- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Breastfeeding
dolphyngyrl22
member
a question from 3 tri
dolphyngyrl22
member
what supplies should I have for breastfeeding on hand before baby comes?
Thanks!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: a question from 3 tri
Have you read any books or taken a class? If not, get a copy of a good book ASAP!! I liked So That's What They're For. I think this is really the most helpful piece of "gear."
Really all you have to have is patience, boobs and a support staff (DH). Some folks swear by Lansinoh for sore nips - I just always rubbed breastmilk on mine and that worked better for me. Breast pads are pretty key - most folks leak quite a bit at first.
Breastfeeding Counselor with Breastfeeding USA
Babywearing Guide ** Newborn Carriers
Cloth Diaper Guide
Safe Bed Sharing Info
For breastfeeding from the tap:
Breastfeeding pillow (My Brest Friend or Boppy) Receiving blanket for top of pillow (diapers can leak) Lanolin (I liked Medela, some people like Lansinoh) Washable or disposable breast pads Nursing bra or Nursing tank Reusable Water bottle (you will get thirsty)
Sorry this looks weird...I tried to list the items.
Yes I have a book. I was just wondering what was really needed. I am a second time mom (first time breastfeeding) and I have come across many "must have" lists (like hospital bag, or layette) that aren't great so I wanted to hear from experienced moms on this one since I don't know.
I am using maternity tanks, which I just pull up or down and BF bras. I'm currently a 40F, and I like the double support of the bra and shelf tank.
I am using Lanolin, breast pads (more for protecting clothes from lanolin than leaks), and my pump, as I seem to be having supply issues on the r breast that I am trying to work on (and it's working!!!).
Like what? I really don't know if I'll have to pump or not so I'm getting things for that too, Thanks!
Pumping supplies I'm using:
Freestyle Pump, Playtex drop in system, BM storage/freezer bags, Medela steam clean bags, the first years paci wipes (which are essentially the same as medela wipes, as you cannot steam the soft-fit breast shields, and the paci wipes are much cheaper!).
I also have clear plastic shoe boxes to store the milk in for the freezer... thus far I only have one bag in there, but I'm still pretty proud of those 4 oz!
i have the medela pump-in-style advanced pump and i use a lot of milk storage bags (i like lansinoh). i am also buying the medela quick clean wipes and sterilizer bags now that i am pumping more.
I wouldn't suggest buying a pump or pumping supplies until you've been BFing for a while and have a better idea of your needs. For example, if you plan to be a SAHM and only need to pump on occasion, you could get away with buying a cheaper pump. However, if you work or want your DH to share in the feedings frequently, you may want to invest in a nicer pump. HTH!
My Brest Friend nursing pillow (far better than a Boppy, IMO, and I've used both)
Madela Sleep bra(s): comfy enough to sleep in, so you can wear breast pads for overnight leakage
Nursing PJ's: totally optional, but I splurged on some this time (Gap crossover tanks), and they are more convenient than trying to hold up my t-shirt while trying to get DS to latch on well
Nursing tanks: maybe buy one, and then wait until milk is in to make sure you know what size you'll need. But it's nice to have one right off the bat in the hospital and first days home. I have one from Gap, and a couple from Target (Gilligan and O'Malley brand, or whatever it's called at Target).
Breast pads (I like Lansinoh disposables)
Pump, extra set or two of breast shield assemblies (so that you don't have to wash the same pair every time you pump). I love my Medela Pump in Style Advanced backpack pump. I'm a SAHM, but I still find I need to pump fairly often, whether it's to relieve engorgement, or stimulate supply, or pump bottles for DH or babysitters to give.
Breast milk storage bags: if you plan to build a freezer stash. I like Lansinoh bags.
Microwave sterilizing bags (reusable bags to sterilize pump parts, bottle parts, even pacis)
I skip the lanolin, as my LC recommended just rubbing a little milk on nipples after each feeding instead. The milk has antibacterial properties, to help prevent thrush, and it helps heal cracked, dry nipples. She said they are starting to collect some evidence that lanolin actually slows the healing process, so she just always recommends breast milk instead.
Aside from the Medela Sleep bras (which are just sized small - ex large, so they are pretty forgiving size-wise), I would hold off on purchasing nursing bras until after you see what size your breasts will be.