Top Four Tips I Learned About Breastfeeding

Top Four Tips I Learned About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a learned skill

I walked into motherhood completely clueless about latch, milk supply, let down, pumping and everything else related to breastfeeding. My prenatal class offered a quick demo, but in the recovery room at the hospital, my gaps in knowledge were becoming clearer by the minute. Did you know about postpartum cramping caused by breastfeeding!? After three kids and lots of discovery, these are the top tips that actually helped me.

1. KellyMom.com is the bomb! The OG breastfeeding resource

A lactation consultant tipped me off to KellyMom, and it became my lifeline. The site breaks down everything from cluster feeding to clogged ducts in plain English. My biggest “aha” moment: you cannot nurse too often. Mind blown. The once-thriving Facebook group that I loved has gone quiet, but the website is still a gold mine of evidence-based info.

2. Measure your nipples (yes, really)

It took until my third pregnancy and five different lactation consultants before anyone pulled out a measuring card for my pump flanges. Turned out my size wasn’t even offered with my Spectra pumps. Two pregnancies and two years of pumping with the wrong size. I called Aeroflow Breastpumps and they helped me order smaller inserts from another brand. Moral of the story: ask a lactation consultant or use an online printable guide and measure before you pump.

3. Silicone milk catchers = effortless stash

Those little suction cups you tuck in your bra while feeding are a game changer. No cords, no noisy motor—just passive milk collection on the side your baby isn’t nursing. I rave about them in my 15 Postpartum Amazon Finds roundup because they let me build a freezer stash without an extra pumping session or sink full of parts.

4. Follow Karrie Locher on Instagram

Karrie is a nurse, lactation consultant, and mom with a mother lode of knowledge about all things motherhood, especially breastfeeding and pumping. If you have a question, she has the answer. She also sells online baby-care courses that are worth checking out. There is no shortage of mom advice on Instagram, but Karrie is my personal fave. Plus, she’s not like a regular mom, she’s a cool mom.

Quick recap

  • Bookmark KellyMom for evidence-based answers.
  • Measure your nipples and match your pump flange size.
  • Grab a pair of silicone milk catchers to build a stash while you Netflix-and-nurse.

You got this, mama!

Friendly reminder: I’m not a clinician, just a mom sharing what worked for me. Always check with a licensed lactation consultant for personalized guidance.