Momma, you are a star! You chose to take on the difficult but important task of breastfeeding, and that’s huge. Now that you have decided how to feed your baby, there are so many things to learn about the practical side of breastfeeding. A huge step to prepare might be taking a breastfeeding class, or getting a lactation consultant.
One of the more confusing aspects of learning to breastfeed may be knowing what you need to be successful. Breastfeeding technology has come a long way, and there are so many gadgets and devices to make this journey easier. Let’s break down what you really need to buy to be prepared for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Resources
Breastfeeding may be difficult in the beginning, but knowing what tools to use can help to reduce the discomfort that is often experienced. One highly recommended product for breastfeeding is a breastfeeding pillow. This is usually a circular-shaped pillow with a firm surface that can be placed below your chest so your baby can rest near your breasts and you can give your arms a break. This helps to provide both comfort and stability to both you and your little one!
Breastfeeding stools serve a similar purpose by allowing you to prop your feet up to have more support when holding your baby. Along with a stool, many nursing moms enjoy the comfort of a glider for late-night feedings. To help with some breast discomfort you may experience, many moms benefit from the use of nipple creams or balms. And once your milk comes in, the use of nursing pads and nursing bras can help prevent leaks from showing or staining clothes! In addition, sleep nursing bras and nursing tanks can provide additional comfort and support, especially during nighttime nursing sessions.
Pumping Resources
Whether you are returning to work or producing a large supply you don’t want to waste, pumping your breast milk is wonderful for both mom and baby! To help with this, additional tools are useful. The most important is a breast pump. Nowadays, most insurance companies cover these! There are many different kinds of pumps available, including a hands-free pumping bra. Once the milk is pumped, milk storage is needed. You will likely need many bottles with extra nipple attachments, as well as freezer milk bags for long term storage.
Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding is a big (and amazing!) challenge. It is an adjustment, and many things may feel difficult. Even with all the right tools, don’t be afraid to reach out for help from a lactation consultant, or reevaluate if breastfeeding is the best method for your family. The most important thing is to have a fed baby, whichever way you achieve that is awesome!
Breastfeeding Preparation Checklist
Here is Simplifed’s list of great products that many of our breastfeeding mamas use and love.
- Breastfeeding Pillows: My Brest Friend and Boppy
- Gliders: Swivel Gliding Recliner and Rachel Glider
- Nipple creams: Earth mama angel baby, Motherlove and Medela Tender Care
- Nursing pads: M&Y
- Nursing bras: Bravado, Dairy Fairy, Cosabella, and Medela
- Sleep nursing bra: Bravado and Medela
- Breast Pump: Medela, Spectra S1 and Haakaa
- Pumping bra: Simple Wishes and Medela
- Freezer milk bags: Lansinoh
