Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

10/09/2023 11:00 AM Central
Leah Negrin
Breastfeeding
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Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

When I first became pregnant and was learning about breastfeeding and the different decisions I had to make regarding that experience, I was a little overwhelmed! I quickly learned that all mothers have their opinions about what they think is best and I had to determine what I thought was best for myself and my baby.

I was torn about whether or not I was going to pump at all when my baby was born because I had spoken with my different mothers, each with different thoughts and stories. Bottom line, you have to do what feels right for your body, mind and your baby. It’s totally okay if this changes along your breastfeeding journey too!

A few things I've learned since breastfeeding that really helped:

✨ Have something to catch your letdown (in the boob not being feasted on), especially in the beginning before your supply levels out. This not only helps with mess but allows for extra milk to be frozen/given to baby as needed (I used the ladybug hakka)

✨ For me letting my baby guide me in how much he wants to eat and when, has been really helpful. Every baby is different of course, but they really do know more than we give them credit for! In the beginning this wasn’t always the case (as we were both new to breastfeeding!) so I did follow a bit of a schedule in terms of putting the feeding opportunity in front of him to see if he was open to eating every 3-4 hours. It definitely takes time, but you and baby will learn one another and get into a rhythm. You’ll be able to learn your baby’s hungers cues much easier!

✨ Get a breast pump that works for you (if you want!). The first one I got was a hand pump a few mornings after birth as I really needed boob relief and munchkin was not hungry! So we woke up and I had one sent via Instacart as we really weren’t leaving the house yet. The second one I got was (Name it here) during the middle of the night when my boobs just couldn’t take it anymore 😜

🚨 I could go on and on about this, or you could grab my new guide Breastfeeding 101 for New Moms here that is packed full of resources and tips!

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Meet Leah Negrin

I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys.

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit Brittany Hassett

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.

Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.

Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.