What will I need right away after bringing LO home?

hwsgigles8

Hi Ladies,

I am planning on BF my LO and am just trying to get everything together for when the baby comes...which could be any day now!  Are there any things that I need/should have now to be ready for BF?  I have ordered the Medala PISA and plan to wait to even open that until I see how the BF goes for me.  I have some samples of Lansinoh breast pads and think I am going to get some more just in case (any brands you recommend?). 

Is there anything else that I should have to get me started?  TIA for any thoughts and advice!  I am starting to get a little nervous that I am forgetting things & won't be ready, although I know that I can always send DH out!

babubhatt

i stocked up on nipple cream, breast pads, nursing tanks, etc.  i didn't need any of it.  the nipple cream didn't work for me.  i have yet to need a breast pad.  and i don't wear nursing tanks b/c i don't BF often - i exclusively pump (and do so at home, so i don't need any special attire to do so).

oh, i would get a couple of nursing bras....and make sure that a couple of them are soft, without wire, b/c i found that when my milk came in, i needed to wear a bra to bed b/c my breasts were so sore. 

everything else, you can get as you need.  IMO

 

MWoodside

I relied on the following: My Brest Friend pillow, nursing tanks, breast pads, pump (I needed to pump a bit to relieve engorement), Lansinoh lanolin. 

honkytonk_kid

I used lanolin, breast pads, and a boppy. Nursing bras were nice but I usually just wore sports bras, and I didn't like the nursing tanks I bought. I bought a manual pump at 5ish weeks so I could leave LO with H to take my nursing boards, then didn't use it again for several weeks.

I think it's easier (and cheaper!) to stick with the very basics until you need something more.

rosebud218

nursing bras and the type you can sleep in, nipple cream, breast pads, i used the boppy but some people say it is a waste. as far as brands for the breast pads its up to you on what you would like. i had bought some washable ones too. i liked the lansinoh breast pads than switched to babies r us brand when i was not leaking as much and they are slightly cheaper. 

EllaSmella

Nipple cream. I also loved the Lansinoh gel pads (you can put them in the fridge for an added bonus). I would also buy some nursing tanks (Target has cheap ones). I would hold off on buying more breast pads. Some people (like me) never leak, and I had a whole box I ended up just giving to a friend because I never needed them.

RedZee

The number of a Lactation Consultant or info on a BFing support group

Either a nursing bra or nursing tank - I'd recommend ones from Target and I'd get the sleeping ones. You don't need to be so specific about size with those and you'll be able to wear them to bed (I still wear a sleeping bra 6.5 months out). Also, they're not super expensive. The thing I hated at the beginning was that I felt I couldn't wear a shirt because I always nursing. Once I got the tanks, I felt a little more normal.

Breast pads. Lansinoh are good. I also like the Nuk ones even though they don't have sticky parts on the back.

Burp cloths or tissues or a towel near you. I feel like it was messier at the beginning.

Remember it'll be a huge adjustment at first but stick with it. By 6 weeks you'll be amazed how much easier it is. Just embrace that you'll spend lots of time sitting down and nursing and don't worry about the housework and cooking and stuff.

misssurly

My necessities: nursing tanks x 3, nursing bras x 3, nipple cream (Earth Mama/Medela), Lansinoh breast pads and a few sets of washable ones for around the house.

If you'll be pumping right from the beginning, you might want to have a few bottles on hand with slow flow nipples... and or something to freeze the milk in. 

Good luck, try not to be nervous and remember if it doesn't work right away - to be patient, it can take awhile for you and your LO to learn how to breastfeed!

KahlansMom

So far I've needed Lansinoh Lanolin, Lansinoh breast pads (the most effective I've found) and a couple nursing bras.  Maybe I'm just cheap, but I found the nursing tanks too expensive.  I use the tank tops/camisoles with the built in shelf-type bra.  They give me extra support without having to wear a restricting bra all the time.  And they're easy to slip your arm out of and have access to your ladies.  I've needed to pump since the beginning, so I bought the Medela Harmony manual pump and I've been really happy with it.  It's super easy to use and clean. Also, some breast milk storage bags, again, Lansinoh brand is my favorite.  Hope this helps and good luck!  Breastfeeding is an amazing thing!   

kami1977

Things I had to have at the beginning were lanolin, I prefered the Medala brand to the Lanosh brand, a few cheap nursing tanks from target, and the pump.   The pump was only due to my son have jaundice and needing to pump while he was supplemented with formula.  We had already been sent home otherwise I could have just used a pump at the hospital and used the attachments.  

I had a Breast Friend nursing pillow and it was nice to have, but not necessary,  I used it for the first 3 months.   It is firmer than a Boppy and attaches around your waist so if you need to get up while nursing it stays in place.  

 

 

hwsgigles8

Thanks for all the input!  I really appreciate it and I am sure I will have many more questions once the baby gets here. And I will have to hit up Target this week!