20 Breastfeeding Hacks and Secrets Every New Mom Should Know
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As if new motherhood wasn’t complicated enough, enter breastfeeding. From learning how to latch your baby to breast to figuring out the best nursing positions, there are a lot of unknowns thrown your way at once. So, instead of panicking and feeling overwhelmed, use our 20 top breastfeeding hacks and secrets to help you become a confident breastfeeding mom.
This post may contain affiliate links from which I receive a commission if you click or make a purchase. In addition, the information on this site is NOT intended to be medical advice. Please seek professional medical care if needed. See my full policy for more information.
20 Breastfeeding Hacks and Secrets Every New Mom Should Know
1. The Two-Shirt Method:
This is going to come in handy for all my mamas out there who aren’t too fond of breastfeeding in public. And no, it’s not that you have something against women who in public, ladies, do your thing! It’s just some moms feel a little more self-conscious, and that’s alright. That’s why this lifesaving trick comes in so helpful!
Ever heard of this lifesaver? You simply layer a nursing tank under a regular shirt. When it’s time to nurse you pull up your normal shirt which gently sits above your breast. It’s a discreet way to nurse without feeling like you’re fully exposed.
2. Master the Latch:
A good latch is the key to a successful (and pain-free) breastfeeding session. Remember, a little bit of discomfort is normal, but full-blown pain is not. There are many ways to learn how to properly latch your baby. The most common is to aim your nipple so that it sits right above your baby’s top lip.
When they open to latch, your nipple should pop right into their mouth so that their lips are suctioned around your breast. There should be no chewing, biting, or folded inward lips — if so, you’ll want to try again. And if you’re struggling, you should consult a lactation consultant for assistance.
You can also invest in a breastfeeding course. Many of these online lactation classes will walk you through how to latch and have helpful videos to explain the process. Plus, many of them are very affordable.
*OFFER*: Sign up and receive FREE Aeroflow Breast Pump through your insurance!
3. Hair Band on Wrist Hack
We’ve all been there, we just nursed baby and we forgot which side we nursed on. Now, some moms can just feel their breasts to tell which one is fuller and which is emptier. For others, this good ol’ hair band hack is really helpful! Simply place a hairband on the wrist that you most recently nursed or pumped on! You’re welcome.
4. Use Breast Milk Collecting Shells
Leaks happen, but that milk doesn’t need to go to waste! If you’re a mama actively trying to build up a stash of breast milk or have a low supply — using breast milk collecting shells can help!
Simply pop them into a secure nursing bra like this one whenever you nurse or pump on the opposite side. This way, they can catch any letdown milk during that time. If you happen to be running errands and know you’ll be risking engorgement, put them into your bra, give yourself a gentle breast massage to alleviate the milk, and it’ll buy you a little bit of time while saving milk until you’re able to nurse or pump.
5. The Power of the Nursing Pillow
Investing in a high-quality nursing pillow can make the difference between a comfortable session and a sore back. You don’t need to go broke on it, but don’t get some cheap flimsy breastfeeding pillow either. In fact, my top 3 favorites for ALL moms are:
Make sure that no matter what pillow you get, you set yourself up so that you’re not hunched over, straining your neck! You’ll thank me for that later.
6. Make a Portable Hydration Station
Breastfeeding is thirsty work! If you don’t travel much or need to go to work, making yourself a little portable hydration station at home can be really helpful!
This would be a small rolling cart you can easily move around your home stocked with a few essentials for any breastfeeding mom such as a filled-up large water bottle, some healthy snacks, breastfeeding supplies, and maybe a little rag in case your baby spits up. Remember, drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated!
7. Build a Connection with a Lactation Consultant
If you’re planning to breastfeed your baby, you should spend some time looking into a lactation consultant well before your due date. Meet with them to discuss your goals and what questions you have. This is a great way to help you set a solid foundation for a positive breastfeeding experience while having someone available to help if challenges arise.
8. Begin Nursing As Soon As You Can
Initiating a latch and beginning breastfeeding soon after birth is a positive way to build that connection with your baby. You’ll notice as a newborn, they will root (or gently crawl themselves over to your nipple) and attempt to latch on their own. Some research even shows that early initiation of breastfeeding can prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
9. Have a Reliable Breast Pump Ready To Go If Needed
Whether you’re struggling with a low milk supply, trying to build up a freezer stash, or need to relieve some engorgement, having a good breast pump to express milk can alleviate a lot of unnecessary hard work. In fact, if you are struggling with a low milk supply, a good breast pump can be used to power pump to try to increase your breastmilk production.
A reliable breast pump would be one that:
- has a closed-system
- suction power that goes up to 200-300 mmHg
- has a stimulation and expression mode
- has a variety of compatible flange sizes (to ensure proper fit)
- has the option to be a double or single pump
10. Make Sure You’re Using The Correct Flange Size
If you plan to use a breast pump, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the correct flange size, or else it could impact your milk production and cause discomfort (such as sore nipples during and after pumping). To ensure you’re using the proper flange, use a nipple ruler like this one to help!`
11. Stock Up On Nipple Cream
Nipple pain is real. Keep nipple cream in your nursing basket, nightstand, diaper bag, and anywhere within reach for quick relief. It’s a must-have for the early days and you’ll feel so much relief after applying it on.
12. Use a Supportive Nursing Bra
There’s nothing worse than feeling weight down by your milk-filled breasts in those early breastfeeding days. So, make sure you get yourself a supportive nursing bra to hold it together. Here’s a couple of my favorite nursing bras I wore all the time:
13. Make Use of Old Sports Bras
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t rush out the door to spend too much on a pumping bra. If you have a drawer full of old sports bras, I’ve got a secret for you! Simply cut a small slit in the fabric where the nipple aligns and then stick your flange into the slit. Now, you have a DIY hands-free pumping bra that costs you ZERO dollars.
14. Silver Nursing Cups Can Be a Life Saver
Sure, nipple butter is very soothing for dry nipples, but if you’re dealing with any cracked or truly painful nipples, silver nursing cups will be an absolute live saver. Silver is naturally an antimicrobial and antifungal metal. Meaning, it can help to get rid of bacteria and infections before they appear. Thus, reducing inflammation and minimizing pain.
15. Keep a Manual Breast Pump on Hand
I’ll never forget the one time my husband and I went to a wedding and I forgot to bring my breast pump with me. Thankfully, I had my manual breast pump in the car. I had always made sure to keep it inside a little basket with other breastfeeding supplies just in case I’d need it on the go, and sure enough, it came in handy.
16. Pump Directly Into Breast Milk Bags
If you pump enough milk to have a stash in the fridge, make your life a little easier and pump directly into the bag whenever you’re planning to toss them into the freezer. Simply use a pump-to-bag adaptor, like this one, during your pumping session to easily connect your bag and begin pumping. Of course, you’ll want to make sure whatever adaptor you use is compatible with your breast pump.
17. Keep Spare Breast Pump Parts on Hand
Many new moms don’t realize that their pump will eventually need the parts replaced to continue pumping efficiently. Think of it like a car, eventually, you need an oil change, new tires, etc… So, keep some extra pump parts ready to swap. At the very least, keep an extra set at all times. What if you have a flange that cracks? What if you lose a duckbill valve while cleaning? All more reasons to have some backups ready to go.
18. Learn About Nipple Shields
Nipple shields can be very helpful if your baby is having trouble latching or if you experiencing discomfort while nursing. These helpful tools can be a learning curve to use, but they can be very helpful. Ask your lactation consultant to help you effectively use a nipple shield if you’re struggling with it!
19. Know When to Stop
There will be a day when your breastfeeding journey comes to an end, whether it’s 3 years from now or in 6 months, but it’s important to recognize the signs that the last time you nurse your baby is near. Sometimes, a mother’s breastfeeding journey ends due to medical complications, a low milk supply, prioritizing her mental health, or simply because your baby is older and showing signs of weaning.
No matter what the reason is, there’s one rule you must follow when you finish breastfeeding, do it without guilt. I do not care if you breastfed your baby for 1 hour or 10 months, ANY ounce of milk you gave your little bundle of joy was good enough. I have met and talked to so many moms who carry the guilt of not being able to breastfeed longer, and it does nobody any good. So don’t let that guilt build up and get you down mama! And if you’re considering baby formula, I’ve got all the important must-knows when using baby formula right here!
20. Use ALL Your Resources
No matter where you’re at in your breastfeeding journey, there will be a time when you have a question or need a little extra support. Maybe you want to know if cabbage leaves can help with your mastitis. Maybe you’re trying to decide if it’s worth it to consume lactation cookies. These are questions that can be answered by a lactation consultant, likely through a breastfeeding class (if you haven’t taken one yet, here’s one of my favorite breastfeeding classes you can take online), or even through local breastfeeding groups. When I say use all of your resources, do it! You can never have enough help.
Breastfeeding can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. By using any or all of the breastfeeding hacks and secrets you’ll be set to enjoy the journey in the best way possible!
