Breast feeding Essentials List!!

[Vickyxx]

Hi Ladies

This is my first baby and I am def going to have a go at breast feeding, however I do not have a clue about any of it, I only just found out about breast shields and milk bags

From personal experience what items have you found to be essential when it comes to BF??

 

[babymother]

Hiya. I've breastfed all my babies. Think positive, you CAN breastfeed.
I found breast pads and muslins the most useful. Poss a pillow too.
You don't really need much lol
Good luck

 

[sallybee]

For me personally:
Nipple shields
Lansinoh nipple cream (£10 a tube but worth its weight in gold)
As I'm expressing as well bottles, a steriliser and I just have a manual breast pump as I don't do it very often, but comes in handy to have a few bottles of "mummy milk" on hand if you're shy about feeding in public.
Hope that helped xx

 

[sallybee]

Oh God yes breast pads! I've had milk pouring out at times lol xx

 

[Emily0505]

Definetly get some Lansinoh nipple cream. Life saving stuff!

XX

 

[Vickyxx]

Ok just ordered some Lansinoh nipple cream!! What about storing expressed milk is it better to use bags or storage pots?? also what make of nipple protectors would you recommend Avent or MAM ?? and has anyone used Breast Shields, are they worth getting or should I just stick with a pump ??

 

[KarenC]

I didn't use any shields - only use them if you must. Lansinoh, a comfy chair with good support, pillows and a hell of a lot of perseverance. It can be very painful at first, but it gets better. Don't worry too much about expressing right now, unless you need to do it to build up your supply - it can come later once you've established your supply. I bought storage bags from Mothercare and they are fine, but a few pots for storage in the fridge can be handy. Well done for preparing as best as you can - good luck xxx

 

[Nurse 26]

feeding pillow
nipple cream (lots and lots of this)
meleda pump (for later on when you want to express)
milk storage bags

 

[Vickyxx]

I have a breast pump already ... need to check the make
A pillow
Some MAM Anti Colic Bottles
Just ordered some nipple cream
Breast Pads

Need to get milk storage containers now, not sure if bags or tubs are better???

 

[sallybee]

I'm using the shields because we've had a lot of trouble latching and it was the only way I felt I could continue but do try without as they're a bit controversial. Mine were about £4 from mothercare and get the job done lol

For storing milk when you're ready I'd say bottles for the fridge and bags for the freezer xx

 

[Karate Kid]

Breast pads
Nipple cream
Comfy chair
Box set (you may be stapled to the sofa during the first few weeks)

Also try and find out where your nearest BFing support group is. If you have ANY issues then head a long to one it saved our BFing relationship. Even if you just want to get out of the house and feed xx

 

[TORino]

A pair of tits.... Lol. Sorry I couldn't resist

My essentials were a pillow (used my pregnancy pillow)
Some Lansinoh and that was pretty much it. I wouldn't worry about the pump straight away because it can interfere with your supply while it is becoming established. Personally id steer clear of expressing for a good few weeks until you know where you're at etc

I never needed anything else really.

Good luck with it.