Just because breastfeeding is natural doesn't mean it's always easy! Luckily, there are some time-tested tricks of the trade to make dealing with challenges — from pumping and storing milk, to dealing with engorgement and fussy feeders — a whole lot easier. We've rounded up some of the most useful tips out there to share the best and most innovative breastfeeding tricks that will save moms from both time and frustration.
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Whether one is a first-time mom just getting the hang of the whole nursing thing or is a breastfeeding pro, there is sure to be something useful on our list. (Seriously, some of this advice is literally life-changing!)
Breastfeeding can be difficult for any number of reasons, but the truth is that every mom wants her child to feed without stress or worry (as it should be). These tricks are perfect for the new mom or the mom who wants some breastfeeding hacks for her next child. Because even an old mom needs to learn new tricks!
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So take a look at these amazing breastfeeding tips sure to make the first few months of mommyhood much more bearable. Let us know which breastfeeding hacks are winners!
Tip #4? BRILLIANT.
Two Shirt Method
It's every nursing mom's dilemma: Pull your shirt down to feed and half your chest is exposed; pull it up and your whole belly is on display. Luckily, layering two tanks or tees totally solves this problem (and looks cool, too!).
Soda Box Storage System
Trying to keep track of those precious bags of frozen milk can be enough to drive anyone nuts, never mind a sleep-deprived new mom! Restore order to your freezer with this ingenious empty soda box system, which allows you to separate older from newer bags (and easily see which is which!).
Breast Milk Pacifier
Got a teething nurser? Buy pacifiers with cover caps, pour breast milk into the cap, insert the pacifier and freeze: Voilà! Breast milk pacifiers!
Mammary Minders
Once upon a time, you never would have believed you'd ever be so tired you could forget which breast you fed your baby on last — but now it happens every day! Give your memory a boost with Mammary Minders ($3.75, etsy.com), which magnetically attach to your bra so you know which side to nurse on next.
Nursing Necklaces
If you've got a fidgety baby who can't stop pulling your hair, sticking his fingers in your nose and pinching your neck every time he eats, a nursing necklace could be the key to your sanity. They're irresistible to curious little hands and affordable, too (or you could try making your own!).
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Milk Savers
Pumping moms know: Every drop of breast milk is more valuable than gold! Milk Savers ($27.95, amazon.com) help make the most of your supply by catching all the milk that leaks during let-down on the non-nursing side (and they help to prevent stains, too!).
Baby Nursing App
Another useful tool for exhausted, absentminded parents, the Baby Nursing app (free, iTunes) helps you to remember when your baby last ate, which side she ate on and for how long; it also allows you to keep a record of dirty/wet diapers, growth, and doctor's visits.
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Rolled-Up Receiving Blankets
Here's an invaluable tip for all the busty mamas out there: Instead of holding up your (heavy) boob to feed your little one, use a rolled-up receiving blanket for support.
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DIY Nursing Tank
Crafty types take note: You can save yourself some major dough on ridiculously pricey nursing tanks by transforming an inexpensive cami at home! (These instructions say the whole process takes under 10 minutes.)
Slings
Carrying your baby in a sling makes it easy to breastfeed on the go, and you can even use the extra fabric as a shield (just don't be surprised if your little one falls asleep!).
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Lacatation Boost Smoothie
Breastfeeding moms need lots and lots of nutrients to keep up quality milk production (and provide much-needed energy!). Smoothies packed with ingredients like fresh fruit, brewer's yeast, and almond milk are one of the easiest ways to deliver all the good stuff your body needs — plus, yum!
Water Bottle
Of course it's common sense: To make milk, you need to drink water. But for busy new moms, it can be hard to stay constantly hydrated — that's why it's essential to keep a full water bottle by your side at all times (and how cute are these?).
Cabbage
While some folk remedies are little more than old wives tales, this one really works: A couple of cool, clean cabbage leaves tucked into your bra can help to ease engorgement when your milk comes in or when you're trying to wean (and they're magic for moms suffering from mastitis!).
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