Every breastfeeding moment is different and while we wish that all of them are comfortable and fuss-free, it all really depends on where we are, who we’re with, baby’s mood, mommy’s mood, and the time we have. Here are some ideas on how to improve (and stress-proof) your breastfeeding experience:
Close and lock the door
It’s obvious but I just learned & realized how really important it is to lock the door when we are breastfeeding. Sometimes, mothers are trying to nurse their baby to sleep and having the doors locked not only means privacy but less distraction & interruption for you & your baby.
It’s an easy thing to do but moms (like me) overlook this simple hack. Having a secure, private space will allow you to find the right position (no matter how compromising) and remove the extra chore of covering up. Having the doors locked will allow you to be more relaxed.
When my son was younger, I often found myself entertaining visitors and relatives while breastfeeding in our living room. I’m personally not comfortable and do feel exposed in chatting while my son is nursing.
It is definitely best to allocate and use a quiet, private, and secure nursing area throughout our breatsfeeding life. Plus, don’t forget to tell your housemates of this preference.
Find the right furniture
When I was breastfeeding my son, I didn’t know how expecting and breasfeeding moms used La-Z-Boy chairs. These reclining chairs are the same used in hospitals for their scientifically proven relaxing properties and their ability to improve blood flow.
Doctors say that sitting at home in a reclining position reduce stress. Stress for new moms include sleepless nights, worrying about the baby’s future, finances, and concern on baby’s health. These are all normal especially right after giving birth.
I only saw these while shopping in Blims Glorietta with my sister who is about to get married. Inside Blims is a La-Z-Boy comfort studio where you can try and find the best La-Z-Boy for you and your family.
The chairs can be adjusted in several ways and each has a leg rest. Mom and baby can easily fall asleep and nap together after a breastfeeding session.
The La-Z-Boy chair is so spacious so mothers can easily move & wiggle around and reach for stuff when required or if you want to change position especially in finding the perfect latch or resolving mastitis.
These chairs range from Php 30,000-100,000+ depending on your preference i.e. fabric vs. leather seats and size. This one I am sitting on is one of the most affordable La-Z boy but has the same relaxing, luxurious and comfortable feel.
The staff said La-Z-Boys are hot during the Christmas season when companies give them as gifts and people to their parents. If you’re a husband reading this, consider gifting this to your pregnant or breastfeeding spouse for Christmas 😉
Aromatherapy
Using essential oils and oil burners can greatly affect your mood and stress-level. Remember that the more relaxed you are, the better milk production and let-down would be. I am no longer breastfeeding as much (my son is now 5 years old) but I still use Lemon Grass, Eucalyptus, and Lavender essential oils to relax and relieve my body of aches, pains, and stress. Other moms use aromatherapy to help with insomnia, pre and post-pregnancy symptoms.
Stay away from artificial scents and use pure versions of the essential oils. My favorite is Lemon Grass for its calming properties and when the baby or you have a cold or flu, do try Eucalyptus to clear and relieve your lungs.
Every mom deserves a happy breastfeeding experience, but we have to acknowledge stress & hormone induced feelings of depression, anxiety, agitation and there is also a condition called D-Mer. Not to mention, external factors on environment and relationships.
Every little improvement counts, do you have any more tips to make breastfeeding an even more beautiful experience? Please share your ideas below 🙂
