Top tips and hacks for breastfeeding mummies

QuizMaker

Hey mummies, are you looking for some top tips to boost your breastfeeding and pumping game? Well, you've come to the right place. Breastfeeding was one of my biggest challenge in the first month postpartum. So I'm here to share with you some of the best tricks and hacks that I've learned from my own experience and from other experts. Trust me, these tips will make your life easier and your boobs happier!

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Tip #1: Use the right flange size! If it's too small or too big, you are going to injure your nipples and affect your supply. Check out Medela's guide on how to get the right fit. Download and print out this nipple ruler if you don't already have one. If you are using Spectra/traditional flanges, you can order the correctly sized flange here. 

Plastic flanges too painful? Try Horigen's 3D silicon breast pump kit, which has a much gentler sucking motion. The design is almost identical to Pumpables. 

If you are using wearable pumps like Imani, you can get silicon inserts for your size too. It's recommended to start with the traditional flange in the first month as they offer the best suction when paired together with a hospital grade pump. From the third month onwards I was only using wearable Imani i2+ pumps the whole time as they were so much more convenient and could fit in my nursing bra!

Image taken from Medela.com

Did you know that you could connect your Imani wearable cups to a hospital grade pump? Just buy the handsfree caps and you are good to go! Or if you don't need the Imani portable pump motor, just buy the wearable handsfree cups set. This is my favourite combination as it gives the a good yield yet very convenient.

Tip #2: Power pumps. If you want to increase your milk supply, one of the most effective ways is to do power pumps. What are power pumps, you ask? They are basically mini marathons of pumping where you pump and rest, pump and rest and pump (again). You can do this once or twice a day, preferably at the same time every day. This will trick your body into thinking that your baby is going through a growth spurt and needs more milk. It may take a few days to see the results, but it worked really well for me.

Normal pump

1. 2min Massage, 8min suction = 10mins
2. Rest 5mins
3. 5min massage, 10min suction = 15mins

Power pump

1. 2min massage, 8min suction = 10mins
2. Rest 5mins
3. 5min massage, 10min suction = 15mins
4. Rest 5mins
5 10min massage

Tip #3: Sunflower lecithin. If you're prone to getting clogged ducts, you know how painful and frustrating they can be. They can also lead to mastitis, which is a serious infection that requires antibiotics. One way to prevent clogs is to take sunflower lecithin, which is a natural supplement that helps thin out the milk and make it flow more easily. You can take 1-4 capsules a day, depending on your needs. I take 2 a day and I seldom get clogs from the 3rd month onwards! I'm personally taking Legendairy's Sunflower Lecithin and would definitely recommend it.

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Tip #4: Supplements that increase supply. There are many herbs and foods that are known to boost milk production, such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, oatmeal, brewer's yeast, flax seeds, and more. You can find them in capsules, teas, cookies, bars, or even make your own lactation treats. Just be careful not to overdo it, as some of these supplements can have side effects such as gas, diarrhea, or low blood sugar. Also, always check with your doctor before taking any new supplements. I found lactation cookies sold online way too sweet for me so I baked my own cookies, adding ingredients like oats, brewer's yeast and coconut oil. Another drink that helped me was the almond milk booster! Be careful not to take too much supplements at one go as it will cause engorgement, start slowly and take it easy.

Want to bake your own lactation cookies? Check out my recipe here for a homemade low sugar version!

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Tip #5: Lactation massagers. Another way to prevent clogs and increase supply is to use a lactation massager, which is a device that vibrates and applies gentle pressure to your breasts. You can use it before or during pumping or nursing, to help stimulate the milk flow and clear any blockages. It also feels really good and relaxing! There are many brands and models of lactation massagers out there, so do your research and find the one that suits you best. 

I got the LaVie Warming Lactation Massage Pads which was a lifesaver when I had clogs and hard lumps that needed a good massage. Your milk should be able to flow better with the heat and vibration to loosen up the stubborn clogs at 3am in the morning.

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Tip #6: Epsom salt. If you do get a clog, one of the best remedies is to soak your breast in warm water with epsom salt. Epsom salt helps draw out the inflammation and infection from the clogged duct, and also helps soften the milk plug. You can use a bowl or a sink filled with warm water and a few tablespoons of epsom salt, and submerge your breast for 10-15 minutes. Then massage the area gently and try to nurse or pump right after. Repeat as needed until the clog is gone.

Tip #7: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If your ducts are inflamed / red and your pain is not going away, consult a GP and get some breastfeeding friendly NSAIDs. They help with the pain and inflammation effectively and you don't need to suffer in silence.

Tip #8: Nipples hurting from all the latching and pumping? Get the Silverette or LaVie nursing cups! I wear this 24/7 except when I'm showering or breastfeeding. With its patented design, the 925 silver in contact with the nipple area that is experiencing wear and tear will create the environment to help protect, soothe and heal. I also think it's more hygienic to not have my nipple come into direct contact with my bra which may have strands or cloth fibre stuck to it. Happy to share that I did not need to use nipple cream once I started using this which I find very sticky and may cause clogs/milk blebs.

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Tip #9: The fridge hack. One of the things I least enjoyed about pumping was the frequent washing and sterilizing, so this tip really helped to keep me sane. After a pumping session and pouring out the liquid gold, I keep the flanges/cups/bottles in an airtight container and store it in the fridge until the next session. I do this about 2-3 sessions before I dismantle all the parts and wash.

Tip #10: HYDRATE yourself! 💦💦💦Try to drink 500ml of warm water between every pump session, total around 3-4L per day. I know of friends who only drank red date tea during confinement period but this may prevent you from getting sufficient amount of water as you are unlikely to drink 4L of red date tea a day plus it could be too heaty.

Tip #11: Wear a handsfree pumping bra! If you are using a wearable pump, get a good nursing bra, otherwise you'll benefit from wearing a handsfree pumping bra. I cannot imagine holding the pumps there for 15 mins or more..

Tip #12: If you are based in Singapore, do keep this list of masseuse handy as they can come to your house for massage (sometimes on short notice) to help clear your clogs and I've tried a few of them personally. It's great especially if you are a first time mum and in need of urgent help. This list is often shared in SG mummy groups. Please contact the respective masseuse for the latest information and pricing.

🥛👀 BREAST MASSAGE 👀🍼

Mdm Ida (cat display pic): 9424 9829
$60 for 45mins
Need aircon
Will request for drinks & sit on bed
Cannot climb stairs 

Mdm Zaliah 9367 2244
Under Mdm Ida (cat display pic) team
$60 for 45mins

Mdm Idah (no display pic): 8378 6676
$75/hr
No need aircon
uses hot stone compress

Shah 8945 6117
$95/60-90mins depending 

Mdm Iza 9091 8274
$100
customized pumping schedule

Mama Jo 8874 9491
$100 for 1hr
5 times package - $450

Mdm Saleha 8139 1453
From PNSG
$750 for 10 sessions
1hr/ session

Mdm Sharifah 9062 2189
$45/hr
Uses hot stone compress
Recommended 5 session’s
Will charge taxi fare if too far or raining

Aunty Lynn
8833 1307
$180 or $150 for her daughter
60-90mins depending, but she’s usually able to come within the day and if you rlly sos at night kind she might be able to! 

Aunty Sue
9109 5551
$85 for 60 mins I think

Zhiyu 81186255
$150/hr
Does opening of milk ducts/ clear blocked milk ducts, expel water retention, pn massage, general massage and tuina etc.

Haibin
+65 8157 4808
Pm her for charges
Same as Zhiyu

Mdm Rose
+65 8614 0254
$95/hr engorgement massage incl. transport
does other post-natal related massage as well

I hope these tips help you achieve your breastfeeding goals! Remember, you are doing an amazing job feeding your baby and you deserve all the support and love in the world. Happy milking!

Look out for my future blog posts where I'll be sharing my reviews on the Imani i2+, Spectra S1+, Medela manual pump and the Elvie Stride!