BF essentials?

anynamenottaken

Hello,

I am in the process of registering, and I was wondering what is necessary to get for breastfeeding. I don't plan on pumping too often, so I was thinking about getting a manual pump. I also registered for a wrap and a Bobby. What else would you recommend? How many bottles will I need for when I do pump? How about freezer bags or lotion or bra pads? I'm not sure what to register for and how much. TIA!

14years

I think it depends on how often you are going to pump.  If you aren't planning on pumping very often, I assume you are going to SAHM and not need more than a few bottles at one time?  I pump at work and send 4 bottles a day to daycare everey day, and I just have 8 altogther.  If I were you, I'd probably get 4 or so.  (We use Born Free, and DS adjusted to them really well.) 

I use Medela pump and save bags to freeze milk.  For storage in the fridge, I just keep it in the collection bottles or go ahead and make the bottles ahead of time.

For BF generally, get some Lanisoh cream -- it's the best!  Yes, you'll also need nursing pads. If you plan to be out and about, you may need a nursing cover.  Even if you're modest, you can BF discreetly with it.

little__bit

Will you be pumping at work, or just casually to have an emergency stash?  I have to pump 15-16 oz per day for daycare, and a manual pump wouldn't be sufficient.  I have 12 bottles:  3 to send to daycare, 3 for me to pump at work, 3 full in the fridge as back-up milk, and 3 cleaned and ready for use.

Definitely get pads.  So far, I like Gerber reusables the best, but I haven't tried many brands.

I never use my lanolin.  EBM works better for me. 

 

Beasley17

Haaaatttteeee the manual pump.  My hand cramps. 

You will need nursing pads.  I leaked a lot so I had to use disposable for the first few months.  I had the best luck with Lansioh and Medela.  I leaked right through Gerber every single time.

I still use nipple cream here and there.  I have a tube of Lansioh and some from motherlove (www.motherlove.com)

applecider

My Brest Friend (It's a nursing pillow and  it's waaaay better than my boppy.)  You must buy one.

Lansinoh ointment (olive oil works in a pinch).

Target nursing tanks.

I actually use cotton make-up removal pads for leaking.  (But I don't wear tight clothes).  Breast pads were too irritating.