When it comes to breastfeeding, there is no one-size-fits-all solution that will be right for every mom. There may be a breastfeeding position or breast pump that is a lifesaver for one mom and does not work at all for another. Just as with motherhood, each individual needs to find the breastfeeding strategies that work best for her and her little one. Pumps for Mom is here to help! There may be no single right way to breastfeed, but there are a few general dos and don’ts to get moms started on the right foot. Read below to learn more!
Do: Order a breast pump through insurance.
Whether you are still on the fence about breastfeeding or you are ready to perfect your baby’s latch as soon as they are born, a breast pump through insurance can set you up for success. Moms can qualify for a free breast pump through insurance at any point during their pregnancy, although insurance providers generally require a prescription to fully cover the device. Because moms usually get a breast pump through insurance with no out-of-pocket costs, new mamas can enjoy the increased flexibility a breast pump offers as soon as she is ready to breastfeed and without breaking the bank.
Don’t: Be afraid to try something new.
Like most of parenting, breastfeeding is all about trial and error! What worked for your friend, your sister, or even your first baby may not work for you and your new little one. So don’t hesitate to try something different to meet the unique needs of your baby. From new breastfeeding positions to adjusting the suction settings on your breast pump, there are many factors that can change your breastfeeding journey for the better. If you are struggling to find your breastfeeding groove, don’t be afraid to switch things up!
Do: Embrace cluster feedings.
Newborns can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to feedings. And for sleep-deprived parents, it can seem like these feedings are happening almost constantly. This is for a good reason! Throughout a newborn’s first year of life, several important growth spurts occur and require a lot of energy. Babies instinctively prepare for these periods of growth by feeding more often so that they can signal moms’ bodies to increase production of breast milk to meet what will soon be an increased demand. We know it can feel exhausting when a little one starts cluster feedings, but they are doing their part to make sure mom is prepared for the needs of a growing baby.
Don’t: Breastfeed through the pain.
Breastfeeding may not be the most comfortable aspect of new motherhood, but it should not be painful! Many new moms suffer through uncomfortable breastfeeding simply because they believe it is a process that hurts, but this is not true. If you are experiencing pain during breastfeeding, change your position, talk with your doctor, or give breast pumping a try, but don’t suffer in silence. There are numerous reasons you may be experiencing pain while breastfeeding that can be addressed with time and help from experts.
Do: Give breast milk storage a try.
If you’re a mama who is exclusively breast pumping or even using a breast pump every once in a while, building up a supply of expressed breast milk is a lifesaver in the future. Whether you simply want to give your partner some feeding responsibilities or you have a surprise trip away from your breastfeeding baby, breast milk storage takes some of the pressure off moms to constantly supply fresh breast milk for every feeding. Expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for six months or more. Even if you don’t end up using all of the breast milk you store, you can enjoy some peace of mind knowing it is there if you need it!
Don’t: Get upset with yourself.
While breastfeeding is a natural process, it can take some time for moms and babies to figure out how to work together during a feeding. Even if it is hard at the start, your body is doing an amazing thing by providing the best possible nutrition for your little one. So if you need to try new positions or your little one is struggling to latch, give yourself a break! Switch up your breastfeeding routine by using your breast pump or using stored breast milk, and don’t get upset with yourself. Rely on those around you for support and take your time as you find what works for you and your baby.
We know successful and easy breastfeeding doesn’t happen overnight. When things get hard, work with Pumps for Mom! Our range of breast pumps through insurance and maternity compression garments meet the needs of every mom and growing baby, and our team of maternity product specialists is ready to walk moms through every step of the process of getting a breast pump through insurance. Breastfeed like a pro with an insurance breast pump from Pumps for Mom. Qualify for yours today!