Leane Technically, all you need for breastfeeding is a boob or two, but there are certain things that make the experience easier and more enjoyable. I’ve been breastfeeding for 18 months now; expressing and trying to get Babybel to latch for the first 10 weeks, and then direct nursing ever since. Here’s part one of my breastfeeding essentials.
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A next-to-me crib This is probably my all time top newborn item as having your baby in a crib attached to your bed makes night times much easier. When your baby needs a feed you can either reach over and lift them out, or just dangle a boob in their face. This second one is a bit awkward and takes a bit of practice! It also serves as a good barrier when your baby doesn’t want to sleep in their own bed and you end up safely co-sleeping / breast sleeping.
Reusable breast pads Your boobs will leak. They’ll leak as your milk supply settles down, if your baby goes longer than usual between feeds, if you hear your baby or any baby cry, if seagulls screech loudly overhead while you’e out on a walk (this actually happened to me). I still have to wear them now if Babybel has had a few days of intense boobing (thanks teething and illnesses) and then suddenly goes for hours without feeding.
Reusable ones are obviously more sustainable and cheaper in the long run, but disposable ones are useful too.
Nipple cream Your nipples will probably hurt to start with. Even if your baby’s latch is perfect, your nipples probably aren’t used to that much attention, and can become sore and a little dry at the beginning. A nipple cream that is safe for baby doesn’t have to be washed off before a feed, so keep those nips moisturised!
Nursing bras I haven’t actually bothered with nursing specific clothes as they can be very expensive and there are plenty of high street clothes that are breastfeeding friendly, but nursing bras are a must. Especially in the beginning; your boobs are in and out so often that it’s much easier to just unclip a nursing bra than it is to get a whole boob out.
A breast pump It’s quite likely that you’ll want to leave your baby for a couple of hours at some point, and if you don’t want to get them formula, you’re going to need a breast pump. There are so many different types; manual, electric, single, double, hands free. I used a Medala manual for a few days until my Bellababy double electric one arrived. Some people swear by the manual ones but I found it quite hard work, and also got cramp in my hands. I was using it 10-12 tines a day though, so for occasional use it would do the job. The MVP here was definitely the Bellababy; it’s reasonably priced, not too noisy, easy to figure out, and I found it comfortable and easy to use. Along with your pump you’ll also need some sort of milk storage container. I stored mine in the bottles I would be feeding from as I was 2 or 3 feeds ahead, but any excess I had went into storage bags to be stored safely in the freezer. You can also get reusable bags and containers.
Bottles If you’re going to express, you’ll need something to feed the baby from! There are so many different types of bottles out there that it’s really difficult to choose which ones to go for. We used Mam bottles for several reasons; you can sterilise them in the microwave without the need for any other equipment, they’re anti-colic (they have holes in the bottom to let the air out so that bubbles don’t form in the milk, and they’re supposed to be very similar to a nipple (I’m not sure about this claim!)
Vitamin D. Here in the UK, we could all benefit from some Vit D, especially in the autumn / winter months. It’s recommended that breastfed babies are given a Bit D supplement; we used the one drop stuff. You just pop a drop on your nipple before a feed and the baby consumes it like that. Some of them require a larger dose which gets very messing if you’re trying to administer it via a breastfeed!
Extra long phone charger and snack caddy / water bottle. This is for your comfort. You’ll spend a lot of time on the sofa, or snuggled up in bed feeding your baby, so it’s definitely worth having a phone charger that allows you to still hold your phone in a sensible position, a big water bottle to keep you hydrated as breastfeeding is thirsty work, and lots of yummy snacks as you need to keep up your energy. Plus, if you’re stuck on the sofa with a feeding baby for hours, you’re going to get hungry.
I’d love to hear if you have any must have breastfeeding items.
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