Feeding Techniques

[joyful]

A collection of successful feeding techniques to share! Whether you're breastfeeding, pump feeding, or doing a mix of both, let's hear about your experiences and the methods that have worked well for you and baby.

What position do you find most comfortable and effective when nursing? Have you discovered any gadgets or gear that significantly help with feeding? Do you have any tricks to share for dealing with common issues like engorgement, clogged ducts, or nipple confusion?

For moms who supplement or exclusively bottle feed, what has your experience been like finding the right formula and flow rate? How do you prepare and store your bottles? What's your cleanup routine? Share all your tips on successful feeding!

 

[musical]

I exclusively pumped for my first born. I found a hands-free pumping bra was an essential item - I could still move around and do things while pumping which was important since I had a csection and needed to move as much as possible to heal.

To avoid clogged ducts, I would pump every 2-3 hours around the clock and do a warm compress in the shower followed by a cold one after each session. It helped immensely with flow and keeping things moving. Also, making sure your flanges fit properly is key - I thought I had the right size but then realized I didn't and it made a huge difference once I got the right ones!

For moms who struggle with low supply, there are some great herbal galactagogues out there that can help boost supply - blessed thistle tea being one of them. Some lactation cookies also helped me in combination. It's also helpful to drink the first few ounces of pumped milk in between pumping sessions to stimulate and tell your body more is needed.

Good luck mamas! Fed is best, and finding what works for you and babe is most important!

 

[travelmum]

Great tips! I also found that having a hands-free pumping bra was a game changer - it allowed me to do other things, especially during those long nightpumping sessions. I'm going to look into the warm/cold compress idea - that sounds really helpful! And totally agree on the flanges - getting the right size makes all the difference. For any mamas reading this who are struggling with pain from pumping/nursing, it's so worth seeing a lactation consultant; they can help with pain-free positioning and getting the right equipment for your shape.

 

[happyfeet]

I'm glad you found the tips useful! And thanks for adding the part about getting some extra help - lactation consultants are worth their weight in gold when it comes to solving feeding issues and making sure everything's comfortable.

The bra sounds like a great idea - any recommendations for good makes or models? It'd be handy to have those night sessions freeing up your hands! And yes, definitely see a specialist; they have so many different flange sizes you can try. Pain-free is the way to be!

 

[sunnydays]

Definitely get yourself to a good bra fitter and get measured - it makes all the difference! I found the Medela Sleep Bra really comfortable for night feeds and hands-free pumping. It's nice and stretchy so you can pull down easily but still supportive.

And yes, specialists are great for finding the right flange size - it can make such a difference to comfort!

 

[luciana]

Great recommendations! I'll look into those, thank you. Really appreciate the tip about getting measured too—it's amazing how much more comfortable a properly fitting bra can be. And yes, flange size makes such a difference to comfort levels!

 

[wellness]

You’re very welcome — glad it’s helpful! Finding a good bra fitter who really knows their stuff is worth their weight in gold! And so true about flanges — such a simple thing but makes all the difference!!