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3rd Trimester
Breast-feeding products question - 2nd time moms please
First time mom here. I am going to TRY to BF at least for the first 4-6 weeks, but not going to stress about it if it doesn't work well I will just switch to formula.
So that being said, I don't really want to go out and spend 400 dollars pumps and nursing bras and all that jazz in case it doesn't work out and we switch to formula. I'd like to just get a few necessary items until I see which way we go..
What are some basic items that I MUST have to even think about trying to BF??
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Re: Breast-feeding products question - 2nd time moms please
Lansinoh cream and breast pads for leaking. Anything else can be purchased later and is not vital to BFing.
Other than that, if you really want to BF you are going to need a new attitude about it. It's hard work and no matter what there is going to be some pain *usually* for the first 4-6 weeks for sure.
I knew someone would say this! lol.
I was thinking like nursing bras and tanks and how much you really need them..or a pump..
I would really like to but I don't want to beat myself up about it and feel like a horrible mother if I can't for some reason. I'm not going to give up if it hurts or doesn't work the first day, but I've seen several of my friends basically get depressed because their body didn't produce enough milk and I am just not going to let myself get depressed about something out of my control.
Get a cheap nursing tank from target. Maybe a small box of breast pads. I like the ones with the cream already in them. Other then that you don't need a thing. BFing is hard, but not that hard. It is natural and if you get past that first month you are in great shape.
You don't need a pump. I have pumped once because of engorgement, but you really don't need it. If you need to relieve some pressure hop in the shower and hand express some milk.
As pp said, nothing aside from breasts is really essential to BF, however some things that will make your life easier:
Nipple cream
Boppy
Breast pads (for leaking)
Nursing bras & tanks are definitely nice to have but you can just pull up your shirt and pull your bra to the side or whatever. That said, it is easier in the beginning to get a proper latch if there's nothing blocking your view of your nipple and the baby's mouth. Good luck!
I wasn't big on nursing bras personally. It does kinda depend on your chest size but I was able to wear normal bras in a larger size and just pull them up to nurse. It wasn't a huge deal at all- I actually found the nursing bra clips to be a huge pain and not supportive at all. You will want some nursing pads. I liked Johnson and Johnsons because they were thick enough to absorb, but that's personal preference. If you really want to give BF'ing a chance at all, I hate to say it but I really think you'll need a pump. And if you don't get a good pump you've already wasted money, time and added tons more stress to your life. I personally bought a medela pump in style. What you really need is a dual (one for each side at the same time) automatic pump with an intensity adjustment. Those are all crucial in whatever you get. To save money, you can always find them on ebay and just order replacement parts for the tubes and flutes etc (the stuff that comes in contact with your skin or milk). I saved on milk storage containers by buying cheap bottles that had lids instead of nipples and just freezing those. I'd suggest pumping everytime after a nursing attemp or if nursing is too painful or whatever, just pump often and store. Those things alone should save you a lot of money and pumping is way cheaper than formula if money is an issue- you'll spend tons more on formula but of course you have to do what's best for you. Otherwise, I just suggest that if nursing is too painful for you, try pumping for a while and just try nursing intermittedly until it works out. My LC pushed me to continue trying to literally breastfeed even when I was bleeding and we were both crying in pain and frustration and that was just horrible. I wish I would have gone to pumping when it got that bad b/c DD eventually got the latch down after a couple months and it would have saved me so much stress.
Comfy bras (both for day and night, having them on at night with breastpads prevents the "Holy Christ, I make MILK!" reaction when your milk comes in, LOL. Nursing bras aren't a necessity, but are MUCH easier. You can get them really inexpensively at Motherhood, too.
Boppy or other pillow. Body pillows work, just a little more cumbersome to carry around with you.
Lansinoh cream or my personal fave, Udder Butter. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like, but it goes on smoother than the Lansinoh and is less irritating. You CAN ask for Lanolin cream from the lactation consultants at the hospital, but it is very thick and sticky and can be uncomfortable to put on.
Breastpads for sure. Not only good for leaking, but also for engorgement. You can get them slightly wet and freeze them like a peri pad to help alleviate discomfort - just put a thinner pad in front of them so you don't cause yourself to get frostbite from the ice-to-skin contact.
Otherwise, a positive attitude, a book with nursing tips (you can usually get this for free from your Lactation Consultant at the hospital, too) and LOTS of water on hand for you!!! Best of luck, it can be a challenge but the rewards are TOTALLY worth it
Breast cream and pads are both a good idea.
I personally love nursing bras but other people do not like them.
If you would like to have a pump handy you can rent one from the hospital. If it works out you can continue to rent or buy one later. If it does not work out you can return it and only be out $40 or whatever it is in your area.
haha I wasn't trying to be all granola or anything but with my first DD I was totally unprepared (nobody gave me any bf advice) so I literally had nothing and was totally fine. I bought stuff as I realized I needed it.