How to make breastfeeding + your busy lifestyle flow

Today, let’s get straight into it. Because, if you’re reading this article you’re likely a certain type of mama. The type who craves adventure, likes to get things done and just happens to be breastfeeding a previous little bundle of joy.

So, I’ll respect your time and take that deep dive into what it really takes to have a successful breastfeeding relationship on the go.

To help me out, I talked with Portland Law, founder of Lil’ Buds Breast Comfort Pads, a beautiful pad you can use hot or cold to soothe sore breasts. Talk about sweet relief!

Today, let’s get straight into it. Because, if you’re reading this article you’re likely a certain type of mama. The type who craves adventure, likes to get things done and just happens to be breastfeeding a previous little bundle of joy.

So, I’ll respect your time and take that deep dive into what it really takes to have a successful breastfeeding relationship on the go.

To help me out, I talked with Portland Law, founder of Lil’ Buds Breast Comfort Pads, a beautiful pad you can use hot or cold to soothe sore breasts. Talk about sweet relief!

Since her whole world revolves around: 1. her family and 2. making life easier and more comfortable for mamas who decide to breastfeed, I would say Portland is a bit of an authority on the subject.

So, here are her top five tips for breastfeeding on the go, in her words.

1. Feed and then drive

Portland: Planning your day around a baby and (maybe) other kids, school, work and all the life in between is no easy feat. Here’s what I learned worked best for our busy life: Always plan to drive after a feed. This way baby is content and full prior to departure, and you have a good 2-3 hours to do that errand, school pick up, grocery run or drive to work before you need to feed again.

This saves you from getting stuck in traffic with a hungry baby, or having to pull over on a busy highway to feed in the car. You also might get lucky and baby will sleep contentedly in his car seat while you’re out and about. ?

2. Be prepared to nurse anywhere

Portland: Even if you’ve mastered the “feed-before-you-drive” technique, you still are bound to wind up breastfeeding someplace unexpected. Last year, traveling from Newark to Honolulu, I found myself breastfeeding my six month old while standing in airport security lines. We’d been standing in line for more than an hour—and sure enough baby was hungry. So, right there in the crowded line I pulled up my shirt and we breastfed right through the metal detector all the way to the gate.

I will honestly say that was the fastest I ever went through security… The TSA agents looked right at me and quickly moved me along!

If you ever have the chance, read this comical yet real book by Lauren Hirshfield Belden on all the places you’ll feed your baby.

A post shared by Lil’buds Breast Comfort Packs (@lillemer) on Aug 12, 2016 at 12:03pm PDT

3. Find a public nursing method that works for you

Portland: For those times you find yourself breastfeeding in front of a crowd, try a nursing cover for peace-of-mind feeding. This one is a personal favorite because it allows me to watch baby when nursing, but I also am in love with this multifunctional cover. If you feel comfortable without a cover, that is OK too! The main point is that you’re comfortable.

The more stressed you are the harder it will be to nurse comfortably and the longer it will take to let-down your milk.

A post shared by Lil’buds Breast Comfort Packs (@lillemer) on May 1, 2016 at 7:29pm PDT

4. Invest in breastfeeding-friendly attire

Portland: Investing in breastfeeding-friendly clothes will be the best choice you ever made. Tops and dresses that give baby quick and easy access to the breast mean that you can quickly and discretely feed baby while on the move.

A post shared by Lil’buds Breast Comfort Packs (@lillemer) on Nov 23, 2016 at 2:08pm PST

5. Be willing to go with the flow

Portland: Even if you plan your schedule perfectly, taking care of a baby isn’t always predictable. Things happen that you don’t expect, so instead of setting an exact time to meet your bestie for coffee, try using a window time frame. This gives you extra time to tend to baby should she need to breastfeed longer before you leave—or if you find yourself changing clothes after getting drenched in spit up. If you end up arriving early, well, take a deep breath, relax and know you’re doing a great job, mama.

Craving a little more insight from this rockstar mama? We’ve got you covered.

How do you make your mornings run smoothly?

Portland: I prepare breakfast before I go to bed. I set out the cereal, bowls, cups and spoons all before I go to bed. It’s one less thing for me to worry about when I wake up, and also gives me time to feed baby while the older kids eat.

The lifehack or tip that has changed my life. . .

Portland: Marinate all your meat in meal-sized ziplock bags for the family, leave overnight in the fridge then freeze in the morning. Take them out and defrost as you need them.

What superpower have you discovered as a mom?

Portland: Incredible optimism.

This quote inspires me. . .

Portland: What we think, we become. —Buddha

To me Motherly means…

Portland: Selflessness. Putting everyone else’s needs and desires before your own.

Follow Portland and Lil’ Buds here and check out her incredible lineup of product here.