How to Balance Breastfeeding as a Single Mother
Breastfeeding can be challenging, and finding time to balance breastfeeding, a new baby, and all the other responsibilities you may have as a single mother can be even harder.
We know it can be a struggle to keep up with all of life’s demands while committing to feeding your little one breast milk, and that’s why you’re pretty much a superhero in our eyes (and we bet in your baby’s eyes too!) The benefits of breast milk for both you and your newborn are immense – and did we mention the amazing bonding time it provides?
If time can be hard to find these days (and we’re sure it is!), here are a few tips to help take some of the weight off your shoulders without sacrificing your breastfeeding relationship:
5 Tips for Single Mothers Who are Balancing Breastfeeding
1: Get Organized
“Get organized” sounds simple, right? However, many single mamas may agree that doing so is oftentimes easier said than done. Organizing all the priorities and responsibilities in your life can be a challenge, but doing so can help you stress less – and maybe even find a way to get that much-deserved bubble bath in!
Create weekly and monthly schedules for yourself, highlighting important deadlines and events – whether that includes doctor appointments, grocery runs, an outing with family, or even just a couple of hours that you’d like to set aside to recharge and have some “you” time.
Living by your schedule will allow you to forget how much might be on your to-do list at the moment and instead focus on days at a time.
2: Prioritize Pumping at Work
If or when the time comes that you’ll be returning to work, be sure to prepare ahead of time to pump at work. Talk to your manager or Human Resources to understand your rights as a breastfeeding parent as well as the resources and policies in place for pumping while at work.
Remember, regular pumping is important to maintain a plentiful milk supply while away from your baby, so having a plan ahead of your return can help support your continued breastfeeding journey.
3: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Consider some different ways that you can simplify your life and accomplish more in less time, and try what makes the most sense for your unique situation.
This could mean ordering groceries online and picking them up or having them delivered, spending one afternoon or evening meal prepping for the week so you don’t have to cook every night (or rely on pricy food delivery!), or asking family and friends for occasional babysitting help.
Regardless of what makes the most sense for you and your situation, it’s all about getting creative to reduce the long list of tasks in your day-to-day routine and help you feel supported.
Try taking stock of the various to-dos in your life and ask yourself, “is there an easier way?” Streamlining things as much as possible can help you find more time in your day to focus on what matters most – your newest family member.
4: Find Help and Support
Even after your life has been organized and simplified, you’re still going to find that you could use some help and support, whether it’s someone to make a diaper run while you and your little one are busy or someone to watch him or her while you work.
Their help doesn’t even need to be tangible – sometimes just having someone to talk to about the challenges you’ve faced that day can help you feel seen, heard, and more at peace. Whatever they might help with, trusted allies in the form of family members or close friends can make single parenting feel much more manageable.
Don’t be afraid to ask for occasional help and don’t be afraid to tell them just how much you appreciate them.
5: Set Yourself Up For Success With the Right Breastfeeding Products and Accessories
Having the right nursing and breastfeeding apparel, storage containers, breast care accessories, and of course a quality double-electric breast pump can help make your breastfeeding journey more seamless and convenient.
Medela is a world-renowned, trusted breast pump (and breastfeeding accessories!) company. Their selection features innovative products that can help make breastfeeding more convenient than ever.
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