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No one should have to compromise between EBF and education. I stressed about going back to classes and losing my milk supply due to hours away from my little one. Between late-night feedings and strict daily schedules, I wasn’t sure how I could continue my breastfeeding journey while continuing my education. I debated formula feeding (remember, fed is best!) but felt newly committed to breastfeeding since I couldn’t with my firstborn due to health issues. As a mother of an exclusively breastfed infant, I have found two affordable life-savers that helped me through the semester. These are my Must-Haves for Breastfeeding Moms Going to School:
The Breastfeeding Shell
Many moms are raving about nursing pads and understandably so! No mother wants to walk into public with two headlights of leaked milk screaming for everyone’s attention. I relied on nursing pads to keep me dry until a dear friend showed me a better way. Amazon’s Breast Shells became my best friend because it offers me a conspicuous way to save breast milk in between nursing and pumping sessions. The hole in the shell saved my nipples from the tender pain of engorgement during lessons I couldn’t get out of to express my milk. To top it off, my mommy milk was saved for later use rather than absorbed by fabric! There were times where my shell collected up to two ounces between both breasts. In those early weeks, that can be one feeding.
A Manual Breast Pump
The Breast Shell doesn’t always work on its own, especially for long hours away from your baby. Some moms may use an electric pump, but there isn’t always enough time between classes to sit down and relax for a 15-minute pump. A reliable manual pump, much like Amazon’s highly recommended Haakkaa, is a convenient alternative. Nursing moms not only receive quick relief from the natural suction when they’re on-the-go but can even use it on the opposite breast that baby is nursing on to save more milk during let-down!
Breast Shells and Haakaa have helped me stash an excellent back-up for not only when I’m at school, but also for the much-needed date nights with my spouse. I have successfully made it through a semester without my supply dropping while collecting back-ups for the future. There’s enough stress when taking care of an infant without the fear of sacrificing your supply to get an education. Now you can embrace both! I hope you found value in these Must-Haves for Breastfeeding Moms Going to School. <3
