22 Practical Breastfeeding Hacks Every Mom Should Know
Breastfeeding is beautiful, but let’s face it—it’s not always easy. These 22 breastfeeding hacks will help make your journey smoother, whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned pro. From practical tips to mindset shifts, these ideas are here to support you every step of the way.
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Breastfeeding is amazing, but let’s be real…it doesn’t always feel that way, especially at first. While it’s natural and beautiful, it can take time to learn the ropes, and the journey can feel like a roller coaster.
Every mom’s breastfeeding experience is unique, but there are some tried-and-true tips that can make it a bit smoother. These 22 breastfeeding hacks combine advice I received, resources I discovered, and lessons I learned along the way.
Let’s make breastfeeding easier and more enjoyable for you and your little one.
22 Breastfeeding Hacks
These practical hacks are easy to implement, whether you’re nursing a newborn or an older baby. Let’s dive in!
1. Invest in nursing bras.
Nursing bras are lifesavers. Their clasps make breastfeeding so much easier, whether you’re at home or out and about. For at-home days and night time, try elastic, cup-less bras that are comfy and easy to pull up and out of the way.
2. Keep your bra dry with a burp cloth or nursing pad.
Leaks are normal, especially early on (and especially when your baby lets go at the moment of let down!). To avoid soaking your clothes, tuck a nursing pad or burp cloth into your bra, over the cup you’ve pulled down out of the way.
3. Enlist help during the early weeks.
In those first few weeks postpartum, it’s important for you to focus on recovering, bonding with your baby, and learning to breastfeed.
The more you can relax and take the time to practice breastfeeding, the better it will god. Ask your husband, partner, family, or friends to help with household tasks so you don’t have to worry about them.
In addition to getting help with chores, surround yourself with supportive people, especially women who have breastfed before. The community and support can make all the difference.
4. Bookmark the International Breastfeeding Center’s videos.
The IBC’s video library is a goldmine of practical tips. From mastering a good latch to troubleshooting issues, these videos are invaluable. Save the link on your phone for quick access.
5. Create a “nipple sandwich” for a better latch.
In the first weeks of breastfeeding, when your baby is still learning to latch, gently compressing your breast into a flatter shape can make it easier for your baby to get a good latch.
To create this “nipple sandwich,” make a C-shape with your hand, grabbing your breast with thumb on top and fingers on bottom. A gentle squeeze forms a sort of ledge with your nipple in the middle. Hold that shape and offer your breast to your baby.
Once your baby is latched, you can let go.
6. Give your nipples a break with hand expression.
In those first few days, hand-expressing milk may be helpful in giving your sensitive nipples a break. When your baby is hungry, express some milk into a spoon and spoon-feed it to him or her.
The first night after my baby was born, we spoon-fed through the night because my daughter’s latch was painful and we couldn’t get help until morning! Remember, your newborn needs very little milk to fill their stomach. Even a few small spoonfuls is a good meal for them in those first days.
Note: Breastfeeding should not be painful. If you are experiencing pain, seek additional support from a lactation consultant who can help you know what to do.
7. Try nipple shields for temporary relief.
While you and your little one are still figuring out how to get a good latch and feed comfortably, you may find relief by using nipple shields.
Nipple shields are like thin silicone bottle tops—nipples that go over your nipples. They have holes in the tips to allow milk to come through while reducing discomfort as your baby learns to latching properly.
If you do choose to use nipple shields (I did), use them sparingly and consult a lactation consultant if you aren’t able to feed without them after a few days to avoid dependency.
8. Skip the soap.
Avoid using soap on your breasts in late pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Soap strips away natural oils that your breasts produce to keep themselves healthy and soft.
Soap can also mask your natural scent, which is an important part of breastfeeding. Newborns can detect their mother’s unique scent from the moment of birth and the scent of their mother can increase a baby’s willingness to feed.
9. Use breast milk for healing.
If you do find that your breasts are dry or cracking despite not using soap, use breastmilk! Express a few drops from each breast and rub it in. Breast milk has healing properties and is all-natural which makes it a great option for nipples in need.
10. Activate your baby’s rooting reflex.
If your baby isn’t turning toward your breast when you sit down to feed, touch their lips or cheek. This triggers the natural rooting reflex which helps them find the breast and want to eat.
11. Keep your baby awake with tickles.
Newborns often doze off mid-feed. Gently tickle their feet, stroke their jawline, or rub their back to keep them alert for a full feeding session.
12. Change diapers before feeding to wake a sleepy baby.
A quick diaper change can also help rouse your baby just enough for a more effective feed.
RELATED >> 30 Diaper Changing Hacks You’ll Wish You’d Known Sooner
13. Guide your baby’s head for a better latch.
While your baby is still learning to latch properly, support their neck rather than their head. This allows their chin and lower lip to lead the way to the breast, which encourages a deeper, more comfortable latch.
14. Learn to recognize hunger cues.
New babies naturally display hunger cues when they are ready to feed (until 4 or 5 months of age). These hunger cues include:
- Putting fists in or near mouth
- Turning their head toward your chest or bobbing it against your shoulder (rooting)
- Acting more alert and restless
- Sucking on their hands or smacking their lips
- Opening and closing their mouth
Watch for these signs and you will often be able to avoid crying, which is a baby’s last resort when their hunger cues aren’t recognized.
15. Stay hydrated.
Breastfeeding can make you SO thirsty, so keep a water bottle withing reach during every feed. Staying hydrated supports your milk supply, your recovery, and your overall well-being.
16. Buy some smocked-top dresses.
Happy was the day I realized that you don’t have to buy a “nursing dress” in order to be able to breastfeed while wearing a dress. Smocked-top dresses are the perfect option—they’re stretchy, easy to pull down, and stylish!
If you love wearing dresses, get a few of these. You’ll be glad you did. (Just make sure you don’ get the kind with a non-stretchy neckline.)
17. Hang dry reusable nursing pads between washes.
With so many feeds a day and a milk supply that’s still adjusting, you’re going to use a lot of nursing pads. To keep them from going sour before washing day, hang a string in your laundry area to air-dry reusable pads.
18. Join La Leche League meetings for support.
La Leche League (LLL) is an international organization that offers free meetings and expert advice for breastfeeding women. Many of their meetings are virtual so you can attend without leaving your couch.
Some LLL leaders will even give out their phone number so you can get personal help when you need it over text or phone call, all for free!
You can also find lots of helpful information on LLL’s website and in their book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.
19. Try different breastfeeding positions.
As you and your baby learn to breastfeed together, experiment with different positions—cradle, cross-cradle, side-lying, laid-back, clutch—to find what works best for the two of you.
20. Collect milk with breast shells.
Breast shells are plastic shells with silicone backs that fit over your nipples and are used for catching breast milk. Wearing them on the non-nursing side during feeds is an effortless way to build a freezer stash without pumping.
21. Mark the side to feed on next.
It’s important to feed regularly from both breasts to keep your supply up. To keep track of which breast to start on with, attach a paper clip or stitch marker to your bra strap on that side. No more guessing!
22. Relax.
Though breastfeeding can be challenging and time-consuming at first, choosing to relax can make a real difference. Relaxation can help your milk flow more easily. Plus it makes it more enjoyable for you!
Use this time as a moment to take a break. Let breastfeeding become a cherished time of slowing down in the middle of busy days. Listen to a book or focus on connecting with your baby, making eye contact, smiling, and playing with him or her.
You’ve Got This, Mama!
There you have it—22 breastfeeding hacks to simplify your journey. Breastfeeding isn’t always easy but it is SO worth it. With the right support and tools, breastfeeding can not only be better—it can be a special time of day you enjoy.
Lean on these hacks, trust your intuition, and know you’re doing an amazing job.
For more inspiration, check out Breastfeeding vs. Formula: 25 Benefits of Breastfeeding.
Until next time,
Allison
READ MORE:
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10 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding
