Breastfeeding Supplies Before Birth/ After Birth

Before you have your baby, you need to decide whether you will want to breastfeed your baby. Many new parents often wonder what to buy once they have made this decision. Here are some of the things I recommend as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. If you are committed to breastfeeding your baby, I recommend a good breast pump. There are many styles and models of breast pumps. A Hospital electric pump will efficiently take your breast milk out well. Then there are electric personal use pumps that are good but not as good as the hospital grade one. There mid range electric or battery operated pumps as well.The least efficient pump that can also work well is a nonelectric manual pump. You pump your breasts by hand. However, if you will be going back to work, then you will want to buy an electric pump since you will have to pump for your baby while at work. I recommend the Medela or Ameda pumps as your first choice. The Medela Free Style, Pump In Style Advanced and Pump In Style Traveler are a good double pump system providing professional performance.The Single Pump, The Swing Breast Pump by Medela is also good. Ameda also puts out several good pumps. There are also other kinds of breast pumps to choose from. You can ask a specialist at the baby store. You can find these at Babies R Us or some local Lactation Consultants will sell them directly to you. You can ask me who carries pumps and I will be happy to furnish a name to you. If for some reason, your baby is in the NICU, the hospital where you gave birth can rent you a pump for a monthly charge. Ask you insurance company because sometimes in this situation, they will pay for this service if it is a medical necessity. Additionally, pumping after birth can will also help relieve engorgement. A good breastfeeding bra is important to buy. You should buy one or two before delivery so you can practice unlatching the hook of the bra with one hand. Breastfeeding pads after delivery are also good to buy. Some women leak more than others but, all women should wear them. They can be bought either as disposable, being able to throw them away after they get wet from leaking breast milk on them to buying cloth breast pads, being able to wash them after they get wet. Nursing clothes can also be worn for your convenience. A breastfeeding pillow is good to have. There are several ones that I like. My favorite is the poppy pillow because it is soft. Another one is my breast friend.For some moms, your own bedroom pillow works just fine with a few baby receiving blankets. If the breast nipple becomes irritated, then you can use your own breast milk on them or you can use Lansinoh, Lanolin cream. Sometimes, a cold gel pad found in the store feels good on the nipple too. Follow directions on how to use these items or call me and I will gladly answer your questions. A nipple shield may need to be used for many reasons. The most common reason that I give a mom a nipple shield is because you have given your baby too many bottles and we need to get the baby back on the breast. This is called nipple confusion. This is only a temporary piece to use until your baby is comfortable at the breast without one. Breast shells may also be suggested. These are plastic rings that go over your areola and nipple, keeping fabric away from the nipple, protecting the nipple from becoming sorer.A nursing stool can also be bought for breastfeeding. This footstool will help raise your lap and give less strain on your back, making you more comfortable as you breastfeed your baby. Breast milk storage bags also need to be bought before giving birth. Once you pump, you need to store your breast milk, either in the refrigerator or freezer. I recommend regular storage bags or a bottle called Snappy, which I love. Medela also puts out their own product. Here are the guidelines for breast milk storage; Breast milk can be stored in a refrigerator for 5 days and in a freezer for 3-4 months.You can take milk out from the freezer and defrost it in a warm bowl of water, however, do not microwave. Microwaving breast milk destroys the nutrients. Also, never refreeze breast milk. Thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours. In conclusion, before giving birth, it is great to get your breastfeeding supplies in order. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or call me. You can consult with me before or after you give birth. I will give you an honest opinion of what you need to buy and when you need to buy your supplies.Lastly, the more you know about breastfeeding, the easier breastfeeding will be. I look forward to assisting you with all your personal breastfeeding goals.