What Should I Buy to Prepare for Breast Feeding Success?

pirateruby

 I think I am going to splurge on the Medela Pump in Style On the Go Tote since I will have to go back to work after two months. Besides the pump itself are there any other breast feeding items I should buy to help me and the baby through breast feeding?

Thank you

 

tokenhoser

Must haves: snacks (I kept a costco bag of trail mix where I nursed at night because I was SO HUNGRY), a good big water bottle, a nipple cream (lanolin or whatever you like), Advil, sleep bra, nursing tank (just a s/m/l sized one to start), breast pads (disposable or washable)

Nice to haves: breastfeeding pillow (Brest Friend or Boppy), hand pump (for those occasions where the electric is hard to manage)

pgros005

Hands free bra for pumping...car adapter for on the go pumping yes really

pinottoparenthood

I honestly don't think you need all this in the beginning. Just a good nipple cream for the hospital and perhaps a nursing pllow at home. You will learn what else you need as you go. Unless you have supply issues, you probably won't pump until a few weeks in, so you don't have to get a pump right away. If you decide to buy one now, I would not open it and wait to break the seal until you need it, bc once you do that, you can't return it. In terms of anything else, including extra parts, I would wait to see if you need it.

ShadyKull

I didn't need the pump and accessories at first, as I didn't start pumping until my little guy was about 5 weeks old.

The things I did need right away:

Boppy and boppy covers

Advil

Snacks to have handy when parked on the couch (easy to eat one handed)

Nursing tanks - find a brand you like and buy a bunch (I like the Pea in the Pod Long kind). So much easier than having a nursing bra and shirt. I wear them at night too.

Nipple cream of some kind (I like Motherlove nipple cream)

Water bottle to keep next to you at all times

Disposable nursing pads (much more absorbent than reusable, in case you are a big leaker like I am)

CLLDLL

For me snacks, a big water bottle, Lansinoh soothies, Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple cream, My Breast Friend pillow, nursing tanks, sleep bras, gel packs to put in fridge an use to relieve engorgement, rice compress to heat for clogged ducts, night light for late night nursing sessions, extra pump parts, hands free pump bra.

Oh and a good BFing book to refer to. I liked The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.