August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and we’re excited to talk about all of our best breastfeeding advice! Breastfeeding can be a beautiful, timeless connection for both mom and baby, but it can also be filled with a whole host of difficulties. One thing we’re very passionate about here at Birth Boot Camp is making sure women have proper breastfeeding education and support through our online breastfeeding class, support from their local IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), and from other moms who have been through it. For this post we’ve compiled advice from women all over the country about their breastfeeding experiences in hopes of helping you feel supported in your breastfeeding journey, however that looks for you.
Our Best Breastfeeding Advice in Honor of National Breastfeeding Month
Melissa says, “Pain is not normal. Your nipples do not need to “toughen up.” If you are uncomfortable contact a lactation consultant.”
Caren says, “It can be hard. Get help right away. Pumping is not the easy way out. Exclusively pumping is pretty damn hard. Go see the lactation consultant. Get the tongue and lip tie revised. Get body work done through an excellent chiropractor. Educate yourself way before your baby arrives so you can be prepared. Education is key! Knowing where to get help from and who to seek out can make a world of difference in your breastfeeding relationship. If you can get a lactation consultant out days after you birth your baby, you’ll have a hugger success rate of reaching your goals.”
Francesca says, “My advice is to give yourself grace. This is HARD even when it’s “easy.” Set short term goals and piggyback off of those instead of setting one long term goal!”
Chelsea writes, “Have a list of providers before baby gets here: lactation consultant, pediatric dentist for tie revisions, chiropractor, and body work specialist.”
Melissa shares, “It’s okay to sleep with your baby when breastfeeding. It may just save your sanity and your breastfeeding relationship. I really wish someone had shared the benefits of bed sharing instead of all the scare tactics when I was trying to figure it out with my first.”
Mandy writes, “Nursing doesn’t necessarily come naturally. Baby and mama both have to learn. It takes practice. But keep at it, it’s worth it, and get extra help when needed 
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Holly shares, “Don’t let anyone ruin the specialness of your breastfeeding relationship. Protect it with everything you’ve got.”
Melissa says, “Feed the baby not the freezer, you don’t need a huge freezer stash to be “successful” at breastfeeding. Don’t compare yourself to others, everyone’s journey is unique. Breastfeeding is not all or nothing, you are not a bad mom for choosing to or needing to supplement, your health (physical and mental) matters too.”
Shannon writes, “Sometimes breastfeeding looks like this! Everyone’s journey is uniquely theirs. You can still get baby to breast even when there isn’t any milk. Make your local IBCLC your new best friend.”
Jennifer writes, “Make sure your partner and those closest to you support your choice to breastfeed. You’ll need their help and encouragement on the hard days!”
Heather shares, “Never quit on the worst day. Find your support people and let them help you through it. Give yourself grace and know there are others that have been right where you are.”
Kelsie says, “Never quit on a bad day! Anything you can do I can do breastfeeding.”
Jaunitta shares, “Not everybody’s experience is the same and just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s easy. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to seek professional help from a lactation consultant. Your pediatrician may be amazing, but they might not be the best resource for breastfeeding issues. People love to give advice based on their own experiences but do what’s best for you and your baby.”
Jillian writes, “Don’t feed your baby in a public bathroom no matter what anyone tells you or how they pressure you! YOU wouldn’t eat there! You have a right to breastfeed in a safe, comfortable place even in public.”
