Ever tried breastfeeding a hungry baby while juggling a shopping trip, preparing dinner, or scrambling to get out the door for an appointment? It’s a total struggle, right? The strain, the awkward positions, the sheer exhaustion—it can all feel overwhelming. But trust me, it doesn’t have to be this hard.
This is where expert guidance can make all the difference. Today, we’re sharing our Q&A with Melissa Hays from Cocoon & Cradle, a respected International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Holistic Sleep Coach, Paediatric Nurse, and Midwife, who has been using the Hackerlily HipSurfer in her own parenting journey.
Melissa has found the HipSurfer to be a game-changer, particularly for easing the strain of carrying her 16-month-old while juggling the demands of motherhood. If you’re curious about how the HipSurfer can bring more ease and comfort to sleep times and breastfeeding, keep reading for Melissa's expert tips, tricks, and hacks that can make a world of difference for you and your little one.
A Bit About Mel
Mel lives on the Gold Coast with her husband and their three children, aged 1, 4, and 6. With years of experience as a Paediatric Nurse and Midwife, Mel's journey into lactation and sleep consulting was inspired by her own challenges as a new mother. "When I was pregnant with my first baby, I thought I would breeze through motherhood. I had always worked with kids and had worked as a paediatric nurse and midwife for many years. I was dead wrong," Melissa recalls. The overwhelming and conflicting information she encountered led her to further her studies, becoming an IBCLC and Holistic Sleep Coach to better support other mums.
Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges: Melissa’s Top Tips
Breastfeeding can be a deeply bonding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Melissa identifies three common issues and offers her expert advice on how to tackle them:
1. Sore Nipples
Sore and painful nipples are a common breastfeeding challenge. Melissa advises, "See an IBCLC to identify the root cause of the pain. It could be as simple as tweaking attachment and positioning." She also recommends hand expressing a few drops of breastmilk onto the nipple and letting it air dry, ideally in the sun, to aid healing. Silverettes, silver nursing cups, can also be helpful in the healing process.
2. Attachment & Positioning
Many mums struggle with getting their baby to latch correctly. Melissa suggests trying different positions to find what works best for both mum and baby. "I’m a big fan of laid back/reclined and side-lying positions," she says. Key tips include offering a feed when the baby shows early feeding cues and ensuring the baby’s body is close to yours, with their head, shoulders, and body in a straight line.
3. Coping with Broken Sleep
It's normal for breastfeeding mums to experience broken sleep, as babies may feed frequently throughout the day and night. Melissa’s advice is to keep your baby close at night to minimize the time spent awake and to rest when your baby does during the day. She also highlights the benefit of using a carrier, such as the HipSurfer, for daytime naps, allowing mums to get things done while keeping their baby close.
The HipSurfer: A Game-Changer for Busy Mums
Melissa has been using the Hackerlily HipSurfer with her youngest child. She finds it particularly useful for quick pick-ups and providing comfort during moments when her child needs to be held close. The HipSurfer has become an essential tool in her daily routine, offering the freedom and ease that traditional carriers often lack.
When is the HipSurfer Most Useful?
Melissa sees the HipSurfer as a versatile tool that can be used in various situations, from sick days to park playdates. "It allows you to easily pick them up and hold them while also giving you both freedom that a standard carrier doesn’t provide. Plus, it’s a lot quicker to use, which is super helpful when you have a wiggly toddler that always wants to be up and down," she explains.
Breastfeeding on the Go with the HipSurfer
For mums who often find themselves needing to breastfeed on the go, the HipSurfer doubles as a mobile breastfeeding pillow. Melissa shares, "Instead of making dinner and trying to prop her half up on the bench or on my leg, she can feed comfortably while on the HipSurfer. My tip would just be to put it on at home (or out and about) and you’ll quickly see how often you use it, and how it’s helpful in so many different ways."
Is the HipSurfer Right for Your Family?
Melissa recommends the HipSurfer to other parents, especially as their little ones grow older and more active. "I think it’s a helpful tool for all parents out there," she says.
Final Thoughts
Melissa’s expertise in lactation and sleep, combined with her personal experience as a mum of three, make her an invaluable resource for parents. If you need further support with breastfeeding or sleep, Melissa is available for consultations and can be reached at mel@cocoonandcradle.com or on Instagram at @cocoonandcradle.
The journey of parenthood is filled with challenges, but with experts like Melissa Hays and products like the HipSurfer, it can also be a little bit easier and a lot more comfortable.
Breastfeeding Tips & Hacks With Mel From Cocoon & Cradle
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Freedom to Move: How the HipSurfer Empowers Active Parents
As a parent, you want the best for your child—but you also need the freedom to move, adapt, and respond to life’s demands without feeling like your hands are constantly tied. Whether it’s navigating a busy park, soothing a restless baby at home, or simply managing a quick grocery run, the need for flexibility is a constant.
Yet, so many carriers on the market seem to do the opposite. They’re fiddly, complex, and loaded with buckles that restrict your movement, leaving you feeling flustered just when you need things to be easy.
But here’s the good news: parenting doesn’t have to feel that way.
What Parents Really Want: Flexibility and Freedom
As a parent, you're looking for freedom—freedom to respond to your baby’s needs, freedom to move naturally without back pain, and freedom from the hassle of over-complicated baby carriers. You want a solution that works seamlessly, without the fiddly buckles and straps that make everything more stressful. Most importantly, you want something that helps you stay connected with your baby while keeping your daily life on track.
The HipSurfer offers exactly that—freedom. It's designed for parents who want a carrier that simplifies life rather than making it more complicated. Whether you're out and about or simply tackling your daily routine, the HipSurfer supports you every step of the way.
The Downside of Traditional Carriers: More Hassle, Less Help
Many parents have faced this situation: you've invested in a carrier that looks promising but quickly find it’s more of a hassle than a help. With endless straps, complex adjustments, and a time-consuming process just to get your baby in or out, these carriers can turn what should be a bonding moment into a frustrating ordeal.
On top of that, many carriers are only suitable for specific stages of development, meaning they’re outgrown quickly. You end up spending more money and time switching between carriers just when you need something consistent and reliable. These challenges leave many parents feeling restricted when they should feel empowered.
You need the HipSurfer: The Game-Changing Baby Carrier
The HipSurfer is here to change all that. It’s designed with freedom in mind, from the first moment you use it until your child is ready to roam independently. Unlike traditional carriers, the HipSurfer is easy, adaptable, and grows with your child—giving you a single, reliable solution for years, not months.
Here’s how the HipSurfer redefines freedom for parents:
Enjoy Freedom of Movement
Thanks to its minimalist, strap-free design, the HipSurfer allows you to move naturally, without being weighed down by bulky straps or harnesses. This means you can bend, twist, and reach with ease, whether you’re on a walk, running errands, or simply doing chores around the house. With the HipSurfer, you're not confined—you're free to move however you need to, all while keeping your baby close.
Respond to Your Child's Needs Effortlessly
Babies are unpredictable, and their needs can change in an instant. Whether it's a quick cuddle, a feed, or simply wanting to be held, the HipSurfer’s quick-release one-buckle system allows you to respond swiftly, without the hassle of adjusting multiple straps. You can move your baby in and out of the carrier with ease, allowing you to stay calm and connected. No more struggling with complex gear—just simple, effective support when you need it most.
A Carrier That Grows with Your Baby
Unlike many other carriers that are limited to certain stages of your child’s growth, the HipSurfer is built to last. From birth through toddlerhood, it offers consistent support, adapting to your child’s changing needs. Designed for babies up to 15kg, you won’t need to worry about buying new carriers as your child grows—the HipSurfer has you covered from day one to those wobbly toddler steps.
Say Goodbye to Straps and Hassle
Traditional carriers often involve a maze of straps and buckles that leave parents feeling flustered. The HipSurfer’s strap-free design means you don’t have to deal with that frustration. It’s incredibly easy to put on and take off, giving you the freedom to switch between holding your baby and letting them explore without missing a beat. No more wrestling with buckles—just a smooth, hassle-free process.
Experience the Freedom to Thrive as a Parent
Imagine being able to go through your day, focused on enjoying time with your child, rather than worrying about discomfort or complicated baby gear. With the HipSurfer, you can do just that. It offers parents the freedom to thrive—to move, to respond, and to live with confidence.
Whether it’s a quick run to the shops or a day out in nature, the HipSurfer gives you the peace of mind that you’re supported, comfortable, and able to fully engage with your little one.
So, why settle for less? Embrace the freedom to move, respond, and enjoy every moment with your child—without the hassle. With the HipSurfer, you’re not just carrying your baby—you’re making memories, staying active, and thriving as a parent.
