Breastfeeding must haves

juju0592 · September 2015

So, this is my third and the first time I will be breastfeeding. I plan on from the boob and pumping. My sister's-in-law keep suggesting things like cream and nipple shields. They have now officially confused me. So ladies, what would you say are some must haves for breastfeeding?

jeanbug12 · September 2015

Yes to the cream! It was essential for me the first few weeks. I have breastfed two babies now and never used a nipple shield, if your baby has a good latch you won't need that, and they can lower your supply. I also never used a breastfeeding pillow, but some people love them. You will probably need nursing bras and tanks. Other then that, just boobs

!

nlwz123 · September 2015

Boppy pillow.

lemasted · September 2015

I second the cream! Make sure you get one that you don't have to wipe off before baby latches (I recommend Medela's). Also, I had to use a nipple shield when I got thrush while breastfeeding my DD. I'd only recommend them if they are for a special circumstance like that. I have smaller breasts, so I was able to use sport bras with the leak protectors in them instead of actual nursing bras, but this time I'm going to spend money and get the nursing tanks and bras since I'll be going back to work and will pump as well. Good luck!

adcc43 · September 2015

Breast pads and all the other things people suggested above.

MrsB915 · September 2015

I didn't need the nipple cream often but was very glad I had it for when I did need it! It is also great to rub on your havds. DS was born in the winter and I washed a lot of pump parts and other bottles so my hands were raw, cracked and bled. DS needed the nipple shield for the first few months because he was a preemie and didn't have a good latch. The muscles in his mouth and tongue weren't strong enough. I HATED the nipple shield and I'm not sure I'd have made it to 17 months if he needed it the whole time! I tried the Boppy and hated it. I have large beasts and a short frame so there was no need for the boppy, it was too thick. I just used an extra pillow that I could mould to fit how I needed it. I did use the boppy for tummy time though.

I pped to increase supply and have some saved for nights out or when my husband was taking care of him. A double hands free pumping bra is key if you have a double electric pump!

You may may not want a cover for nursing in public. A receiving blanket can work for this though.

I second the nursing bras but the tanks weren't supportive enough for me so I only used it around the house, not in public

Grace213 · September 2015

Don't spend the money on breast shields before you even know you need em! I was given one at the hospital because I really wanted to breast feed but I had practically inverted nipples so with a little suction it helped draw the nipple out. (Just an FYI- breastfeeding and pumping fixed this problem. Thinking I won't need any shields this round!)

My breastfeeding needs were- double breast pump, extra set of flanges, boppy or breastfeeding pillow, lanolin (always used Medela brand), breast pads, tank top bras (worked just fine for me and MUCH cheaper than nursing bras), and breast milk storage bags.

KFrob · September 2015

I have another question for people who pumped. My insurance will cover a pretty good pump but since its expensive none of the accessories (ie carrying bag, cooler.... stuff like that). I'd rather get the better pump with better reviews than a lesser one just because it comes with everything. So my question is, is the bag that's "meant" for the pump really necessary? Or will any old diaper/tote bag work?

Momona1 · September 2015

Grace213 said:

Don't spend the money on breast shields before you even know you need em! I was given one at the hospital because I really wanted to breast feed but I had practically inverted nipples so with a little suction it helped draw the nipple out. (Just an FYI- breastfeeding and pumping fixed this problem. Thinking I won't need any shields this round!) My breastfeeding needs were- double breast pump, extra set of flanges, boppy or breastfeeding pillow, lanolin (always used Medela brand), breast pads, tank top bras (worked just fine for me and MUCH cheaper than nursing bras), and breast milk storage bags.

Thanks! I was just coming to ask about this. I have inverted nipples and breast shields have been suggested to me.

holocene · September 2015

Good nursing bras make all the difference in comfort and support, if you have large breasts. A good nipple cream is a must, especially if you're a first time breastfeeder. My favourite was from Earth Mom Angel Baby. A nursing pillow is a nice thing to have, but not essential - you can just use regular pillows to prop baby into a correct position. Breast pads! Lansinoh disposables ones are excellent. It doesn't hurt to be prepared, so perhaps reading a book like The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding would be a good idea.

mamakculb · September 2015

I loved my boppy, lanolin (I used Medela)for nipples and cotton breast pads. I tried the disposable ones and they kept bunching up in my bra. I got a couple sets of organic cotton ones that felt like heaven! Plus you can toss them in the washer when they get dirty.

As for nipple shields, I didn't have inverted nipples, but I did have a crazy strong flow when my milk came in. My son would get kind of choked on the milk and relatch a few times and it made me chapped like crazy. I tried the nipple shields and it helped control my flow and let the chapping heal.

Get a nursing wardrobe that works for you. I bought a few really good nursing bras from motherhood and loved them. I typically wear a cami under any normal shirt I wear, so to nurse I just lifted up my top shirt and pulled the cami down to reveal my breast. I had a couple nursing camis at first, but found my regular cotton ones worked great too. It helped allow me to be able to wear a fairly normal wardrobe.

Good luck breastfeeding! It's one of my favorite mommy experiences!

katie0613 · September 2015

Nursing tanks or a nursing sleep bra is a must for the night time!

SuperherosMom · September 2015

For pumping ... hands free pumping bra. It's like a tube top with a zipper in the middle front with holes cut out at nipples to hold pump in place. Used it at home, pumping while driving to and from work, and while in the office so I could still work while pumping.

Plus all other good stuff listed, cream, pads (I used washable pads mostly, bras etc.

62406 · September 2015

Some people have posted on hands free nursing bras but my DD's pedi recommended that I just take an old sports bra and cut holes out for where you put the breastshields it works the same way. Just another option.

Edit: can't spell

blue**eyes · September 2015

KFrob said:
I have another question for people who pumped. My insurance will cover a pretty good pump but since its expensive none of the accessories (ie carrying bag, cooler.... stuff like that). I'd rather get the better pump with better reviews than a lesser one just because it comes with everything. So my question is, is the bag that's "meant" for the pump really necessary? Or will any old diaper/tote bag work?

In my opinion, any old tote bag will work with most pumps.

For cream, lanolin (Lansinoh) and Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter were my go-tos.

I agree with not buying a nipple shield unless/until you need it.

You may want to consider breast shells or Lansinoh TheraPearls pads for sore nipples. Pads were a must for me as I was a leaker. If you will be pumping daily, you will want a hands free bra, much easier to put on than pulling a sports bra over your head.

ainverso · September 2015

KFrob said:
I have another question for people who pumped. My insurance will cover a pretty good pump but since its expensive none of the accessories (ie carrying bag, cooler.... stuff like that). I'd rather get the better pump with better reviews than a lesser one just because it comes with everything. So my question is, is the bag that's "meant" for the pump really necessary? Or will any old diaper/tote bag work?

No need to have the bag, use an old bag of some kind. I used an old bag and a lunch box with ice pack to store milk when at work. Worked great.

mg137 · September 2015

I didn't need shields or pads. Only leaked once. But I would still definitely have some on hand. I got organic cotton ones.

If you'll be pumping a lot, you'll want a good pumping bra. I loved mine. The brand is called simple wishes or something like that. Check Amazon and let me know if that's not right and I'll get you the correct name.

If you'll be pumping a lot, get a good pump. Hospital grade if you can. My hospital gave me a kit with all the pieces I needed.

Nipple cream and gel pads that you can refrigerate. I'd get lanolin and a non lanolin option because some women get little reactions to lanolin. I loved Motherlove brand and also used it as lip gloss.

A nursing pillow. I had twins so had twin specific pillows but I plan to use an organic boppy this time.

MUST HAVE: the phone number for a lactation consultant. Hopefully you don't need one but have the number on hand so if you do need one you can just call and make an appointment rather than searching for one then or throwing in the towel.

Good luck and kudos to you for deciding to breastfeed this time.

Latina211508 · September 2015

I only used a nipple shield with my first baby because he had a high pallet. So it made it easier for him to suck. I used nipple cream with my third baby because dang she made my nipples hurt. Those gums lol. It helped a lot. I did try a boppy pillow with my third and honestly I used it like twice. I just grabbed a regular pillow or blanket when nursing. So it wasn't a must for me. Definitely get a good pump! I had so much milk that I had to pump after every feeding. So I made sure I had a mobile one that I could take to go or just plug in the wall. I never bought a nursing bra. Breasts pads was a must, I leaked constantly. I did buy sports bras for when I was home. Just to be comfy and easy access to breastfeed.

Grace213 · September 2015

KFrob said:
I have another question for people who pumped. My insurance will cover a pretty good pump but since its expensive none of the accessories (ie carrying bag, cooler.... stuff like that). I'd rather get the better pump with better reviews than a lesser one just because it comes with everything. So my question is, is the bag that's "meant" for the pump really necessary? Or will any old diaper/tote bag work?

Honestly, I just bought a decent sized bag from St. Vinny's and I know they sell ice packs with grooves to hold drinks (bottles!) in place at Wal-Mart for a couple bucks! The most important thing is to have a good pump!!!

SBH041815 · September 2015

I nursed my previous two and will nurse this new LO. I agree with the things mentioned above, loved my nursing bras and definitely went for as comfortable of a bra as I could find and nursing pads to slip in my bra were very important because it would have been very leaky and messy otherwise when the milk let down during nursing it always leaked out of the breast the baby wasn't nursing on too. With my first I had a lot of "is this normal?" questions so a good book on nursing might be helpful for quick reference. I also called a lactation consultant a few times and they were very helpful in calming me down and reassuring me that I was doing a good job.

Something that happened to me, especially with my first, was when my milk first "came in" after baby was born, it was an excessive amount initially until it adjusted. When I would sleep at night I would wake up drenched in breast milk with overfull leaky boobs. I quickly started sleeping on a waterproof pad so I would not ruin my mattress. It was only for the first few weeks. This might just be a weird thing that happened to me, but I know I was not prepared for the messiness.

All that being said, I loved nursing (once I got the hang of it) and I really look forward to doing it again! Best of luck to you :-)

MeghaJake · September 2015

Comfortable nursing tanks and bras are nice for the first few days of engorgement. You may not want to spend too much money on nursing bras before your milk comes in because your size may change. I liked having an extra set of pump supplies, dozens of bottles, and pump wipes but you may not need that until and if you work outside the home. This may be a gross admission but I just let myself leak all over the place the first week, so I don't bother with pads unless I'm leaving the house. I don't leak after the first week but everyone is different and it may be good to have a pack on hand. My hospital supplies nipple shields and lanolin cream when needed. I used a nipple shield for the first couple months with both my kids because I have inverted nipples but I didn't know I needed it until they were born and the lactation consultant gave them to me. Really you don't need too many supplies to breastfeed which is why it's so great! You can use any bag for your pump.

MeghaJake · September 2015

I also forgot to mention breastfeeding support groups are awesome! In my little town, we have a le leche league and the health department has a support group. Even with my second, I had so many questions and issues and it's really great to commiserate with other moms going through the same issues. Also, I have an app on my phone that I can use to check if I can take a particular medication or supplement - it's called Mommy Meds. The organization has a helpline and website that you can use for free too - it's the Infant Risk Center at Texas Tech University.

Hipshaker · September 2015

A woven wrap! feeding on demand was 100% easier when I got the hang of using my wrapsody bali breeze woven wrap. no more stopping while shopping, vacuming or out at the park to stop and nurse. mom has things to do!

Mommyduclos · September 2015

Nursing bras and tanks- which are great for bed and pads for the early weeks when you leak. Nipple cream is nice to have if you need it, but I only used it a small handful of times and also only in the first few weeks. Also not totally nursing related but early nursing can make you SO thirsty so having a nice large water bottle you can bring with you everywhere is great.

UptownPearl · September 2015

Anyone have suggestions on what pumps to avoid or which worked great?

mamakculb · September 2015

UptownPearl said:
Anyone have suggestions on what pumps to avoid or which worked great?

I loved my free style Medela and also my single Medela pump. I had a friend use a cheaper electric one and it just didn't have enough "umph" in it. I'd say the price probably matches the quality for the most part.

I will say that I had an avent hand pump that was a total lifesaver. I had a lost power cord for my regular pump so I used it and it was more work but got so much out. When my son was starting to nurse less, my supply really dropped and made pumping hard. I would start with the hand pump (just because it's so much stronger suction than an electric) and then takeover with the electric. I know it's more work but it gave me great results!

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