Side-Lying Breastfeeding + lactation recipe

I’d read a lot about breastfeeding before Addie was born. I took a class. I gave birth. I ate well. I made an excess of milk. But I could not breastfeed with much success.

Addie and I did not have a good latch, and it broke my heart. We tried. We went to a lactation consultant and LLL meetings. I called the hospital nurses. I tried a shield. I gave up. I pumped for 18 months, and was proud that I was able to feed her from my body, even if it was non-traditional. And then I was pregnant again 2 years later, and I was hopeful, but cautious. I’d ordered my breast pump through insurance and it sat, waiting for my sweet Camille’s arrival. There were new glass bottles, still neatly packaged- there if needed, but unopened in anticipation that we would have better luck.

And then, in 2 hours and 57 minutes, Millie entered the world and was hungry! For months, she lived in my lap, nursing off and on all day. I loved our bond, but my back did not. I was sitting up, bent-over for night feedings, and when I attempted side-lying to nurse, I ended up needing to position myself with all of our pillows. To be perfectly on my side, but slightly back to expose my breast, meant strategic placing of pillows and no moving because then my positioning-work would slide everywhere. Seriously a mess, and my back was killing me.

So I asked my friends at Nurse Me Tender (thanks to Tall Mom Tiny Baby for introducing us), if I could have their L7 Nursing Pillow to try. I pored over each pattern, and decided the yellow was just what I wanted- when it arrived, I was so excited I tore it open, but waited until I could get photos of it to try it out. Addie, however, didn’t want to wait.

So, my thoughts?

@NurseMeTender L7 pillow is a dream! #breastfeedingselfie #normalizebreastfeeding #momlife pic.twitter.com/rIaJydoBz2

— Michelle Martinka (@martinkadelux) March 27, 2015

 

It’s perfection! I have not slept this well since Addie was born- no joke! The L7 keeps me perfectly aligned for breastfeeding throughout the night without having to stay perfectly still. Check it out: One of my other favorite things, is that it’s not too fluffy. The support is perfect (I slip my arm under under when I’m sleeping), firm, but not hard, and it’s great for everyone to try.   Millie used it a lot last month when she got her first ear infection which left her congested. The slight elevation and support were exactly what the pediatrician thought would help her sleep… and she was right!

The whole family loves our L7 @NurseMeTender pillow. #baby #CamilleThea #breastfeeding pic.twitter.com/QzQkdgqyHx — Michelle Martinka (@martinkadelux) March 31, 2015

I really cannot say enough good things about this pillow! I actually added it to my must-haves for new moms, which currently stands at:

♥ Get a good night’s sleep! L7 Nursing Pillow
♥ Never lose a drop of milk! Milkies Milk Saver
♥ So you don’t forget the last diaper, feeding or nap! Feed Baby App for android or Apple
♥ Hybrid cloth diapers! GroVia
♥ A postpartum doula- check your local area.

Of course baby needs a few things of his or her own, but if the mama is well prepped, baby is already A-OK! In the first few weeks of life, I relied on help with Addie to get sleep, lots of snuggles, diapers, wipes and not spilling milk everywhere. Millie was dressed only to leave the house, and other than that was skin-to-skin… I highly suggest a baby carrier (for newbies, the NuRoo was AMAZING, but we live in the Moby now, even at 6 months and 21 pounds).

As for actually making milk… I have a million ideas, but remember that to make it, you have to take care of you! Lots of water, good calories (whole foods and good fats), skin to skin- as a baby close to your body helps signal you to produce, and most importantly, nursing- are the basics. The more baby is at the breast, the more your body is being prompted to produce. Your milk takes a few days to come in, and you have to be consistent for your supply to stay up! For me, at around 6 months my supply lessens a bit, but I continue to pump to donate. In order to do so, there are a few foods I remember to eat so that I can exercise, continue to nurse Millie (who has NO interest in solids), and pump. Garlic is thought to help increase supply- I keep a jar of minced in the fridge and throw it into almost every dinner and lots of lunches. Some babies have a sensitivity to what mom is eating, so increase your consumption with care. I also drink a lot of water- making sure to fill up multiple water bottles at night, store them in the fridge and continue to drink them throughout the next day.

Lastly, I like to make lactation treats for myself to enjoy as snacks to keep my energy up! Along side my Mother’s Milk Tea, I love to have Lactation Bars!

 

While I support breastfeeding and love pretty much everything about it, not every mother can breastfeed. Not every mother should breastfeed. The L7 is perfect for snuggling your sweet baby, as much as it is for breastfeeding. Checkout your local hospital or birthing center for help starting and maintaining your breastfeeding relationship and know that you are surrounded by resources before and after birth! I highly suggest a breastfeeding class for mamas and partners, so you both know the commitment breastfeeding and pumping entail, as well as how to best be supported. Your pediatrician can also help if you feel you are having supply issues or latch problems, ask about it! Lip and tongue tie, as well as a tired baby can all hinder production- undress your baby to keep them actively nursing, or tickle their feet to slightly wake them if they fall asleep before finishing. Lastly… You are doing great, mama! Never doubt that!

This post contains no affiliate links- just great products! Thank you to Nurse Me Tender for my pillow! Check them out on IG|Facebook|Twitter!

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