Breast is best, formula is best, or fed is best. The argument is endless when it comes to feeding your baby, right? It is enough to make your head explode.

I am firmly in the camp of breast is best. I have nursed all of my children and am still nursing my youngest. It’s not because ‘It is the only right way’ but the ‘holy sh*t my body makes everything you need’ way. Let’s not forget the convenience of always having it, always being the right temp and the health benefits for you and baby. That doesn’t mean I don’t think you should formula feed or exclusively pump. It just means I like breastfeeding. That said, it is HARD. Really hard and not for the faint of heart. We would be remiss if we didn’t say that. It is beautiful and rewarding too. To make the most of your experience here are some hard and fast tips.

Do not have expectations

What I mean by this is do not expect to nurse a baby and clean the house. We don’t need to do it all. And we shouldn’t! Don’t expect to lose all your baby weight immediately. Some women don’t even lose weight while nursing. Appetite is intense when you are nursing. Don’t think that you have to be the mom who does it all. That expectation is ludicrous. I know it is hard after a baby, you feel completely different. And you want some semblance of normality. But if you have any expectations please let it be this, feed your baby, lay in bed, nap at the same time and let others help you. Normalcy will come in time.

Don’t give up

I am telling you it is hard. Really hard. Nipples bleed, from over use and biting- ouch. The shower water will be too much. Your boobs leak. The cries of another child can set off your body on a journey to help it with milk. You are feeding near constantly and sleeping little. You might have a nursing strike or trouble letting down. But it gets better. I promise that you can do this. You were MADE for this truly. Keep going.

Have some help

I think we all feel a little icky and weird asking others to help you. And there are definitely some that will be offended or some other nonsense if you ask. If you were asking your neighbors that you never spoke to, I could maybe understand. But if you are asking friends and family, then it makes sense! I know I would be more than willing to come help with chores or hold a baby while you rest. (This is actually a little hard for me because of my own monster crew but if you need it I am there!) I think most moms now would be too. Grandmas are great for getting a baby to nap while you nap. The point is please let people help you. I also think some family feel sort of weird about asking to help so talk about it. And make sure everyone knows it is welcome.

Water, water, water

Drink tons of water. I mean a LOT. You need a ton of water for yourself to do all the healing you have going on. Plus you need that much more to make milk. Drink it all the time. Have some by you at all times. Also make sure to eat nourishing foods but also drink water.

What is one tip that helped you with breastfeeding OR feeding your baby in another way?

If you need more nursing tips check out my post on Breastfeeding Peoducts for Successful Experience.