While breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a new mom can do, breastfeeding is also undeniably challenging. But there are things that can make it easier, and some of these things are right at your fingertips.
When you are new to breastfeeding, there may be a lot that you are experiencing for the first time. These include the task of learning how to latch properly and other normal breastfeeding sensations like milk letdown. These may also include breastfeeding troubles like clogged milk ducts and mastitis.
To deal with all these, you need all the support and information you can get. You may receive these from family, friends, counsellors, and other well-meaning people around you, but then there will be times when you have to take care of -- and breastfeed -- your newborn baby alone or during the wee hours of the night.
During these times, having breastfeeding apps ready on your phone will certainly be helpful. Whether you are exclusively breastfeeding or mix-feeding and whether you are direct feeding or pumping, these baby apps will be handy. The best part is that these are all free!
Breastfeeding Information
1. LactApp Breastfeeding (iOS, Android)
LactApp aims to be a breastfeeding (and parenting) consultant that is available at your service 24/7. You can consult almost any topic and expect to receive specific answers that cater to your particular situation. There are even trackers and calculators incorporated into the app to help you monitor your baby’s development.
2. MyMedela (iOS, Android)
Medela is one of the world’s top breast pump manufacturers, so it comes as no surprise that their breastfeeding app is one of the most well-reviewed, too. With this app, you can get answers to your breastfeeding questions as well as track your progress by receiving personalized updates. You can even connect the app to selected Medela breast pumps!
3. LactMed (iOS, Android)
When you make the decision to breastfeed, you also make the decision to be conscious of what goes into your body. This includes being aware of the drugs and dietary supplements. Thanks to LactMed, an app that provides a database of drugs and supplements and their effect on breast milk, you will have a good idea of what is safe and what you should avoid.
Breastfeeding Tracker
1. Baby Feed Timer (iOS, Android)
When you’re lacking sleep and offering the boob on autopilot, it is definitely helpful to have a reliable tracker for breastfeeding. Baby Feed Timer is an app that times your feeds, tracks which breast you used last, and analyzes trends, giving you daily, weekly, and monthly data that will really come in handy during your next visit to the pediatrician.
2. Breastfeeding Tracker (Android)
This baby app covers all the basics that you will need when tracking your feedings. You can time your feedings and record which breast you used last to feed. You can also get a graphical analysis of your baby’s feeding behavior. It also displays your typical breastfeeding times and time frames. The app comes with a widget with no ads!
3. Breastfeeding Newborn Tracker (iOS, Android)
The Breastfeeding Newborn Tracker tracks not just your feedings but also your baby’s diaper changes, sleep schedule, height, weight, and more. As a breastfeeding tracker, it tracks feeding time, duration, and quantity. If your baby has started eating solids, you can also record using this app the foods they have tried and their reaction to each particular food.
Pumping Tracker
1. Pump Log (iOS)
This app makes pumping easy with its clean interface and intuitive trend analysis. With Pump Log, you can track milk production, which can help you increase your milk volume. You can time your pumps to help you meet your pumping goals and reduce your sessions once your goal has been met. You can even calculate when you can finally stop pumping!
2. Pumping Tracker (iOS)
Pumping is a bit more challenging than direct feeding since you need to be more precise (rather than instinctive) in monitoring the breast milk that you produce. Pumping Tracker is an app that helps you time and track your pumping, track your milk volume, and get estimates according to baby’s age and consumption. This app also allows you to monitor your freezer stash!
3. Milk Stash: Breastfeeding App (iOS)
The Milk Stash app helps you by taking the guesswork out of pumping and monitoring milk supply. With this app, you can track and time your pumping, keep track of multiple milk stashes across different locations (refrigerator, freezer, deep freezer), and see trends and statistics. It also notifies you when your milk is about to expire and helps you plan your milk stash rotation.
Lactation Room Locator
1. Mamava (iOS, Android)
Every breastfeeding and pumping mom needs this app because you never have to use the bathroom to feed your baby ever again! With the Mamava app, you can search for lactation spaces in your location as well as special Mamava pods created for breastfeeding and pumping moms. You can also review spaces and add a new space using the app.
2. Pumpspotting (iOS, Android)
Pumpspotting is an app that will allow you to find the best places to nurse and pump using a rating system powered by like-minded moms. With this app, you can also join a mobile breastfeeding community and connect with other moms. You can also help other mothers by sharing your own breastfeeding spots to the community.
Breastfeeding is one aspect of motherhood that will require a lot from you. It will require you to spend most of your time with your baby (or with your breast pump), it will require your energy, your effort, and even your personal space. But being able to nourish your newborn baby with food from your own body is also one of the most beautiful things about being a parent.
With the breastfeeding apps listed above, we hope we can help make breastfeeding and pumping and even more joyful experience for you!