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What do I need for "me" to breastfeed?

Kingston54Kingston54 member
in Breastfeeding

I have a pump ready, I also got breastmilk storage bags, a nipple shield, and nursing pads for in my bras.

I am not sure what else I need... I know I need bras, but how many sleep and how many regular?

Anything else I am missing that would be essential/helpful?

Thanks :)

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Re: What do I need for "me" to breastfeed?

  • DarcyLongfellowDarcyLongfellow member

    Lanolin to put on your nipples when they're sore (Lansinoh makes the one most people use).  Just be careful -- it'll stain any fabric it touches.

    For bras, don't buy any yet because your bra size will change.  Buy 3 or 4 nursing tank tops from Target (Gilligan and O'Malley brand).  Those will get you through the first couple weeks.  Then go out and buy bras once your milk has come in and engorgement has gone down.  I don't wear a sleep bra anymore -- I usually wear a nursing tank to bed, but sometimes I wear nothing.

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  • MA&CBMA&CB member
    I agree with pp.  Definitely some Lansinoh lanolin and some nursing tanks, but wait on the bras.  I wouldn't go overboard on anything because you never know what you'll end up needing or not needing.  I bought a bunch of nursing pads but never really leaked much so I didn't use them and they're still sitting around.
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  • marinewife51marinewife51
    I agree with PPs...and don't forget a good dose of patience, which I'm sure you already knew. A lot of deep breaths and patience will do a new breastfeeding mom good. GL to you!
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  • TarheelsInNJTarheelsInNJ member
    I wouldn't buy regular bras yet, but I have lived in my Target/Gilligan & O'Malley sleep bra. It's super comfortable, and I've preferred wearing that to the tanks.
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  • CowboysWife04CowboysWife04 member

    These gel pads are handy to have around for the first couple weeks...will definitely help with the nipple tenderness.  I'd recommend even taking them with you to the hospital.

    Link: https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2901998

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  • ljlkmljlkm
    I love my sleep bras!  I get really full at night if DS sleeps well (ok, so not lately) and it's really uncomfortable without them. 
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  • nd01nd01

    I only used nursing pads (I am very lucky and don't have sensitive nipples so didn't get the shields or creams until I thought I needed them which I never did).  I did get nursing bras beforehand and just bought them big - I have a weird size so I was stressing about having a hard time finding them after the baby was born (I just bought big).  I have one sleep/comfort bra, 2 regular, 2 tanks (which I love and wear to sleep sometimes too) and my mom got me a nursing nightgown which I use a lot too.

    The only other thing I really liked having (besides nursing pillows) was a water bottle my friend bought me with a built in straw.  I also used bendy straws too - when I first began nursing, I was thirsty ALL THE TIME so this allowed my husband to help me drink while feeding.

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  • ejgballerinaejgballerina member
    Definitely Lansinoh lanolin.  That stuff SAVED my nipples for the first 6 weeks or so.  I also would suggest a nursing pillow like a Boppy or My Brest Friend.  It really helped in the beginning when your baby wants to nurse all.the.time and your arms get to be noodles from constantly holding them in cradle positions.  GL!
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  • Stacy2168Stacy2168 member
    Try not to use the nipple shield unless you really need to! GL :)
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  • echildreechildre

    lanisoh lanolin

    tanks/bras

    breast pads (ultrasoft lanisoh are really nice at first)

    boppy

    burp cloths

    comfy rocker/glider w/ foot stool/rest

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  • LenMontLenMont

    https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/breast-care/102/softshells-for-sore-nipples

    A good friend (and an experienced bf'er) got these for me. I will forever be in her debt!! They saved my poor nips in the first few weeks.

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  • mrsbhk22mrsbhk22 member
    Just FYI - I would try to stay away from the breast shields unless you absolutely need them.  They can cause a decrease in supply.  There are times when they are necessary, but I would try to avoid it if possible.
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  • Kingston54Kingston54 member
    Thank you!  I was not aware of the breast shields causing a decrease in supply.  Maybe I will return them.  Is there a reason that I might need them?
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