5 Surprising Ways to Boost Your Breastfeeding Journey

Looking for Support on Your Breastfeeding Journey?

Here’s the thing—breastfeeding can be both incredibly rewarding and seriously overwhelming.

Some days, it feels like everything is flowing (literally). Other days, you’re triple-checking your latch, Googling at 3 a.m., and wondering how something so natural can feel so… well, complicated.

No matter what your journey looks like, you deserve support. And sometimes, it goes beyond nipple cream or nursing bras. Trust us, it can be the unexpected things that turn the whole experience around.

From gentle therapies to community support, these are the things that helped us feel a little more grounded, a little more confident, and a lot more seen on our own breastfeeding journeys.

What’s Helped Us Most While Breastfeeding

Our team is made up of moms—and experts who support moms every day—so we’ve seen firsthand that sometimes it’s not just about the latch or supply. It’s the little shifts, the support, and the things maybe no one mentioned in your pregnancy classes that can make a world of difference.

These are the things we’ve seen help time and time again.

1. Lactation Consultant Support

If breastfeeding feels harder than you expected, say no more, we get it—but you're not doing anything wrong. Sometimes it helps to have someone who really gets it and can meet you where you are. A lactation consultant in Rhode Island, or wherever you’re located, can help troubleshoot latch issues, supply concerns, pain, or anything else that's making feeding feel more frustrating than fulfilling. It’s often the best first step when you need answers and support that’s specific to you.

2. Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)

If you've tried all the usual tricks and your baby still seems uncomfortable, fussy, or struggles with feeding—CFT might be exactly what you’re looking for.

CFT is a gentle, hands-on therapy that helps release tension in your baby’s body caused by things like birth compression (there’s a lot of shifting and compression happening during delivery—and even in utero—that can impact how they feel in their body, or even just being curled up in the womb for months), and tongue or lip ties. It focuses on both the craniosacral system and the fascia (the connective tissue that wraps around everything in the body), helping your baby feel more at ease, which can improve latch, digestion, and overall feeding rhythm.

Dr. Danielle, our in-house expert, offers this gentle, effective therapy right here at Mothers Haven—and many moms in our community have found it to be the missing piece in their breastfeeding journey.

3. Chiropractic Care 

While CFT focuses more on soft tissue release, chiropractic care works through gentle spinal adjustments to help align the nervous system. Both are hands-on therapies—but they support the body in different ways. Think of it this way: chiropractic care addresses alignment, while CFT focuses on soft tissue and fluid movement. Both can be powerful tools—sometimes even more effective when used together!

And it’s kind of wild that this isn’t talked about more often, but gentle chiropractic care can make a huge difference for both you and your baby.

If your baby is extra irritable, having trouble latching, or seems uncomfortable during or after feedings, it could be because of tension or alignment issues from birth—or even the impact of a lip or tongue tie. Sometimes, small adjustments can really help how they feel. We’re talking the lightest, most gentle touch from chiropractors specifically trained to support babies.

And yes—moms can benefit too. A few postpartum adjustments can ease your own nursing aches and support your recovery.

If you want to try a more holistic support option, this one’s definitely worth exploring.

4. Focusing on What You Eat and Drink

Breastfeeding takes a lot out of you—literally. And your body needs extra fuel to keep up (about 300–500 more calories a day), and hydration is just as important. Feeling foggy, low-energy, or noticing a dip in supply? Nutrition might be the missing link.

Start simple: drink water consistently throughout the day (a glass every time you nurse is a great habit), and consider adding an electrolyte drink or even a pinch of salt for better hydration support. 

Here are 10 nutrient-dense foods that support your energy, mood, and milk supply:

• Oatmeal
• Salmon 
• Avocado
• Leafy greens (like spinach or Swiss chard)
• Sweet potatoes
• Eggs
• Full-fat Greek yogurt
• Lentils or chickpeas
• Almonds or cashews
• Berries

And if you’re not sure where to start booking a session with a postpartum nutrition expert (we love our own in-house dietician, Celia!) can go a loooong way in helping you feel more nourished, balanced, and confident in what your body needs.

5. Your Self-Care Practices

Your well-being matters—especially when you're giving so much of yourself. When you feel a little more calm and supported, feeding tends to go a whole lot smoother—and your baby usually feels it too. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, small moments of care can really add up.

Here are a few simple ways to weave self-care into your day:

• Taking a walk (even just around the block)
• Listening to an audiobook or favorite podcast while nursing
• Drinking your coffee or tea while it’s still warm (we know… revolutionary)
• Doing a quick breathing or meditation app a few times a week
• Attending a local moms group for connection and support 
• Journaling for five minutes before bed
• Stretching while baby gets some tummy time on a mat or sits in a bouncy chair
• Keeping a water bottle and a snack station set up wherever you feed
• Saying “no” to things that drain you (because boundaries = care, too)
• Asking your family member or a friend to watch the baby so you can have some solo time

Whatever fills your cup—big or small—is worth prioritizing. You're caring for two bodies right now. Yours deserves love, too.

Lean Into Local Support 

We totally understand if breastfeeding feels like a full-time job, we’ve been there, too. And sometimes what you really need is to prioritize your own health, find a quiet moment, or just sit in the company of other moms who get it. 

Other times, things might be a bit more challenging. But the good news is, you have options. Finding local support can be such a weight off your shoulders (and boobs, if we’re being honest!). If you’re local to Mothers Haven, then working with a trusted lactation consultant in Rhode Island or connecting with other moms through mom groups in Rhode Island can be the right next step to help you on your breastfeeding journey. And if you aren’t local, a quick Google search for support in your area is worth looking into. 

There’s power in asking for help, in showing up for yourself, and in finding your village. When you feel supported, everything (yes, even feeding) feels just a little bit easier.