Ok, I am only 7 weeks into my breastfeeding journey but I thought I would share my voyage so far and give product recommendations to get you through the first two weeks … because they are the WORST.
I bottle fed my two other children and I always just regretted that I never even gave it a shot and kind of hummed and hayed on the whole should I try it this time round or not. I was totally on the fence until after giving birth to Margaux when I just decided what the heck I’ll give it a go.
Ater one day of breast feeding I said to my husband ‘How shit this is, is society’s best kept secret, all I’ve ever heard is ‘breast feeding is a magical journey’, ‘breast feeding is such an amazing thing’…. And all I could think was when does the magic begin???
On day 2 at home my midwife was meant to be coming round but I missed her when I was out a walk, I was so annoyed because I was really questioning the whole breastfeeding thing, questioning if I was doing it right because surely the pain I was experiencing was unnatural?
So, I went through to my local hospital so they could see how she was feeding… When the midwife told me ‘Yes, that’s perfect, she’s feeding beautifully’… I felt like crying because I was hoping she was going to say we were doing it all wrong and would show me a different way… a pain free way. But no.
My midwife came past on the third day home (and day four of breastfeeding), I started crying as I told her I felt as though someone was karate chopping my nipples with a bread knife. She told me to keep going and it would get better, and that this was when most women give up.
I can totally see why it’s when most people give up but if you are reading this and you’re considering breastfeeding or you’re considering giving up on breast feeding I promise you it does get better. If you think about it your nipples never see the light of day and now they’re out all the time and a little human is sucking on them 24/7… they just need a little time to toughen up.
But, I kept going and I’m beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. When I think back to the first few days I nearly gave up after every single feed, every time Margaux began getting hungry my toes would honestly curl at the thought of her latching on. At one point my husband was literally making a bottle of formula because I said ‘no I’m giving up’, and when the bottle was ready I said ‘ughhh I’ll try one more time’.
I am so glad that I never threw in the towel, and I am so proud of myself for sticking the whole thing out.
...Don’t get me wrong sometimes there is still the odd feed where there is a slight discomfort and I resent my husbands freedom ever so slightly as I have to plan a simple trip to the shops around her feeds but I am beginning to see the magic and the beauty in this journey.
When I bottle fed my other two children I didn’t realise just how special breast feeding is and when people would talk about it I would think bla bla bla, I didn’t realise the time and sacrifice that went into it- I tell you … what I would do for a can of red bull. There is truly something magical in seeing your baby grow and knowing that is a direct result because of you, I am so glad I gave it a shot this time round.
So whether you breastfeed for 1 week, 1 month, or a year you should be so proud of yourself for giving it a go.
Anyway I am here to give some product recommendations for the survival of not only your nipples but your sanity!
lansinoh nipple cream
Listen, if there’s one product that saved me during those early breastfeeding days, it’s Lansinoh Nipple Cream. I’m not exaggerating when I say this stuff is like magic in a tube. At one point, I seriously considered writing a thank-you note to them for saving my poor, battered nipples. If you feel like they’ve gone ten rounds in a boxing match, slather this on- and thank me later.
A shoutout to my friend Iona for introducing me to this magical creation.
Silver nipple cups
Who knew your nipples could get their own bling? Silver nipple cups are like tiny shields of protection, swooping in to save the day (and your sanity) during breastfeeding. They’re not just fancy- they work wonders by soothing sore, cracked skin. The only thing is I would recommend not leaving them on too long because I found it made them too soft again.
I use the lansinoh ones, but I have noticed there is a brand called Pippeta which are about half the price and I imagine they would be just as good.
Reusable breast pads
I hadn’t bought any reusable breast pads before Margaux arrived and only had disposables but with your nipples being so sore and dry when I took the disposable pads off it felt a little like ripping a fabric plaster off. Enter the reusable breast pads, and let me tell you, it’s like wrapping your poor nipples in soft, fluffy clouds. They’re so much more comfortable and gentle, and honestly, I’ll never go back.
I use the lansinoh ones, I swear this brand is the best for all things breast.
Lansinoh 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Hot and Cold Breast Pads
You would think I was getting paid a commission for all the shoutouts to Lansinoh here! But they really are just a great brand. These little wonders are lifesavers - need relief from clogged ducts or mastitis? Use them hot for a soothing, relaxing warmth that helps improve milk flow and reduce blockages. If your breasts feel swollen or sore after feeding, pop them in the freezer and use them cold to calm inflammation and reduce pain. Whether you need heat or cold, these pads have got you (and your boobs) covered!
A Towel
This is for if you’re in pain and haven’t ordered anything to help you yet- I wasn’t planning on definitely breastfeeding – in fact I thought chances were I wouldn’t so I had nothing except breast pads bought (because you need them either way).
So, if you are in a similar predicament to the one I was in then apply a hot towel before feeding to sooth your nipple and encourage your milk flow before baby latches on. And after feeding apply it cold and it will help reduce pain. It basically works like the Lansinoh 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Hot and Cold Breast Pads.
As tough as the early days of breastfeeding can be, it’s a journey that gets better with time, patience, and the right tools. Whether you’re soothing sore nipples with cream, finding relief with silver cups, or easing discomfort with hot and cold therapy pads, remember that you're doing an incredible job. Breastfeeding isn’t easy, but with a bit of persistence and some well-chosen products, you can get through those tough moments. You've got this, mama!
Here are some final tips
PS. If you try it and you don’t like it and you want to quit that is totally ok, remember – FED IS BEST.
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