10 Nursing Hacks For Mamas Who Breastfeed

Just because breastfeeding can be one of the most amazing mom-baby experiences doesn't mean it's wonderful 100 percent of the time. To ensure that your nursing sessions are as good as they can possibly be, we've rounded up a few tips and tricks to help you and your little one be as happy and comfortable as can be during this precious time together.

If you breastfeed, read through for 10 helpful nursing hacks.

01
Use a bracelet to remember which breast to nurse from next
Facebook | Ivette Ivens Photography

Use a bracelet to remember which breast to nurse from next

If you keep forgetting which breast you last nursed from, wear an easy-to-remove bracelet on one arm and switch it back and forth after feedings. Or, you can take a photo on your phone to remind you.

02
Boost your milk supply with delicious lactation recipes
Flickr user thethrillstheyyield

Boost your milk supply with delicious lactation recipes

If your flow needs a little boost, try a recipe that includes brewer’s yeast or milled flaxseed to get things going.

03
Make breastmilk popsicles for teething babies
Flickr user Shannon McGee

Make breastmilk popsicles for teething babies

That way, they’re eating and soothing their gums at the same time, rather than taking out teething pain on your breasts. Pour breastmilk into a bottle cover and stick a pacifier in the top to freeze the milk to it.

04
Breastfeed on the go using a sling
Angel Murphy Photography

Breastfeed on the go using a sling

To keep things comfortable and a bit more hands-free, take a sling along with you when you’re out and about.

05
Use a nursing pillow
Flickr user The Minnie Moo Company

Use a nursing pillow

To ensure that it doesn’t feel like your baby is tugging relentlessly at your nipple, make sure her mouth is level with it while she eats with the help of a nursing pillow.

06
Figure out how many additional calories you should be consuming to keep milk flowing
POPSUGAR Photography

Figure out how many additional calories you should be consuming to keep milk flowing

Consult your physician if you have any serious concerns or questions, but you can also use a “calorie needs” calculator as a rough guide.

07
Eat pineapple (or drink the juice).
Flickr user Tatsuo Yamashita

Eat pineapple (or drink the juice).

Not only is pineapple a delicious, healthy snack, but pineapple juice is also a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help to relieve blocked ducts or engorgement. The juice comes in cans that you can throw in your bag when you’re on the move.

08
Wear an infinity scarf
Flickr user Naomi Gunton

Wear an infinity scarf

If you’re uncomfortable breastfeeding completely out in the open, an infinity scarf serves as a trendy fashion piece disguised as a quick nursing cover. The less you have to shove into your baby bag, the better!

09
Avoid tight bras
Flickr user Maegan Tintari

Avoid tight bras

Although it may feel like you need a bit of extra support in these days, a bra that is too tight — especially a sports bra — puts pressure on certain parts of the breast and could cause the milk to get backed up.

10
Wear a tank top under everything
Lilyta Photography Blog

Wear a tank top under everything

If you need to pull your shirt up for nursing, having a tank top underneath will leave less of you exposed.