FTM - Breastfeeding Registry Items Help

cmcookaln · June 2014

I started my registry at Babies r us. a few weeks ago with just a few items. My husband said that he felt like I should have my mom go with me later on to pick out some more realistic and useful items. My mom and I went to Target on Thursday and started a registry there. I spent the night with her and got online to add more things Friday morning to both registries. I have most of the "must needs" on one registry or the other, but I am completely overwhelmed by the breastfeeding items. I had a few things added and then deleted all of them because I was about to have a major breakdown (not the first this pregnancy, but the first that my mom would have been a part of). Some of the things that were causing frustration were compatibility with only one type of breast pump which I haven't even started considering yet, bottles not be listed as freezer safe, etc. Does anyone have some advice on how to get started on all of this?

aander6 · June 2014

I am not really sure what you are asking... But as for freezer safe bottles I never but a bottle in the freezer. I would always pump directly into milk storage bags and the lay those flat in the freezer. Takes up way less room.

lct2008 · June 2014

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking but I'll answer some different things about bf supplies you may want to know

Breast pumps come with a couple little bottles you pump into. You don't freeze the bottles though. If you want to be able to freeze milk also put some milk storage bags on your registry. I just used the Lansinoh ones but there are some that can connect directly to the pump.

If you pump a lot you may want some of the sterilization bags that go in the microwave. I didn't pump much so I just hand sterilized but I know people that work and pump find them very handy.

Lanolin nipple cream is a lifesaver and you'll want some breast pads too. Some people prefer cloth reusable and some prefer disposable. I used both. I preferred the cloth for night because they soaked up better.

Also you may want extra flanges etc for your pump.
And a pillow of sorts for breast feeding baby- my breast friend, boppy etc.

That's all I can really think of. Hopefully that gives you some info you're looking for.

IrishHoney123 · June 2014

You should be set with a boppy pillow, some freezer bags, and a bottle starter kit. Maybe a dishwasher set to wash the parts.

IMO, the other things are personal and you should purchase yourself-nipple cream, breast pads, etc. Most insurances cover the pump, and the appropriate bottles come with it.

Jansheski · June 2014

Like pp have said I pumped into bottles that came with the breast pump and transferred the milk into storage bags. Target I believe has really nice milk storage bags that are cheaper and IMO thicker too. I also liked the reusable nursing pads.
I didn't so much care for my boppy but really loved the dr browns nursing pillow "Gia".
Try not to stress about it though. When you go to the store I can see where it would be overwhelming but your breast pump should come with most everything you need to get started.

meggiev123 · June 2014

I second PPs on the freezer storage bags and microwave sterilizer bags. I also personally like the reusable breastpads, but before you invest in this maybe wait to see if your breasts leak (mine did, but I know others who didn't).

Also, depending on your lifestyle you may or may not want to consider a hand pump in addition to an electric. The hand pumps generally suck, but there were a few times when I was glad I had mine, but most are related to having to fit pumping into my work schedule--on an airplane, at an off-site meeting etc. Good luck! I know it can be overwhelming, but just take one step at time and you'll eventually figure out what works best for you and what you need.

JessAnnJ · June 2014

Have you checked with your insurance? Your insurance may cover a specific pump and that would affect things. My insurance also provides milk storage bags. Other than some breast pads and nipple cream which aren't really something that people put on registries the only other thing you need to consider adding at this point is a nursing pillow and possibly a nursing cover. But you don't need those things. I would not go crazy registering for extra parts until you see how things go with breastfeeding.

Oh, one more thing, I also purchased a hand pump but I never used it in my year of pumping.

vrj0522 · June 2014

I bought a big box of freezer storage bags and breastpads and never used either. I would suggest waiting on those until after baby is born to see if bf'ing will work for you and if you will have the supply that would necessitate them. As far as bottle go, I also say to wait until you get your breast pump and use those bottles. Once baby is here and you have tried those first bottles, it becomes easier to figure out which type of bottle you'll neither (whether more of the same from the pump or a different kind with different features).

The only things that I personally think you need before baby arrives is a nursing cover (if you will try to bf in public), a boppy pillow, and lanolin. The rest you can get after baby is here if you do need them.

Waterlilly11 · June 2014

Can I add to this post? ... What "spare parts" or extras should I get for my pump? (Ex. Did you replace the hose? How often?)

ariel06 · June 2014

Call and ask your insurance company what they cover and how you would get those items. I can either get them at the hospital after baby is born or at Target's pharmacy with a prescription from my doctor before baby is born. Mine doesn't require me to get any specific models, but there is an upcharge for some of the nicer ones like the Medela PISA. I think I'll end up getting it at the hospital, so I can make sure I have the right fitting flanges, etc. My insurances will cover most of the extra parts if I get them at the hospital.

The Medela steamer bags are my favorite. I used them a ton when we traveled for pump parts, bottles and nipples, ect. when we didn't have access to a dishwasher. We really liked playtex drop-ins and I would pump into those for short term storage with the converter to the breast pump.

aander6 · June 2014

Waterlilly11 said:
Can I add to this post? ... What "spare parts" or extras should I get for my pump? (Ex. Did you replace the hose? How often?)

I would replace mine when they started to get cloudy.

JessAnnJ · June 2014

Waterlilly11 said:
Can I add to this post? ... What "spare parts" or extras should I get for my pump? (Ex. Did you replace the hose? How often?)

I wouldn't get that until you know you are going to be pumping. If you do pump you will want at least an extra set of the parts that you clean with each use (the flange and the parts that go with it). Ameda parts are different and that's what I had but I replaced my tubing and caps once and I replaced the white cone shaped piece that goes inside multiple times. My pump came with more than one set. Ameda actually sent me some parts for free when I called with problems with the pump. In terms of the Medela I rented a hospital pump for several months and you would definitely want extras of those white discs. I had one accidently go down the garbage disposal because they are so small. I exclusively pumped.

Emerald27 · June 2014

Here is a great list of helpful resources regarding all (or almost all

) questions returning to work and pumping for baby:

https://kellymom.com/category/bf/pumpingmoms/

cmcookaln · June 2014

Thanks for your help everyone. I tried to tell my mom that I just wanted to wait until the baby got here and had some support from the hospital, but she told me to go ahead and put accessories on my registry. I plan on calling my insurance company this week (can't call on the weekends) to ask them what their policies are. Our insurance just changed on June 1 so it's been kind of crazy. I plan on taking 12 weeks off from work so I feel like I won't really need the pump until after this point and I'm not sure how well pumping will work as a high school teacher.

Emerald27 · June 2014

@cmcookaln If you're returning to work at about 12 weeks, you will probably want to get your pump between 6 and 8 weeks to begin pumping a bit to have on hand to teach baby to take a bottle. You will probably want to return to work with a 1-2 day supply in the freezer, and then you can begin using what you pump each day for the following day.

It's typically recommended to leave about 1oz per hour you're away for baby, so if you're away 9 hours, leave 9oz. Nursing just before you leave baby and immediately upon your return will reduce the amount of pumped milk baby needs while you're away, and will make more of his/her total daily intake come directly from the breast, which is best for your supply.

As a high school teacher, I might try to plan pumping during lunchtime and planning periods. Pumping at least 15 minutes every 3 hours is generally recommended, but when that's not possible, even a 5 minute pumping session here and there will both help your supply and allow you to express the milk baby will need for the following day. The school should make whatever accommodations you require for pumping for your baby available to you.

cmcookaln · June 2014

@Emerald27 - Thanks for the advice.

Emerald27 · June 2014

cmcookaln said:
@Emerald27 - Thanks for the advice.

I was a high school teacher when DS was born (end of October 2011), and I returned to work around Feb. 1. Teaching and pumping for baby can be really tough, but it's doable! Let me know if you need some support/encouragement or ideas for making it work.

MuffinMom14 · June 2014

IrishHoney123 said:

You should be set with a boppy pillow, some freezer bags, and a bottle starter kit. Maybe a dishwasher set to wash the parts.

IMO, the other things are personal and you should purchase yourself-nipple cream, breast pads, etc. Most insurances cover the pump, and the appropriate bottles come with it.

Ditto. I did NOT put anything nursing related on my registry except for storage bags and bottles. For one, I don't know if I'll be able to breastfeed. I want to, but you never know! And secondly, the idea of someone else buying me nipple cream or nursing bras is just too personal.

Lindzoid · June 2014

FWIW: one item that you can't place on a registry but is super inportant for bf is to have a support system. I think it is always important to have a strong support system around you. That's priceless!

bsschroeder · June 2014

Lansinoh® Soothies® Gel Pads!! $9 at target!
These were like heaven to my sore, cracked nipples...

Emerald27 · June 2014

@cmcookaln‌ As far as registry items go, if you don't like the pump your insurance provides, you can register for the pump you like best. They come with bottles that you can pump into, but a pack or two of freezer bags into which you can pump directly can be super helpful. Sterilization bags for the microwave are nice to have too.

As far as bottles for feeding baby are concerned, different babies will prefer different bottles, so I wouldn't register for many of one brand. Maybe put two or three single bottles (not large sets) of different brands on the registry, so that you can see what baby likes and then purchase more. Opt for the slowest flow nipple option (usually 0m+), because the slower flow will prevent nipple preference/confusion. Also, the breastfed baby will usually not ever need more than 4oz per feeding, so there's no need to get different size bottles. The 4-5oz ones will do just fine for as long as baby needs them.

IMO, nothing is "too personal" for a registry. It's how baby eats, not weird at all. If someone finds it weird, they just won't buy it. Someone might surprise you, though, and give you all the little accessories. It's a fine gift.

So this is what breastfeeding-related items I might put on a registry:

1. Double Electric Breast Pump (if the one your insurance provides isn't what you want)
2. Manual Pump
3. Pump Parts Sterilizer Bags
4. 2 Packs Freezer Milk Storage Bags
5. Disposable or Reusable Breast Pads
6. Lanolin Cream
7. 3-4 Different Brands Individual Bottles, 4-5oz, nipple size 0m+ or slowest flow equivalent
8. Boppy or BreastFriend Pillow
9. Nursing Cover (if you plan to use a cover)
10. "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" book

ETA: I forgot an item! Not sure if you can register for these at Target or BRU or if you have to order them online, but a pumping bra for hands-free pumping is definitely a nice thing to have. Like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00295MQLU?pc_redir=1402812465&robot_redir=1

ntip · June 2014

So glad someone asked the question I have no clue what I'm doing. Thanks so much for the info everyone!

hippohat · June 2014

These were a life saver! They fit my Ameda bottles just fine and helped immensely to keep track of which milk needed used.

https://www.amazon.com/Medela-67346-Breastmilk-Labeling-Lids/dp/B004K3Y838/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1402889293&sr=8-4&keywords=medela+bottle+caps

Emerald's list is great! Maybe try out the pillows before buying - the boppy was useless for me, but the Breast Friend was wonderful. Also, most of the stuff I needed was after getting home from the hospital in the first few weeks when DH or others are making frequent trips to the store anyways, so I wouldn't sweat buying things ahead.

saraheh007 · June 2014

I think the ladies have all pretty much covered what I was going to say. One thing I thought was handy was wipes for cleaning the pump parts. I would take my parts home every night to clean them, but in between pumps at the office they were nice for a quick clean. I always felt weird washing them out in the office kitchen!

Definitely stock up on the little white valves. They wear out frequently. If you notice that your pumping isn't as efficient, this is usually the issue.

Good luck and don't let the idea overwhelm you. It will be so normal to you in no time! I was a bit overwhelmed at first but one of my friends walked me through what worked for her and it really helped. It was all second nature in no time!

LightBright515 · June 2014

@Emerald27‌ so how do you build a supply while you're home with baby prepping to go back? Feed baby at the boob, and pump the other breast immediately after?

I need to read my breast feeding book NOW @-)

jcsumm0 · June 2014

@LightBright515 a lot of moms pump after baby nurses for the first time in the morning--you are usually most full then. You can also pump (both sides) any time after baby nurses. Some babies nurse on both sides every time, some only take one boob at a time, sometimes they change it up. It's nice to have a "freezer stash" but remember that you really only *need* one day's worth of milk for your first day back at work. Spend the first few weeks establishing your supply just by letting baby nurse on cue.

Emerald27 · June 2014

@LightBright515 Everything jcsumm0 said! It is preferable to establish your supply in the first month of baby's life by nursing alone. That way, pumping doesn't interfere with your milk supply at that fragile stage in which it's being carefully established (creating an oversupply, etc.).

Just like @jcsumm0 said, the "easy" way to create a small freezer stash is to pump once a day or every other day, for 5-10 minutes, after a morning feeding. Morning is easiest, because like jcsumm0 said, your supply is naturally highest in the morning. You may average just 1-2oz per pumping session, which is perfectly normal (the size of the bottles you pump into are deceptive. It is truly the rare woman (or the woman with oversupply) who fills two 4oz bottles at one pumping session!). Once you have enough milk in the freezer to get you through one to two days at work, you can put that pump away.

If you would like to have a few more ounces to save for unexpected time away from baby, you can continue this pumping regimen until you feel comfortable with the number of ounces you have stored.

ETA: When teaching baby to take a bottle, you'll want to pump to replace any milk he/she takes from the bottle on a given day anyway. Thus, you don't need to worry much about pumping to have milk on hand for teaching baby. You can pump the milk (just an ounce will do) that you'll put in her bottle and then offer it right then or a little later.

nightowl1989 · June 2014

Thanks OP for posting this...I'm feeling overwhelmed, too, and some very helpful info is now in this thread. I only had to add a bit (rather than start another topic). What is a/are good brand(s) to consider? I know I want a double electric, I only get 45 days of maternity leave and want to BF/pump as long as possible, and Tricare will not pay for the pump. Suggestions are so very welcome.

Emerald27 · June 2014

@theresat858‌ 50-100oz in the freezer sounds like quite a lot to me. I fall more into the "just rest and enjoy your baby during maternity leave" camp, and feel like it would be SO much work to create that stash (plus, I HATE pumping, and creating that stash would take an entire maternity leave). A 10-30oz stash is more what I would aim for. But it's of course entirely up to the mother, her comfort level, and how much she enjoys pumping. Neat that this thread offers some alternative methods of preparing to return to work.

I am not sure I can agree to the plan of sending 12oz for 8-9 hours of work, though. If you only send 9oz, that's all the provider has to feed. It avoids over-feeding (especially if sent in 2-3oz servings), and makes more of baby's total daily intake come from the breast than the bottle, which is good for supply.

I'm not a huge fan of trying to get baby to sleep more at night by feeding more during the day, too, because it's natural for babies to space their feedings fairly evenly throughout a 24-hour period, and it's especially important to babies that they can reconnect and to be close to mama in the evenings, nursing frequently when she is home. It's as much about the love as it is about the milk, but boy does it help mom's supply when baby is fed less at daycare!

Nursing just before you leave baby and immediately upon your return, and leaving just 1oz per hour with baby while you're away, not only makes more of baby's daily intake come directly from the breast, but it also means you'll need to pump less milk while away...which takes some of the pressure off a working mom. Just another perk in my book.

Again, it's all up to mom and her comfort level, and what she can arrange with baby's caregiver. There's great info out there, though, for moms to inform themselves and share with caregivers, to make the best decision for them. Stuff about 1) feeding baby in a way that's supportive of breastfeeding, 2) avoiding overfeeding at daycare, 3) maintaining supply when you return to work, etc.

Emerald27 · June 2014

@theresat858‌ I understand where you're coming from. Sounds like you did exactly what was warranted for your situation. I just feel personally like a better solution would be carefully discussing feeding procedures with the daycare provider well in advance and making my expectations very clear (and selecting a provider who would respect and follow my wishes for feeding LO).

If bottle-fed the appropriate amount while at daycare, LO will nurse as much as he/she needs when mom is home, and wake accordingly during the night. I wouldn't think you would need to wake a baby to nurse during the night just because they were fed less at daycare. They would wake a normal amount at night to be fed regularly...and maybe even more for the first couple weeks regardless, because separation can make babies need extra closeness and snuggles and milk as they adjust to the change.

LightBright515 · June 2014

Man, this is going to be stressful. I work 12 hour shifts. I leave an hour and a half before to get there, and I takes me at least 45 mins to get home!

I'd have to either race to the DC provider to feed her when I get off which would be her 2nd feeding of the day since she will be fed in the am before SO drops her off. OR I'll have to pump that morning session, and just feed her when I wake up for work again in the afternoon.

This will take strategic planning. I'm going to have to be on a mission establishing my supply for the first 12 weeks.

Emerald27 · June 2014

LightBright515 said:
Man, this is going to be stressful. I work 12 hour shifts. I leave an hour and a half before to get there, and I takes me at least 45 mins to get home!

I'd have to either race to the DC provider to feed her when I get off which would be her 2nd feeding of the day since she will be fed in the am before SO drops her off. OR I'll have to pump that morning session, and just feed her when I wake up for work again in the afternoon.

This will take strategic planning. I'm going to have to be on a mission establishing my supply for the first 12 weeks.

You can totally do it! So will you be working nights (wasn't sure based on your post)?

You can nurse LO before you leave her and when you return to her, whether you leave her at home and SO drops her off or you take her to daycare yourself. If you are nursing on demand while at home and pumping every 2-3 hours for about 15 minutes while at work, that will give you the milk she'll need while you're away AND be perfect for maintaining your supply.

You can also snuggle a lot and nurse on demand on weekends, which is great for your supply.

Don't worry too much about establishing your supply (do you mean your milk supply or a freezer stash?) during your maternity leave. If you're nursing on demand and pumping enough to create the size stash you want, your supply will be more than adequate and you'll be prepared for your return to work.

LightBright515 · June 2014

Emerald27 said:

LightBright515 said:
Man, this is going to be stressful. I work 12 hour shifts. I leave an hour and a half before to get there, and I takes me at least 45 mins to get home!

I'd have to either race to the DC provider to feed her when I get off which would be her 2nd feeding of the day since she will be fed in the am before SO drops her off. OR I'll have to pump that morning session, and just feed her when I wake up for work again in the afternoon.

This will take strategic planning. I'm going to have to be on a mission establishing my supply for the first 12 weeks.
You can totally do it! So will you be working nights (wasn't sure based on your post)?

You can nurse LO before you leave her and when you return to her, whether you leave her at home and SO drops her off or you take her to daycare yourself. If you are nursing on demand while at home and pumping every 2-3 hours for about 15 minutes while at work, that will give you the milk she'll need while you're away AND be perfect for maintaining your supply.

You can also snuggle a lot and nurse on demand on weekends, which is great for your supply.

Don't worry too much about establishing your supply (do you mean your milk supply or a freezer stash?) during your maternity leave. If you're nursing on demand and pumping enough to create the size stash you want, your supply will be more than adequate and you'll be prepared for your return to work.

Yes, I'll be starting on nights. Hopefully staying there until I hit my breast feeding goal (not sure what that is yet) ..

However, I only work 3 days a week. That's the true blessing. And by supply, I meant milk supply by feeding on demand and cue so I don't dry up.

I feel like once I write down a routine schedule for pumping while at work. It will be super manageable. I'll just have to let my patients know when I come in, don't start no mess cause I have to pump!
[-O<

Emerald27 · June 2014

LightBright515 said:

Emerald27 said:

LightBright515 said:
Man, this is going to be stressful. I work 12 hour shifts. I leave an hour and a half before to get there, and I takes me at least 45 mins to get home!

I'd have to either race to the DC provider to feed her when I get off which would be her 2nd feeding of the day since she will be fed in the am before SO drops her off. OR I'll have to pump that morning session, and just feed her when I wake up for work again in the afternoon.

This will take strategic planning. I'm going to have to be on a mission establishing my supply for the first 12 weeks.
You can totally do it! So will you be working nights (wasn't sure based on your post)?

You can nurse LO before you leave her and when you return to her, whether you leave her at home and SO drops her off or you take her to daycare yourself. If you are nursing on demand while at home and pumping every 2-3 hours for about 15 minutes while at work, that will give you the milk she'll need while you're away AND be perfect for maintaining your supply.

You can also snuggle a lot and nurse on demand on weekends, which is great for your supply.

Don't worry too much about establishing your supply (do you mean your milk supply or a freezer stash?) during your maternity leave. If you're nursing on demand and pumping enough to create the size stash you want, your supply will be more than adequate and you'll be prepared for your return to work.
Yes, I'll be starting on nights. Hopefully staying there until I hit my breast feeding goal (not sure what that is yet) ..

However, I only work 3 days a week. That's the true blessing. And by supply, I meant milk supply by feeding on demand and cue so I don't dry up.

I feel like once I write down a routine schedule for pumping while at work. It will be super manageable. I'll just have to let my patients know when I come in, don't start no mess cause I have to pump!
[-O<

Ok! Nursing on demand during your maternity leave will help establish the perfect supply for baby. Since you'll work 3, 12-hour shifts per week, maybe plan to create a 24-30oz stash for the freezer in advance (or more, if that's what you prefer). Pumping a bit to create your stash will help familiarize you with the pump and help you get down your technique.

Your employer should offer reasonable accommodations and breaks for you to pump, which should mean a 20 minute break every 2-3 hours, but I know that as a nurse, scheduling breaks for pumping can be hard. Work with HR and your scheduler to make sure you have adequate pumping time.

Check out the link I posted on page 1 of this thread. There are great articles and resources there regarding returning to work and pumping. That should be a great start for you on reading about and preparing for what's to come.

JessAnnJ · June 2014

I just want to chime in on the stash issue and add that I agree with @theresat858‌. It's nice not to worry about things while on maternity leave but you really don't know how your supply will be affected when you go back to work. I won't compare myself since I exclusively pumped, but I do know multiple people that had supply issues when going back to work. It's better to build a buffer before going back to work than to have to deal with it as a surprise after going back to work. Yeah, it doesn't happen to everyone but it does happen. Going back to work is emotional enough and the last thing you want to have to deal with is possibly having to give your baby formula for the first time.

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