As a new mom, you are probably a bit sticker shocked by all the gadgets and supposed must haves that are designed to make breastfeeding not only a pleasurable experience but also possible. Moreover, even if you follow all of the instructions to the last letter, there is a good chance that breastfeeding will not go as easily as perhaps you had envisioned initially. It goes without saying that you only want to the best for your child, but at some point all the various goods and approaches do not work. Fortunately, there is the MacGyver approach to breastfeeding that thus far has worked for everyone.

You are most likely with the old MacGyver television series that featured an indomitable leading man who - with a toothpick and sock - could hotwire a car and disable a bomb. The same approach holds true for breastfeeding and its aftermath. This greatly decreases the discomfort you and your baby experience while at the same time saving you some serious money. For example, did you know that instead of the expensive breastfeeding nursing pads you can simply take a diaper and cut two circles out of it? Tape them to the inside of your bra, and there will be no leaks that might be rather embarrassing at the meeting with your boss.

Moreover, your nipples are sure to eventually crack and become sore. This is simply the way things work. Fortunately, you have the option of relieving this pain without all the expensive creams and lotions and instead just use two used teabags. Your best bets are chamomile tea bags, but any other kind of teabag will do just as well. To really provide some pain relief to your sore breast, use a couple of sandwich bags, fill them with water, and then place them into the freezer over a cut in half melon or large grapefruit. The bags will freeze in the shape of the fruit, which in turn mimics the shape of your aching breast, and then can be placed over your breast for maximum pain relief.

Cherry flavored lip balm is a baby favorite. It provides them the much needed incentive to latch on to your nipples, and if you put just a bit on your nipples prior to nursing, you can also relieve any painful cracking that may have occurred in your skin. There have been numerous other suggestions for relieving the pain of cracked nipples. It is important not to fall for the castor oil method; sure, it might relieve your pain and also the cracking of the skin, but the castor oil may be toxic to baby and unless you are planning to cleaning your breasts and nipples quite well before nursing, it is a good idea to not make use of this folk remedy.

Granted, these MacGyver approaches to breastfeeding are not for everyone. As a matter of fact, some moms feel rather silly cutting up a diaper in an effort the stem the flow of milk that is threatening to ruin their nice blouse or top. This is totally understandable, and it should be pointed out that the MacGyver approach to breastfeeding takes the innovative aficionado who does not sweat the small stuff. If decorum is considered of importance to you, then you may want to stock up on breastfeeding pads and various ointments.

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