picture below) from Latch onto Health is a doula and lactation consultant. She offered to give you some tips during our newborn photography session in RIchmond Hill, Georgia if her schedule lines up with mine. Please let me know, if you would like to take advantage of this sweet offer, so I can contact her in time.
There’s also the Savannah Baby Cafe if you need help nursing. Please see this video for more information about their services in our area. If you aren’t local, you can look on the main website for a group local to you.
“It doesn't hurt.”
Not true. Most woman experience pain in the beginning. It can take a moment to get used to breastfeeding, but once you get used to it, the soreness goes away. If you experience intense sharp pain, I recommend talking to your doctor. There could be lots of reasons why you're in pain and getting help can get to the root of the problem.
Nipple Cream is your best friend.
I once slacked on the nipple cream. Bad decision. After that, I made sure I always had some with me. My favorite is Lasinoh lanolin. I tried other creams that aren’t animal-based, but they didn’t work for me. Nipple cream keeps your nipples from drying, cracking, and bleeding.
Meet your best friend’s best friend, nursing pads.
Leaking isn’t fun. Along with my trusty tube of lanolin, I also kept nursing pads with me. There are the disposable kind as well as re-usable cloth options.
A good nursing bra is like hitting the jackpot.
Do yourself a favor and buy a nursing bra. I preferred underwired ones, they just made me feel so much more comfortable. Investing in a good nursing bra was well worth it. European or Australian brands are great, too, like Cake Lingerie, if you’re having trouble finding ones that work.
So here they are, my breastfeeding tips, the things that worked best for me.
Andrea Krey, one of Savannah newborn photographers, serves the greater Savannah area and specializes in maternity, newborns, and babies. Click here if you’re interested in booking a session.
