Breastfeeding Tips from a Nursing Mom of 7

As a Mama to 7, I’ve experienced just about every breastfeeding challenge under the sun, from milk supply issues and sore nipples to cluster feeding marathons and teething babies. Along the way, I’ve gathered a toolbox of breastfeeding tips, practical wisdom, and natural remedies that helped me nourish my babies and care for my own body, too.

Breastfeeding is beautiful, but let’s be real; it’s also tough sometimes, especially in the beginning! That’s why I’m sharing my strategies, tips, tricks, and go-to natural solutions that helped me nurse each one of my babies. I hope they’ll make your breastfeeding journey enjoyable and successful!

Why Breastfeeding is So Important

Without question, breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby. Period. Even the U.S. surgeon general is on board! As a 2016 Cochrane Review said, “We know breastfeeding helps babies avoid illness and stay healthy.”

It’s as simple as that, which is why the breastfeeding tips in this post are so important!

Unfortunately, many women are not aware of these benefits. According to a national survey, only 25 percent of the U.S. public agreed that feeding a baby with infant formula instead of breast milk increases the chances the baby will get sick.

In the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding, we are told that this is because “information about breastfeeding and infant formula is rarely provided by women’s obstetricians during their prenatal visits.”

The Office of the Surgeon General also makes this profound statement: “Moreover, many people, including health professionals, believe that because commercially prepared formula has been enhanced in recent years, infant formula is equivalent to breast milk in terms of its health benefits; however, this belief is incorrect.”

Breastfeeding is Worth the Effort!

It’s no wonder so many women stop nursing earlier than they planned.

Even though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least twelve months, only 27% of moms make it that far. Many believe there’s no real difference between breast milk and formula, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Breast milk is proven to be the best choice, as researchers found over 30 tested infant formulas to include microplastics (also known as “forever chemicals”)…and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Breastfeeding is worth the effort, especially when considering the long-term benefits of breastfeeding over formula.

One of the most encouraging things said to me when I was pregnant with Esther was, “If you can make it through the first two weeks, you can make it through anything!” I’m so grateful that a friend said this to me, especially during the first two to three weeks, which I call “the razor blades” phase.

This is when milk is coming in, your body is regulating the flow, and your baby is learning to suckle. Suckling or “rooting” is the second thing babies learn to do after crying, which shows how much natural sustenance means to the Lord.

If you’re facing challenges with nursing, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own either. Connecting with a lactation consultant, your local La Leche group, or even a trusted friend or family member who has breastfed before can make all the difference in the world.

Be encouraged, Mama: God designed your body with everything it needs to nourish and sustain your baby. It’s not always easy, and it’s not always glamorous, but you can do this. You were made for this sacred work.

And, it’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish. I’ve known many people who had rough starts and were able to have a successful breastfeeding journey. We are all a work in progress, and the Lord continues to perfect that which concerns us (Psalms 138:8)!

My Breastfeeding Strategy

Yes, I breastfed most of my babies until they were at least two years old, no matter what was going on in life. I’ve nursed through date nights, major events, travel, and even pageants!

In fact, in the above picture, I am at the Mrs. Georgia America pageant in 2016 with Baby Bella in my arms…totally knocked out in a sweet little “nummy” milk coma.

When we took Bella to her six-month milestone appointment (a little early), she was in the 80th–90th percentile across the board.

And get this, none of our babies eat solid food until their first birthday. That’s right! We wait until they are one year old, on their first birthday, before introducing blended solids. We truly celebrate this milestone, skipping the sugary smash cakes and instead nourishing them with blended organic avocados, mangoes, and a combination of both, with bananas as a backup option. As you can see, they never miss a meal!

This approach actually aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first year.

But let me say this clearly: never feel ashamed if your journey looked different. If you weren’t able to breastfeed, chose not to, or didn’t have the support you needed, that does not make you any less of a good mama.

I’m incredibly grateful for the breastfeeding classes I took while pregnant with my oldest daughter, that was taught by the go-to lactation consultant in our area at the time.

I’m also grateful for the support I received from my mom (who breastfed all three of her children), Julie, my first doula and pregnancy exercise coach, (who was also an assistant lactation consultant/physical therapy assistant), a kind and wise lactation consultant, the local La Leche League, and my midwifery team, and their local group the “Mother Earth Mamas”.

I surrounded myself with women who had successfully nursed because I knew that support would be key, and it was.

As a breastfeeding peer mentor for years, I encourage you not to give up until you find the support you need to make your breastfeeding journey work.

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!- Proverbs 15:23

And remember, before you make any changes to your routine or supplements, always consult with your natural healthcare provider, midwife, or naturopath.

“Can I Bottle Feed?”

For the mamas out there considering breastfeeding: breastmilk is best. No question. And yes—it’s worth every ounce of effort.

FORMULA: It’s hard to find one that’s truly clean—free of microplastics, “forever chemicals,” and heavy metals. That’s a real concern, especially when it’s your baby’s main nourishment.

NURSING: If you’ve been blessed with the ability to produce and a life rhythm that allows it—nursing is the most beautiful blend of nourishment, bonding, and simplicity.

EXCLUSIVE PUMPING: The best option for Mamas who can’t nurse full time. Just know… it’s a ton of work. So much more than nursing. Huge respect to the mamas who go this route.

I still remember what I was told in my very first breastfeeding class—most women’s supply drops by 6 months—not because they can’t nurse or produce, but because most give up without the support and motivation to keep going. Yes, it’s THAT hard and it’s a sacrifice.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Every bottle replaces a created moment for your baby to signal your body.
• Nursing helps activate hormones and preserve supply.

That’s one reason I’ve chosen to nurse exclusively.

Yes, I pump—to keep up supply and to relieve engorgement— I donate that milk. I’ve been honored to share it with moms walking through hard seasons and even friends fighting illness.

Breast milk is, quite literally, a miracle food.

Did you know? Scientists discovered a component in breast milk called HAMLET that kills cancer cells—without touching healthy ones! #divinedesign #prettycool (PMID: 33348422

Pro Tip: Let Dad handle the diaper so you can stay in bed. Every bit of rest makes a difference.

If you can nurse—do it.

1. Nursing is best.
2. Then nursing/bottle combo
3. Then exclusive pumping
4. Then formula

And if your journey looks different—there’s no shame here. Just do the best you can with the tools you have.

Mama Z’s Top 5 Favorite Breastfeeding Strategies and Supplies

Here are a few of my favorite natural go-tos that helped support healthy milk flow and overall wellness while nursing:

1. Clean, Balanced Diet

One of the best things you can do while breastfeeding is to eliminate common allergens and inflammatory foods. I personally avoided what I’m most sensitive to: casein, dairy, gluten/wheat, processed sugar, preservatives, soy, and peanuts. Doing so will eliminate a lot of acid reflux, colic, and/or tummy issues. It might feel like a lot to adjust your diet, but your body (and baby!) will thank you.

2. Essential Oils

I used therapeutic-grade basil and fennel essential oils (always diluted) and gently massaged them around my milk ducts after nursing. This helped keep things flowing. Note that fennel essential oil should not be used continuously for more than 10 days. Prolonged use may overstimulate the urinary tract and lead to excessive urination.

3. Hot Compresses

During those early days (what I lovingly call the “razor blades” phase), I used hot compresses made with chamomile tea to soothe my chest and relieve occasional tightness or discomfort. This was especially helpful when dealing with engorgement, thrush, or just general tenderness as my body adjusted to feeding and the baby’s overall schedule.

4. Low-Tox Must-Haves

I’ve gathered a list of pregnancy and nursing essentials I recommend, including low-tox products you can find easily on Amazon. From support pillows, nipple creams, pads, and teas, you’ll want to have these on hand to make your journey smoother and more joyful. Click here for my trusted favorites.

5. Nourishing Foods

I loaded up on super greens through shakes, organic salads, and fresh-pressed organic juices, and made sure to include healthy fats like organic avocados and coconut in my meals. These nutrient-dense foods gave my body the fuel it needed to support both my energy and milk production. If you have trouble fitting vegetables into your diet, consider serving any main dish over a bed of organic spinach or leafy greens.

Nursing Roll-Ons for Milk Supply and Digestion

These recipes will help you start producing breast milk and boost production. They are tried-and-true blends that have helped me successfully nurse all of our kiddos.

Tips for Long-Term Breastfeeding

Hang in there, Mama; you can make it through the “razor blades phase.” Those first few weeks of nursing can feel intense, but if you persevere with prayer, support, and patience, it truly does become easier. Once you’re over that initial hump, you’ll find your rhythm. That’s not to say there won’t be bumps along the way, but trust me, every challenge is workable.

Follow Baby’s Natural Schedule

Your baby’s schedule may feel hectic at first, but once they reach the 9-10-pound mark, you’ll be able to almost predict when they want to feed and sleep. They present their natural daily schedule.
And often, their sleep periods become longer, giving you a well-deserved break. As my Mom always says, “If you can, try to rest when the baby rests!”

Avoid Pacifiers

We try to avoid using pacifiers for the first two weeks of the baby’s life, as it can cause nipple confusion. This also helps them turn to the breast for comfort, which increases your milk supply.

Involve Dad

There’s a common misconception that fathers can’t be as involved in their baby’s life if Mom is doing all the feeding. I involved Dr. Z in our nursing journey by having him change many of the diapers, swaddle the baby, and perform all the “5 S’s”. He also came to the 4th trimester class, where he learned how to support me and the baby best. This wisdom came from my Mom and other family members, with a few tweaks to make it work for our family.

Prep for the Future

Pump and store your breast milk early on, so you’ll have it ready to mix into puréed organic fruits and veggies when the baby starts solids later. It’s a great way to stretch the benefits of your milk even further.

Embrace Breast-to-Baby Contact

Just remember, breast-to-baby contact is what stimulates the best milk production. You make most of your on-demand milk because the baby stimulates it. If possible, nursing on demand (meaning right from the breast) is the best plan.

6. Rely on God’s Unique Plan for Your Nursing Journey

I’ve been incredibly blessed to be home with my babies, and I recognize not every family is in the same situation. My little ones have never taken a bottle; they’ve all nursed on demand from the breast. My first nursed for 2 years, 1½ months; my second for 17½ months; my third for 2½ years, and sweet Bella was 2½ years old when she stopped nursing.

Ezekiel was 18 months, Isaac was 2 years, 2 months, and Elizabeth is going strong! All of my shorter-term nursing babies were due to being pregnant with the next baby, as my breast milk turns more sour at a certain point in my pregnancies.

This is God’s great design to help the big brother or sister transition to the natural phase of weaning. At this point, we love including the child in home midwife appointments (using the fetal doppler, showing Mama where baby is, etc.) and extending the bedtime experience to longer prayers. Bonus: This approach prevents sibling jealousy and provides a peaceful weaning experience.

Everyone’s journey is different, and your milk may remain the same throughout pregnancy. Some of my friends have been able to tandem nurse very successfully. Follow the plan that God has for your body, which will often align with what He’s laid on your heart.

Scriptures for Breastfeeding & Prayer

These Scriptures and quote encouraged me throughout my pregnancy and my nursing journey:

• “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” – Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)
• “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” – James 1:4
• “You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah.” – Psalm 21:2
• “Without struggle, there is no progress.” – Winston Churchill

This was my heart’s desire: to nurse, nourish, and connect deeply with each of my children. If this is your heart’s desire, I pray these tips will bless you in a meaningful, practical, and encouraging way, and I’d like to pray for you. You’ve got this, Mama! 💛🙏🏼💪🙌🏼💛

Thank You, Lord, for this precious Mama. We ask you to bless her hands and body. God, we ask that as you formed her body and designed your plan, that You give her the desire of her heart, whether it be increased milk production, the best breastfeeding experience, or to help restore what was lost.

We thank You and commit this special time to you. We ask that You bless this special time of connection with each of our babies. We thank You, Lord, for showing us just what to do and blessing the work of our hands to prosper this family journey.

As your beloved children, we know You give us sweet sleep (Proverbs 3:24, Ecclesiastes 5:12, Psalm 127:2). Help each Mama and Daddy to get the rejuvenated rest they need, even if it’s blessed and multiplied power naps.

We thank You for perfecting the things that concern us. Show us the areas that we can grow in. And thank You for doing exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we can ask and think, because we know we can do all things through You, who strengthens us. In Jesus’ Name, amen.