Any useful bits to get?

[Mummybexee]

Hi

I plan to breast feed

I am looking into madela swing breast pump as I've read these are probably the best recommended however I won't bottle feed the expressed unless I have to untill BF is established properly ( +6 weeks earliest for nipple confusion )

My question is - is there anything I should buy to aid breast feeding? I get confused about shields and creams etc - I'd like to be prepared and buy ready- any advice you have that would aid a first time mummy BF'ing?

Thankyou

 

[catty1]

Lansinoh cream is a must have. Other than that you might need some breast pads for leakage and nursing bras. I would recommend some crop top type ones for the early days for comfort. One thing I find really useful which you might not think of is a travel mug with a lid so you can drink hot drinks while feeding without worrying about spilling. Oh and don't forget a feeding pillow.
For occasional expressed milk feeding I wouldn't bother getting a fancy steriliser, just some Milton.
Ps I'm using my medela swing pump right now, it is much better than the manual pump I started with.
Good luck x

 

[tiggy85]

Nursing bras, some sleep crop top style bras, breast pads and lansinoh. I didn't bother with a feeding pillow or modesty covers. Found I could descreetly feed with one of my big scarfs and was comfy feeding on my bed or sofa.

 

[Samantha55]

Also echo the Lansinoh cream. It's expensive but worth it. I went through nearly 3 tubes in the first 4 weeks but now at the point where it's no longer needed. Breast pads are useful especially for first few weeks again. I hardly ever leak now at 8 weeks on.

I have the Medela swing pump too and get on well with it, easy to use and sterilise the parts.

Good luck xx

 

[Mummybexee]

Thanks ladies

I have my breast pads, bottle kit with steriliser ( got it cheap in a sale) - am waiting until abit further along to get nursing bras sorted but will consider crop top style ones so thanks for that

Cream is now on my list to get along with a pillow which I forgot !

Appreciate the advice! I want to be as prepared as possible for ease and comfort adjusting to the big change lol xx

 

[ScotchEgg]

I'd agree with the others. Lansinoh is a must and don't forget to put it in your hospital bag (I did) as the first few days are when you really need it most. It's cheaper on Amazon. Pads you won't need until your milk comes in after a few days, some people never need them. A good pump is great. A cushion is useful but not essential. I use normal cushions and get on fine. other things like shells / Nile shields etc are not required by everyone so I'd wait to see if you need them. Good luck, it's hard work but brilliant

 

[Tigger87]

Most important is your determination!! Remember when it gets tough how much you want to do this!!

It may also be worth speaking to your midwife beforehand and asking where you should go for help if it's not going well - some areas are far better than others.

 

[Mummybexee]

Thanks ladies

Got my BF pillow, my Lansinoh cream, a nursing top and a crop top style nursing bra yesterday - I have a few scalfs and Muslin clothes should I need them

I will closer the time get a few more nursing bras and have decided to wait untill baby is here before I order my madela swing and BF bags - mainly because I don't want to think of expressing as the easy way out of BF and I have no intention of using for first 6 weeks anyway

I won't have any FM in the house 'just incase' because I'm adamant BF is what I want to do - I'm a stubborn person at the best of times so hoping this will go in my favour and help me

X

 

[ChloeSmith]

Echo what everyone has said above - I got the "My Brest Friend" maternity pillow which was ridiculously expensive but it's great and had helped me with positioning as well as stopping my back hurting so much.

Defs recommend sleep-type crop top bras, I lived in those the first few weeks!

Most of all make sure you have a good support network, check out local breastfeeding groups etc - these have been the most valuable thing to keep me going. I've found it so hard, but am determined to stick with it, as it's also so rewarding to see your baby thriving xx