breastfeeding basics

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When I posted my recent vegan pregnancy blogs breastfeeding was one of the most hotly discussed topics in the comments! You asked many great questions that I will be answering soon but in the meantime I wanted to share this useful article from Girlie Girl Army.
 
Girlie Girl Army's Chloe Jo has some great tips for all you new moms or moms-to-be. She's had an epic journey with breastfeeding! Her personal experience was difficult and painful at first but she fought through it with the help of nipple soaks massage and pumping - and after an excruciating first two months breastfeeding was a breeze.
 
Here are some of Chloe Jo's tips:
 
Watch a mom breastfeed - Learn by watching. Sit with a new mother and watch her breastfeed her baby – ask her questions discuss challenges that she's faced. If you don't know anyone who is currently breastfeeding attend a local breastfeeding support group. You can find your local La Leche League Group here.
 
Do some research - There are tons of great breastfeeding resources both online and in print. If you're looking for a good place to start check out Bravado Designs for great resources divided by stage.
 
Connect with moms who have been there - Probably the greatest resource you will find is listening to and talking to a mom who's been through the challenges and successes of breastfeeding. Learning what they "wish they had known then" as well as having support for when you're going through rough patches can be invaluable.
 
Keep your employer in the loop - Talk to your boss before you go on mat leave and let him/her know that you intend to pump when you return back to work. Giving your company advance notice is better than springing it on them on your first day back.
 
Include your partner - Have a candid discussion about not only what's involved but what both of your expectations are. Having your partner as your "breastfeeding cheerleader" is a great way to boost your confidence as well as involve him/ her in the feeding experience.  
 
Set up your lactation station - Set up a spot before baby comes: a comfy chair and a pillow are all you're going to need to get started.
 
Invest in two nursing bras - You're going to want at least two nursing bras when you're starting out – one to wear and one to wash. Choose a nursing bra with flexible sizing and cottony comfort as your size will be changing especially throughout those first few weeks. The GGA Mom Squad swear by the Bravado Bras and tanks and we tried every brand. The Bravado were endlessly comfortable durable sensible and great under everything. Our faves? The Body Silk Seamless Nursing and the Essential Nursing Bra Tank. Trust us any other brand will just sit in your drawer and rot.
 
Create your support network - In an ideal world breastfeeding will come easy but if it doesn't don't be afraid to ask for help. Identify your support network beforehand whether it's a Lactation Consultant doctor midwife or doula.
 
Are any of you Kind Lifers currently breastfeeding or have you in the past? What has your experience been like?