BF trade secrets

[buttercupyellow]

Am brand new to breastfeeding and the help I've received about how to physically do it has been great. Baby is feeding well but I feel like I'm missing a few tricks about how to do it like a professional! Particularly out in public but of there are any top tips that make things easier from a practical point of view, I'd love to know! Stuff like what clothing to wear, how to do stuff and feed at the same time etc.. Anything you wish you'd found out sooner, I'm all ears

Out in public- a vest and another top. Top goes up, vest goes down!

Easier said than done but try not to get in a flap. Baby will pick up on it and flap too.

I used to keep a large muslin over my lap to mop up squirty moments and to cover up while I winded baby etc. I could never be dealing with muslin over shoulder and over baby.

Have a comfy seat set up with drinks, snacks and remote do everything's ready.

Get a good box set to watch.

Have a tube of lansinoh in your change bag and one by your 'feeding station' at all times and use at every feed.

Practise feeding laying down and safe cosleeping. Makes nights much easier but need to do it safely.

Buy big floaty scarves and wear everyday.

Feed confidently in public and practise a few useful phrases. It took me a while to say assertively 'Could you please being me a glass of tap eater' in busy cafes, for example, but you'll need to do it. I also found that people sometimes feel awkward and having a few stock phrases like 'I'm sure you don't mind me feeding here' and a winning smile.

Enjoy it!

Lansinoh breast pads are the best for leaky boobs!

I like breastvests - saves having to yank a vest down & can wear anything over them & feed discretely.

Agree that a vest under a top is the best way to feed discreetly - I am more bothered about people seeing my back and tummy than boob so this makes me feel so much more confident. I also try as far as possibly to plan ahead - if I anticipate a feed I can already be seated in a cafe with a coffee, something to eat and my kindle

And I agree try not to get in a flap. I got in a real state a few times with dd1...she didn't ever have any feeding cues. She would literally waken and scream. So trying to be ready for her helped as there is nothing worse than trying to find somewhere to feed while your baby is upset.

Unrelated but I wish I had known about cluster feeding and growth spurts before I started. I questioned my supply until I knew about them

Agree with no flapping teamed with floaty scarf. I used to think it was the end of the world to be squirting breast milk everywhere in a cafe. But it really isn't and you can just wear a nice scarf to cover any wet patches. Plus they double up as a screen if you feel self conscious. I stopped caring after a few weeks though and if people wanted to stare then they were welcome to!