1. Boppy Mom Tip #1
Pillows, including nursing pillows should never be used for sleeping. For additional information and safe sleep tips, go to www.firstcandle.org.
2. Sleep Trumps All
Given the choice to clean out your freezer or catch a few zzzzs, put all your eggs into the sleep basket. You, your baby, and the rest of your family will thank you.
3. Call Sooner (Rather than later)
Call your insurance provider today and find out what breastfeeding support and supplies they cover. An online resource to help you get started is www.hhs.gov/healthcare/rights
4. Be Patient
Be prepared to be on the phone for a while. The helpful representative might not be as intimately familiar with the words “lactation” or “breast pump” as you are.
5. Document
Write down when you call, who you speak to, and the instructions given. And always ask that they email you the instructions or mail you documentation for the next steps to get the lactation support you deserve.
6. Back Up Plan
Losing your milk supply over red tape isn’t worth it. Just in case you do not get your breast pump right away, make a contingency plan like renting a pump. Keep milk flowing and, of course, keep all receipts.
7. Lactation Support
If you get home from the hospital and realize you need additional breastfeeding support, call in an expert. Most insurance plans now cover lactation counseling so you can meet your breastfeeding goals.
8. What’s in it for me?
Breastfeeding benefits baby, but here are some benefits just for you:
- Releases hormones in your body that promote mothering behavior
- Returns your uterus to the size it was before pregnancy more quickly
- Burns more calories, which may help you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy
- Delays the return of your menstrual period to help keep iron in your body
- Reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer
- Keeps bones strong, which helps protect against bone fractures in older age
9. Baby’s Tummy Size
Knowing approximately how big baby’s stomach is the first few weeks can make you feel more at ease about the frequency of feeding required for newborns – typically every 2 hours for those first few days. Since food is always top of mind, here is an easy guideline to baby’s tummy size.
- Days 1 – 2 – Cherry
- Days 3 – 4 – Walnut
- Days 5 – 6 – Lime
- 7 days – 3 weeks – Egg
10. Diaper Duty
Changing diapers is obviously great for baby. But did you know it can help you too? Tracking wet diapers those first few days can assure you that baby is getting enough breast milk.
11. The Right Support
Regardless of the position you choose to feed, proper support is encouraged to ensure a good latch. Any lactation consultant (LC) will tell you without a good latch, nipple pain could occur. Not good.
Get a nursing pillow and make your LC your new BFF.
12. Right or Left?
Tracking which breast your baby nursed from first is important to track. Who knew? Switching breasts keeps milk flow consistent between both breasts.
This can easily be done with a tracking reminder on your nursing pillow or nursing cover. However you choose to track it, have a system so it is one less thing to worry about in the middle of the night.
13. Food, Glorious Food
Keep the calories up after birth. Moms that breastfeed need about 500 more calories per day than moms who don’t. Bon Appetit!
14. Partner Power
Partners can help you stay hydrated, bring snacks and provide supplies while you are nursing. It’s the osmosis effect. You get cared for by your partner, which in turn benefits your baby. Win win.
15. Take Cover
You take your nursing cover when you’re out and about, but keep it handy at home too. Family and friends will want to see you and might stay long enough to require you to nurse a few times. Don’t miss out on the action and hide in another room. Enjoy your company while nursing. Look at you, you are already multitasking.
16. Stick with it
Even though breastfeeding is natural, it takes practice and patience. Be consistent and gather resources that can help you if needed. Don’t overlook the benefits of nipple cream.
17. Going Back To Work
Going back to work can be hard for everyone. Planning ahead can help make the transition easier. Allow someone else to feed the baby, leave your baby with the caregiver for a short practice session, practice pumping and give yourself plenty of time that first morning so you are not rushed.
18. Car Seat Safety
Hospitals are required by law to verify that you have a car seat to bring baby home. Make sure it is installed properly by visiting HealthyChildren.org. They even have a video for you.
19. Tummy Time
At four months pediatricians recommend 30 minutes of tummy time each day. A feeding and infant support pillow with versatility options for nursing, propping, tummy time, and sitting up will have you covered as baby grows.
20. Read Now, Rewards Later
Go ahead, start reading to your newborn right away. Your baby will learn quickly that reading is a fun activity you can do together for years to come.
21. Take a Seat
Let your baby sit up and see the world in a baby chair that grows with them.
The Boppy® Baby Chair can be used on the floor or strapped to a chair as a booster – and folds for easy transport. Now that’s the ticket to the best seat in the house.
22. Getting out of the House
Whether it is your newborn’s first pediatrician appointment or just a visit with family or friends, getting out of your house is a major accomplishment. Plan ahead if you can and always allow yourself extra time.
23. Every Baby is Unique
Just like you. So don’t fall into the trap of comparing milestones or sleep patterns with other parents. Be proud, your baby is beautiful.
24. Support for all Momkind®
Be patient with yourself and your baby. Everything is a first for both of you, so take it all in stride. Your MOM degree is a lifetime of education, so embrace the journey! Join Boppyhood for other useful tips and information! 10% off your first order, if you sign up today.