My second baby is due in just over a weeks'
time. My hospital bag is packed, her cot is built, her clothes are washed and
the double pushchair has been delivered. I am officially ready!
As it is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, I
thought I would share with you what I think is or isn't necessary to buy ahead
of time if you plan on breastfeeding. This list is my own personal view, and I
am sure other mums will have a different list. When I had my son, the only
thing I bought in advance of beginning breastfeeding was some breast pads. This
time around, I have been much more prepared! I feel some of the items below are
an absolute MUST HAVE when it comes to breast feeding.
Number 1 on my must buy list is a natural nipple
cream - it provides a barrier between your nipple and baby's mouth. In the
early days, your nipples may get sore and cracked, this cream cools, soothes
and helps you to heal. If you choose a 100% natural one, it does not need to be
removed before you feed your baby!
The second thing every breast feeding Mum will
need is a breastfeeding bra! My advice is to get a cheap one as close to your
due date as possible, then go and get measured once your milk has come in, so
you know exactly what size you need. I bought 4 when I was 35 weeks pregnant
with my son - they were too small when the time came to use them!
My third must buy product is not necessarily
something every single new mum will use, but cooling pads helped to ease my
discomfort a lot last time I breast fed. If I were you, I'd probably add these
to your "might need" list - in case you end up sore like I did.
Cooling pads can be refrigerated, and I suppose they are the modern day equivalent
of cabbage leaves. They are a lot more discreet in my opinion!
The fourth item on my must buy list is breast
pads. I found disposable ones worked best for me last time. They are available
from many brands, but I prefer ones with an adhesive back to hold them in
place. They absorb any leaks and protect your clothes from milk stains.
The other things I bought last time are more
personal to me. You may not need these items, but it is good to know they exist
ahead of time - just in case.
Nipple Shields are a thin, latex shield which
creates a barrier between your breast and your baby, while still allowing them
to latch on and breast feed normally. They are helpful if you are sore or
bleeding, and can be used short term, or permanently. Nipple Shields are
available in different sizes and some come with sterile tubs. I think you need
to see them before you buy them, so you have a good idea which size will fit
you best.
If your nipples are flat or inverted, then a
Latch Assist tool is something else you might want to consider. It's a small
pump which will gently draw out your nipple to then allow your baby to latch on
correctly. This is another product which not everyone will need, but it's good
to know they exist.
If you are struggling to breastfeed, or want to
start stockpiling your milk, you may decide to buy a breast pump. My advice is
to wait until your baby is here and you know if you intend to breastfeed long
term before buying one. I was determined to breastfeed my son, but after 3
weeks of hell, I switched to expressing milk and bottle feeding it to him
instead. If you will be expressing a lot, then I'd advise getting an electric
pump. If expressing milk be more of an occasional thing, then a Manual Pump
will probably do the job well enough. If you do decide to express breast milk,
you'll need to consider how you will be storing it, as well as how you'll
express the milk. It is also worth noting, you should never buy a used pump as
there is a risk of cross contamination. You can always rent a hospital grade
pump if you don't want to purchase one - these are suitable for multi users.
Some mums like to wear breastfeeding clothes,
which allow discreet feeding. I used to wear one of my pregnancy bump bands
under my top to cover my belly, and then lift up my normal top to allow
feeding, while keeping my tummy out of sight. Some mums use blankets or sheets
to keep themselves covered. I never liked doing this, as I found it difficult
to see what my son was doing.
Remember, everybody's breastfeeding situation is
different. What one person needs won't always apply to someone else. If you are
unsure about anything, ask your health visitor, midwife or your local
breast feeding counsellor.
Written By MotherGeek
Kind Regards,
Tina Bailey
BLOG: mothergeek.co.uk
TWITTER: @TheMotherGeek
FACEBOOK: MotherGeek
