Breastfeeding Tips from Mommies

I have been receiving a lot of tips from mommies who have experienced breastfeeding and so before my short-term memory decides to put all their tips to waste, I would like to list them down. This way, I would be able to make use of each and every bit of wisdom from all these generous moms.

• Breast milk is a great healing agent. It can heal chafing, sore breasts and even baby's rashes.
• Pump frequently so your body knows it needs to produce more milk.
• You can pump in traffic.
• Use bottles instead of bags so you need not transfer the contents of the bag into the bottle unless you have limited freezer space, in which case, use bags.
• Do not. I repeat. Do not microwave milk. 
• Breast milk can last for 6 months if frozen. 24 hours if in a cooler with ice pack. 6 hours if at room temperature. 
• Nursing dresses are unnecessary, just get button down blouses and nursing bras.
• Save as much milk as you can if you are going to be a working mom.
• Pigeon breast pads are nice because they have adhesives. Use these when going outside the house.
• Washable breast pads can be used at home. 
• Massage your breasts to produce more milk. 
• Pump even though you are not producing milk. Your body will catch on.
• Drink lots of clear soup and take some Malunggay supplement for more milk supply.
• Take Malunggay supplement one month before giving birth. I have to get clearance from my OB for this. 
• Do skin-to-skin contact with the baby the first hour after delivery so that the baby can latch on. 
• Find a supportive, breastfeeding advocate pediatrician. 
• It is normal for baby to lose weight (up to 10% birth weight) at the beginning. Milk takes 3 to 5 days to come.
• Establish a deep latch. I am yet to learn what this means but let me list this here as well.
• Prepare things that will help pass the time for moments when baby falls asleep while feeding. Have Kindle available. Check. Wireless headphones. Check. Baby monitor in reverse so you can call out for help when assistance is needed. This we are still working out. Husband wants it to be available via IP. 
• Breastfeeding should not hurt. If there is pain, check if baby is properly latched.
• Milk Savers or Breast Shells can be used to catch the leaking milk from the other breast. Be sure to sterilize these carefully.