Nursing Hacks I Wish I Knew as a First-Time Mom

When I was pregnant for the first time, I was more afraid of the breastfeeding experience than I was of labor and delivery. True story. I had friends who struggled with painful breastfeeding and I was terrified. I came to find that my own experience with all three babies was different, challenging, and one of the best parts of early motherhood. When it comes to breastfeeding, those early days can be particularly tricky for even a veteran breastfeeding mom. I remember feeling a mix of joy and utter confusion as I navigated the world of nursing. Here are some invaluable nursing hacks I wish I'd known from the beginning.

Dealing with Oversupply and Overactive Letdown

One of the first challenges I faced as a new mom was oversupply and an overactive letdown. My baby would choke and sputter during feedings, and I felt like I was constantly drenched in milk. Here are a few tips that saved my sanity:

• Self-express or Use the Haakaa Pump: Before latching your baby, self-express or use a Haakaa silicone pump to release some pressure. Just be careful not to express too much, as this can signal your body to produce even more milk.
• Side-lying Position: When you're an overproducer or just plain tired, the side-lying position can be a lifesaver. Some moms and lactation consultants suggest a reclined position, but this never worked for me. Side-lying allowed me to rest while ensuring my baby had a steady, manageable flow of milk.

Catching Milk from the Non-nursing Breast

In those early days, I was constantly milk-drenched. Every time I nursed on one side, the other side would leak profusely. Enter the Haakaa pump again, my trusty sidekick.

• Use the Haakaa Collector to Catch Milk: Attach the Haakaa OR place the Haakaa Collector in your bra cup of your non-nursing breast while feeding your baby. This nifty tool catches the milk that would otherwise soak through your clothes (exhibit A below) and go to waste, helping you build a stash for future use.

exhibit a

Soothe Sore Nipples with Silverettes

I had very sore nipples in the hospital and in those early days at home. The balms just didn't cut it for me.

• Silverettes: These little silver cups worked wonders for my sore nipples. They provided relief far better than any balm I tried. Simply place them over your nipples between feedings for soothing, natural healing.

magic little Silverettes

Prioritize Real Meals

It's easy to forget about your own needs when you're caring for a newborn. But trust me, making time to eat real meals is crucial.

• Eat Real Meals: Your body needs fuel to produce milk and maintain your overall health. I failed miserably in the respect as a first-time mom. I would eat trail mix all day and finally eat my first meal when my husband got home from work. Meal prep easy nutrient-rich meals when you can, and don't hesitate to ask for help from family and friends. A well-fed mama is a happy mama. I ate a ton of dates, nuts, eggs, avocados, oatmeal, edamame, and easy salads to try and sneak in quick, easy healthy meals for my milk-making myself. 

Personal Anecdotes

I'll never forget the early days of struggling with oversupply as a newborn mom. I'd be sitting on the couch trying to nurse by baby and she would choke and gag, then unlatch and my breastmilk would spray everywhere.  She would be slippery, crying, hungry, and impossible to relatch. It was so tough, I would never even attempt to feed her in public because I'd have to constantly relatch her with milk all over the place. The few times I did attempt feeding her in public I felt vulnerable and exposed. I felt like a human milk fountain and I didn't want that out in the public domain.

Then, as I returned to work, I faced the opposite challenge—undersupply. It was a constant balancing act, and these hacks made a world of difference.

In those initial weeks, I also battled with sore fissured nipples. Every latch felt like a new kind of pain, and the balms I tried seemed to provide little relief. Discovering Silverettes was a game-changer. They were like tiny shields of comfort.

Navigating breastfeeding as a first-time mom can be daunting, but these hacks made the journey smoother for me with my second and third babes. Remember, every mom's experience is unique, so find what works best for you and your baby.

If you have any questions or need personalized support, don't hesitate to book a call with one of our lactation consultants. We're here to help you through every step of this beautiful, challenging, and rewarding journey.

These tips worked for me, but if you have trouble with breastfeeding, talk to your doctor, your child's pediatrician, or reach out to your local lactation consultants. La Leche League is a wonderful resource for lactation consultants and amazing breastfeeding tips. 

Happy nursing, mama! 🌸

xx, Candice, Of an Origin Founder, CMO & Mama to Addie, Ellery & Lilah