BF mommies need advice!!

chajak · August 2014

Ok so I know this is super early to discuss but I am a Pinterest whore and there are so many "must haves" I wanted to know what mommies have used before. What is the best nipple cream? Do breast shields really help? Has any mom used bamboobies? Oh and what are the best nursing bras? My doc said underwire can cause mastitis?? I don't have big boobs and with my last they really didn't get bigger so I want a bra that has something to make the girls look nice

4RingCircus · August 2014

Here's my 2cents...

1) nipple cream- Lasinoh was my best friend early on.

2) shields- I tried to use them at the very beginning when my nips felt like they were going to fall off ( my son was a piranha) they helped a little but were not my fav.

3) bamboo bites- never heard of them

4)nursing bras- mine were motherhood & they worked well for me.

5) mastitis- caused by many things, just try to be aware of the signs & catch it early. I did not where underwire until about a month pp because my boobs fluctuated so much that nursing tanks were all I wore. After that I wore underwire no problem.

lewispm · August 2014

I used lanolin and it was a lifesaver for my nips.

And as for the nipple shield, beware! They gave me one at the hospital and I used it without question since, you know, they gave it to me. I had major supply issues and struggled to keep LO fed and not screaming his head off. At 3 weeks I sought help from an LC and she had me lose the shield immediately and my supply got better within 24 hours (but never quite recovered). So use the shield with caution. It prevents your nipple from getting the required stimulation from the suckling and can often affect your supply. I swear I will never use one again!

And as for bamboobies, I have no clue what those are.

And I got a nursing bra with underwire and like 3 without and that underwire one was never worn because it was so uncomfortable. Your girls just won't look nice. They will be huge and swollen one minute and droopy after feeding. I'd just go for comfort and what makes you feel nice.

chajak · August 2014

Thanks for the info my mil loves breast shields and when I had my ds I only really knew her for 5 months so I didn't want her help with my boobs and didn't really want something else touching my boobs lol. These are bamboobies they are nursing pads but wanted to know if they were really worth the money. I need something that is good for at night. I don't feel like changing my sheets every night

Unknown · August 2014

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cafecreme · August 2014

Lanolin for sure. They gave me a tube of it in the hospital. I don't know whats in that stuff, but it felt like it made my nipples "numb" and I could continue bfing without pain.

I only used a shield at around 5 months when DD was refusing my breast. Ultimately it didn't work. I pumped an entire month to get her to 6 months on bm, and stopped.

I bought bamboobies, and never used them. I just used the generic throw out breast pads. Half the time I didn't use them because I only leaked in the beginning.

LeMystere have really nice, quality bras. I also recommend Motherhood and Bravado. I wore underwire and non, and never got mastitis.

I also suggest investing in a electric pump. It was a lifesaver.

transplantedhawkeye · August 2014

Real must haves:

A good book about breastfeeding, Womanly Art of Breastfeeding or Sear's Breastfeeding book are both good. The first one has had a new edition come out more recently.

Phone numbers: LLL Leader or Breastfeeding USA Counselor or WIC Peer Supporter or lactation consultant (can find one on ilca.org)

Support group: La Leche League, Breastfeeding USA or Local Hospital breastfeeding support group. Not all are available in all areas

Exposure to young babies while they are breastfeeding. (See also support groups, go while you are pregnant) The dolls you use in a class aren't held the same as a real baby.

Class- take one, unless you see breastfeeding on a regular basis, and come from a culture where you saw your mom, sisters and aunts breastfeed almost every day of your life, you will need some extra education.

Extra stuff:

Nipple cream- keep it simple, keep it one ingredient.

1st- medical grade lanolin (not cosmetic grade) if you are allergic to wool or are vegan not a good option

2nd- olive oil, yes the stuff you cook with and it is cheap

3rd- coconut oil- extra virgin- again yes the stuff you cook with.

Nipple shields- avoid it if you can, it is an extra piece of stuff to use when you breastfeed, it can be a headache, and its kind of like sex with a condom, it isn't quite the same. Arguments among LCs if they can diminish supply.

Also if not properly sized they can cause damage, if you think you need one. See an LC prenatally.

Nursing bras-

Best ones are the ones that fit. Yes you can wear underwire BUT it must fit very well. A poorly fitting bra- be it underwire or not can block ducts and lead to poor milk removal and thus mastitis.

Bravado has a good corner on the market for nursing bras, most of their styles are stretchy and good for the size change with pregnancy and when your milk first comes in. They are generally durable too. They have a funny size scheme though.

Anita has underwire and wirefree bras- some of them are a little "prettier" with lace and what not, and a little less utilitarian looking. They are more expensive though. Have someone who knows bras and can do a good fitting help you with these styles.

Side note- your breasts while pregnant and breastfeeding, usually wont be at their prettiest, biggest probably but that is it. The skin on the nipple and areola darkens, and more veins will be visible on your nipple and breast tissue as it becomes more vascular for the production of milk. LCs love to see these changes, it means things developing well

Bamboobies, don't know about them, I used other washable pads, but I do love the soft feel of bamboo fabric. I might try some for myself.

ETA- forgot about education.

almeyer2013 · August 2014

Thanks ladies for all you insight. This was an informative post for me as well!!!

vargasgurl · August 2014

Lansinoh nipple cream ... The best
I also used Medela brand and it worked just as well

I also used these gel nipple pads for sore nips and this was so amazing! It deft helped !

I never used nipple shields

Nursing bras ... I used nursing bras as well as Nursing Tanks (These were great Target !)

Never heard of bamboobies
Mastitis ... They say ubderwire can cause it , again many things can cause Mastitis. Can be very painful!

Unknown · August 2014

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chajak · August 2014

I had a crappy playtex one last time and this time I already got the medela freestyle and working in a hospital I will probably use the symphony when I am there. I had the natures best cream and all it did was stain my bras. Also have any stms used the belly bandit? I would like to fit into my jeans after this baby lol. I was thinking about getting a couple Bravados and maybe a glamourmom tank (they are so expensive!!)

Farrah626 · August 2014

Lansinoh is a must. I never used a nipple shield but I have heard they can lower your supply as PP said. I had the bamboobies because I got a sample and the heart shape was stupid and lumpy in my bra. I used washable pads, I can't remember the brand anymore but think they were pretty basic. I used nursing bras from Target that had an underwire and never got mastitis. Gillian and O'Malley I think.

lewispm · August 2014

@chajak, I'm not sure if what I used was the belly bandit, but it was a wrap I picked up at BRU for like $20ish. I had a C-section and it made me feel a lot more secure around my incision area. I wore it at night. Not sure if it made any difference in how quick my belly flattened, since I have nothing to compare it to, but I did flatten up quite quickly.

kella0708 · August 2014

You will need Lansinoh in the beginning. I ugly cried everytime I breast fed for about two weeks. My nips would have fallen off without it!

I have pretty flat nipples so I had to use nipple shields for about 2 months and they worked well for me.

I bought most of my nursing bras at target, although I barely wore them. I lived in nursing tanks up until about 2 days ago.

tngrl3 · August 2014

ToasterCat said:

PSA: If you get an electric pump, make sure you have the right sized flange!!!

If you large breasts, you may have to size up or the suction will not function properly and you will be so frustrated. This happened to me and had to get the biggest ones they make. Make sure the fit is correct or pumping can be ineffective and painful!

Whew ok.

This. All of this. So important! My DS was in the NICU and had a tube down his nose to feed at first so I pumped a lot in the beginning. I was initially using flanges that were too small and my nips were raw and cracked after about 24 hours. Thankfully the LC came in, saw my problem, got me bigger ones and Lansinoh and saved the day.

Unknown · August 2014

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CrystalTrues · August 2014

For me, the medela brand nipple cream was a lifesaver. I used lansinoh first and it did not work well for me. I had both the Boppy and My Breastfriend nursing pillows, I loved my breastfriend. As for nursing pads I used the disposable kind at first because I leaked a lot at night. During the day I bad no need for them. I had many brands of nursing bras my favorites were all bravado, but I was happy with one's from target and they were much better priced. I was not comfortable in any underwire bra until after my son weaned, always felt like I was being poked.

Kdeanda · August 2014

My favorite cream was Lasinoh. Do breast shields really help? They didn't help me one bit. I have no idea what bamboobies are. For nursing bras, I'm on the smaller side so I bought lacey bandeaus. I also wore sports bras and those tanks with a bra built in. Lots of things can cause mastitis. I actually got it myself. Not fun. Mine was caused by a plugged milk duct. Finally I would also suggest getting the Boppy pillow. It helped me out since I had a Csection. Def was useful propping the baby up to my chest to feed.

shlittertoots · August 2014

Lansinoh cream, it was a nipple saver. I also liked using the Soothies. Just wash your nipple off before nursing after using the Soothies.

Never used a nipple shield. DD had a good latch so luckily I never needed one.

For nursing bras, avoid an underwire if you can because that could lead to blocked ducts. I didn't like the one nursing bra I had--I just wore sleeping bras that I could easily pop a boob out. I don't have big boobs so I was ok with wearing a sleeping bra 24/7.

I used several milk storage bags and the best were Lansinoh, and then there was brand I got off amazon that was also good (can't remember the name right now). The Target Up&Up bags were ok and more affordable, but I did have several leak. If you thaw the bag inside of a ziplock Baggie, that will save the milk. But that's getting ahead of myself and you didn't even ask about that, so I'll stop rambling now

chajak · August 2014

What are soothies? Where can you get the Bravados other than the target brand? Thanks for all the advice!! My lc literally came in the hospital room for 5 min and told me nothing. I really want to try hard this time around so I want all the ammunition I can get!

chajak · August 2014

Not really I live in the middle of a cornfield. I have a bbrus close to me but I hate that place you can never use coupons for anything for mom. I think I will buy two bras for the beginning since who knows what size these boobs will get. Hey maybe even a b cup this time!

CrystalTrues · August 2014

Bravado has a website and their customer service was wonderful with me last time. They can help you figure out what your size is. But like pp said don't get a bunch of nursing bras until after your milk comes in and regulates, they change so much you may need a different size.

crunchymamaof2 · August 2014

Stay far far away from nipple shields unless you're under the supervision of a lactation consultant. Our second was in the nicu and it took over 3 months to get him off the shield. Now they do have something called shells which sometimes get confused with shields- these are just to keep your clothing from touching your nipples. But they totally give you Madonna boobs.

I never really used any creams. I may get some lansinol now as my 2 year old is killing my nipples and he's being really stubborn about weaning at night. Maybe that would make him stop lol.

Don't set a schedule and let baby feed on demand. Also don't freak if you're not getting a lot when pumping. Some women don't respond well to pumps. The correct flange size is crucial, as is being relaxed, well hydrated, and making sure the tubing isn't clogged.

As for pads, fabric is always better than the paper ones. The paper ones stick.

transplantedhawkeye · August 2014

crunchymamaof2 said:

Stay far far away from nipple shields unless you're under the supervision of a lactation consultant. Our second was in the nicu and it took over 3 months to get him off the shield. Now they do have something called shells which sometimes get confused with shields- these are just to keep your clothing from touching your nipples. But they totally give you Madonna boobs.

I never really used any creams. I may get some lansinol now as my 2 year old is killing my nipples and he's being really stubborn about weaning at night. Maybe that would make him stop lol.

Don't set a schedule and let baby feed on demand. Also don't freak if you're not getting a lot when pumping. Some women don't respond well to pumps. The correct flange size is crucial, as is being relaxed, well hydrated, and making sure the tubing isn't clogged.

As for pads, fabric is always better than the paper ones. The paper ones stick.

________________________quote box fail______________________________________---

What she said, all of it. Too bad I can't love tit this more than once.

Also learn hand expression, you always have your own milk/colostrum with you. Sometimes you may forget that little tube of lanolin.

A great how to video from Stanford University (yes it does show breasts and nipples so there is a warning prior to the start)
https://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression.html

Unknown · August 2014

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shlittertoots · August 2014

Soothies are a gel-like substance on one side and a thin fabric on the other. They're round and go over your nipples between your bra and skin. They soothe sore nipples and you can reuse them--just be careful to cover them in a ziplock bag because hair and fuzz will get stuck to the jelly side. You can put them in the freezer, too. I got mine from the hospital but you can order them on amazon or get them from Target (maybe?) I can't remember where I've seen them. Maybe BRU.

transplantedhawkeye · August 2014

ToasterCat

Hand expression is an art, it takes practice and just like some breasts don't respond well to pumps, sometimes even with the best technique some breasts don't respond to hand expression well. But usually you can get at least a drop to rub on nipples for comfort.

chajak · August 2014

I also really liked the "milkies" it's bulky but when I would nurse my ds, I would easily get 2 oz of let down on the other side that would've been wasted in a nursing pad if I didn't used that thing.

Unknown · August 2014

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chajak · August 2014

@ToasterCat‌ right?! Especially in the middle of the night!

shlittertoots · August 2014

Whenever I leaked overnight, I'd tell my husband I milked the bed.

chajak · August 2014

I always thought nurse then pump if baby is full but you still feel full.

Unknown · August 2014

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transplantedhawkeye · August 2014

You are never truly empty. You are constantly making milk (once lactating), the flow might not be what baby prefers and is used to, so he may fuss, but you can still feed from a recently pumped breast.

Critter015 · August 2014

My favorite nipple cream was the Medela lanolin, the Lansinoh was too thick and hurt to apply. I really only used it the first week or so and then as a lubricant each time I pumped.
I never used a nipple shield with either of my children.
I love my Bamboobies, they are totally worth it, wish I'd made the investmet with my first baby. I got 7 pairs of the overnights and 7 pairs of the regular one's so I'd have a whole week's worth in case laundry didn't get done. They are a million times better than the disposables.
I used Target's nursing bras without underwire for both of my kids, they are comfortable as supportive. My boobs are really small though, 32A when not BFing and 34B when I am BFing.

JCWhitey · August 2014

For nipple cream I just used breastmilk. I had lanolin but it changed the texture of my nipples and DS couldn't latch with it on. But even without that he had latching issues so after almost a day of not being able to eat and struggling to get my nipples out I used a nipple shield. For us it was what was needed. I mean, I was soaking my nipples in ice water trying to draw them out and it wasn't working!

After two months he was more coordinated and we no longer needed it. I took the shield off and never looked back! I would really only suggest nipple shields if you need absolutely need them. Otherwise they are rather a PITA because you have to be careful to put them on right and are constantly cleaning them.

For bras I always wear Genie Bras with no underwire and still got mastitis three times. Mastitis is a confusing thing because you just never know when you'll get it or why. One thing that helped at those times are those heat/cool pad things that go over your breasts. I don't remember the name but they are purple and amazing! Heat them up, put them on, and it's like instant relief! I have two sets so I'd always have one in the microwave ready to go!

My one purchase regret were nursing pads. I bought a whole bunch of reusable ones to prepare myself for leakage. Never happened. Not once. I joke that I have nipples of steel because I can't hand express and get anything out, either. I'd definitely buy some to have on hand, but for me buying 15 pairs was a waste of money.

MrsZko · August 2014

I really think you got some great advice here, but just wanted to say I used bamboobies and loved them. I found the disposable ones to harsh on my skin. I never leaked very much and they did the trick, and they are super soft!!! Also, my favorite nipple cream was the substance nipple cream. I used lanolin and hand expressed breast milk in the beginning, but then I switched to this cream and liked it because it wasn't sticky. As far as nipple shields, I used one, because my son had the worse latch ever, but we worked on it without the shield every day, and within 2-3 weeks, we weren't using it. I think it's great if you're working with a lactation consultant and use it as a short term solution.

Sherbet Lemon · August 2014

People have covered pretty much everything already, but I want to add a detail about underwire. If the bra fits correctly, the underwire really isn't a problem. An underwire shouldn't be digging into your breasts. I have 2 or 3 nursing bras with underwire and I love them. I have a larger cup size anyhow, so add on the nursing and mine are uncomfortably big. I like the support. I also never had a problem with clogged ducts. Fwiw.

CrystalTrues · August 2014

Critter015 said:

My favorite nipple cream was the Medela lanolin, the Lansinoh was too thick and hurt to apply. I really only used it the first week or so and then as a lubricant each time I pumped. ...

Everyone is different, it sounds like lansinoh worked well for many, but this is exactly what happened with me. Too thick and uncomfortable.

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