https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 13 Jun 2026 01:44:24 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2012201 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 14:46:31 +0000 My Only Sunshine 2012201@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You've already gotten excellent advice here. Here's a couple more random things -</p> <p>Stock up on some cute cardigans. With my EBF baby, those first few months I lived in leggings or yoga pants, Target nursing tanks, and cardigans (especially the long kind - Old Navy has some good ones!). It was comfy but I could throw on a scarf and feel sort of put together if I needed to run out of the house or if someone was coming over.</p> <p>And get a good water bottle! I got SO thirsty when I was nursing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2012097 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 14:04:06 +0000 cait 2012097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, thank you everyone!!</p> <p>I've been a little overwhelmed about preparing for BFing and all this info definitely makes me feel less confused. I do live in the US so I'll be contacting my insurance to see what is available to me, and I will absolutely look into local LCs, on top of the pads, creams, etc recommended. Thanks again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011703 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 11:31:08 +0000 Bluebonnet 2011703@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like most things, it depends if you need a pump and bottles immediately or not. If you are able to successfully EBF (and you don't have supply issues or need to supplement with formula), then you won't need bottles or a pump for a little while. </p> <p>I highly suggest getting a pump early on (as other have said, your insurance will likely cover it), so you can pump to build up a little bit of a freezer stash (so you can be away from LO from time to time). If you bring it to the hospital, the lactation consultant at the hospital can show you how to use it. </p> <p>I'm a WAHM too, but because I'm constantly on conference calls, its easier for me to pump during the day and have our nanny give LO a bottle than to reorganize my schedule around LO's ever changing feeding times. I've also had a few business trips, so its been necessary for me to have a large stash. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011593 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 10:48:30 +0000 ShootingStar 2011593@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This has already been said, but I think the things you need most are a couple nursing bras and breast pads. I also needed lots of burp cloths - for a while it was like everything I owned was covered in milk. And some sort of tank top (can be special nursing ones, or just ones that pull down). I liked to wear them with cardigans or hoodies.</p> <p>I also agree with the recommendation to have some formula nursers on hand, and to only get one or two bottles. And it can be great to have contacted an LC ahead of time. I came home with DS and we had an entire day where he refused to eat from me. I was freaking out and was able to find an LC to come do a home visit the next day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011459 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 09:36:18 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 2011459@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cait: I Ff my first and EBF my second. I WAHM too. </p> <p>We stocked up on bottles because I planned to pump, and then I didn't. It was too hard for me to juggle pumping, working, BFing, and the kids. And, my kid flat out hates bottles, so there's that. In hind sight, I wish we would have saved money (and counter space) by not getting bottles until after she was here &amp; I had established BFing, and seen which route we'd actually take. Or, not bought 12 bottles. 1 would have sufficed!</p> <p>I had a rocky BF relationship with my first child, so I didn't want to invest a ton of money into BFing supplies and not be able to again. </p> <p>I bought two nursing tanks from Target (bravado brand), a small box of nursing pads (lansinoh) and nipple cream (lansinoh). </p> <p>Once BFing was established, I bought more nursing tops and pads. </p> <p>The only other thing that was must have, regardless of feeding method, was my boppy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011412 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:58:23 +0000 erwoo 2011412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's always good to have a pump and most insurances now will pay for an electric breast pump. I EBF both of my boys but used the pump for the first three months to help with supply issues and 2 weeks with my second. I also requested the hospital pump as soon as I got back to my room and started pumping right away even if nothing was coming out. My milk came in the evening of the 2nd day after having a c-section with my second. My milk came in on the 5th day with my first (also had a c-section) and barely any milk for a long time. I supplemented and worked hard with the help of the pump to get my supply up and was finally able to put it away for good with my first. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011404 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:53:15 +0000 Rockies11 2011404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>oh, and I was a WAHM </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011401 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:52:47 +0000 Rockies11 2011401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had all the things and ebfed. The only things I needed were the nipple cream and the nursing tanks, which I didn't have. I didnt use the pump or bottles for many months, and she wouldn't take a bottle anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011334 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 07:56:30 +0000 BandDmommy 2011334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cait: I EBF and pump once a day since LO was born. I think it's nice to have a freezer stash. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011330 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 07:49:50 +0000 hellobeeboston 2011330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have a pump just in case. But you shouldn't need it for a while as you establish and regulate your supply. Your body will adjust to what your baby needs, I think pumping too early can sometimes mess things up, but for some it's necessary!! So have it just in case!! My insurance did not cover a pump, which was fine because my entire pregnancy and birth and hospital stay was covered with a $200 co-pay!</p> <p>Other essential: lanolin! The hospital may even send you home with some. Use it a ton at the beginning! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011277 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 04:49:35 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 2011277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the only thing you need ahead of time is a good book about BF so that you know what to expect. With my first I did need a pump pretty soon after he was born for various reasons I didn't expect, but a family member went out to target and got me one and that was that. The second time around I already knew I wanted a good pillow so I got a brestfriend but you can certainly use any regular pillow until you figure out what you want/need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011273 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 04:36:13 +0000 lamariniere 2011273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been SAH/WAH with both of my LOs and it really depends on your baby and how the nursing goes (mine were very different). You will probably want nursing bras and/or tanks and lanolin or other nipple cream and nursing pads. You may or may not need a pump (I did with my first LO, but not my 2nd). You may want a nursing pillow. </p> <p>Also, definitely find a good lactation consultant either at the hospital or a private one to help you in the beginning. If you feel like you are struggling in any way, seek help immediately! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011268 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 03:53:50 +0000 sarac 2011268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, boobs. The rest is kind of extra. A pump you can pick up if you need it, if not, it's kind of a lot to just have sitting. Tanks and bras you'll need, but it's really hard to know what size you'll be when your milk comes in. Bottles are good if you plan to use them, but you don't need them right at the start. Boobs, mostly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011262 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 03:34:29 +0000 Beth24 2011262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I EBF and am a working mom. Here's what I use the most:<br /> - hands free bra used for pumping. Makes it so much easier! Even if you don't need to pump all the time I enjoy keeping an extra bottle in the fridge at all times just in case I want to have some wine at the end of a long day :)<br /> - manual pump. In the middle of the night I used to get very engorged and setting up the electric pump was too much of a hassle. Using the manual pump let me feel relief until LO woke up to feed. And I only had 1 pump to wash instead of 2.<br /> - I use Madela bottles/parts because I like that everything works with my pump. I started introducing the bottles when DD was 3 weeks old and she goes back and forth between those and BF without a problem.<br /> - Madela PISA. Got this free from insurance and it works great so far!<br /> - Breast pads! I use Lansinoh (sp?) brand. I really just like the extra padding for comfort but it also helps me feel better knowing that I'm not leaking milk through to my shirt when I'm in public. Lol. I wear these all day everyday </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011241 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 02:26:35 +0000 littleblessings 2011241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pump I wish I would have taken with me to the hospital. I got my milk in there and ended up staying with my dad and step mom first week pp. I was in so much pain from being engorged. It was awful. I highly recommend a pump for when your milk comes in. Even if it's a manual for the time being. Some hospitals can provide you with a manual pump. You will need breast pads until your supply is regular and you no longer leak. (Forgot breast pads and shopped in Walmart once. So embarrassing). Storage containers are a must. I preferred baggies. I could freeze them flat and "file" them sort of speak. In the early days it is suggested to mainly just nurse the baby when hungry, no bottles. If you go by that the only bottle you need is the milk catching one that comes with the pump. A lot of people swear by lanolin. I hated that stuff. More of a hassle for me. Gotta squeeze it on your finger, rub between fingers until soft, apply to nipple, get your bra greasy, then it's suggested to wipe it off before nursing again. Pain in the butt in my opinion. Nursing cover if you feel uncomfortable NIP. I used one at first but got rid of it later. I used a two shirt method instead. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011234 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 02:15:40 +0000 Kemma 2011234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a SAHM and really only used lanolin, nursing bras / tanks and a good IBCLC! I did also find it handy to have a few milk storage bags, bottles / containers to hand express in to and a 10mL syringe on hand in case babe was being tricky to feed or struggling to latch (also handy for giving probiotics!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011215 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 01:29:40 +0000 gingerbebe 2011215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>FSA covers almost anything breastfeeding related if you have one. I order everything from Drugstore.com and it makes it super easy.</p> <p>Nursing tanks for sure. I really like Lansinoh disposable nursing pads the best of all I've tried. Lansinoh lanolin cream worked better than Earth Angel Mama Baby cream in my opinion. I really appreciated My Breast Friend in the beginning, in addition to our recliner with a side table that became our nursing station. Keep water, lip balm, lanolin, and towels handy!</p> <p>My milk didn't come in for 6 days and DS was in NICU for jaundice. My hospital gave me a hospital grade rental for 1 month, and then I switched to my Medela Freestyle, which I really like because its small and portable. We ended up mostly pumping at 6 weeks because my son was/is a sleepy nurser and could not get a full feeding ever, so a pump is necessary for me. My supply was slow to come in too, so I was pumping in addition to nursing all the time. </p> <p>If you get an electric pump, definitely get a pumping bra. I don't like the Medela ones - the zipper is crappy - but have heard that the Simple Wishes one is best. I already have a bunch of Medela ones so I'm just using them right now.</p> <p>I really like my Avent manual pump. Works well and simple to use.</p> <p>We have gone through 4 kinds of bottles - each had their merits and uses - but we've stayed with Dr. Brown's the longest. I would say buy ONE bottle of each you are curious about and try them out. I initially wanted to use the Avent Naturals, which are great, but the slowest nipple was too fast for my son so then we used Nuk for a few weeks because those were REALLY slow, but my son developed reflux and was colicky so we switched to Dr. Brown's. We tried to throw in the Playtex nursers for travel since we could throw away the liners but DS did not like them. </p> <p>I would keep one box of formula nursettes in the house (they are the 2 ounce little ready to feed bottles) in case you need to supplement, or as your hospital for some. If you sign up with Similac Strong Moms they will send you a ton of coupons and samples too before your baby is born. I imagine Enfamil does the same. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011185 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:34:47 +0000 littlejoy 2011185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a WAHM too! :) I hope I can EBF next time. We did a mixture of breastfeeding and formula. </p> <p>I needed the pump. My baby had a batch latch (tongue tie issues), and my nipples were way too sore to nurse in the middle of night 3. Without a pump, I don't even want to think about what could have happened. If you're in the US, the affordable care act requires insurance to cover a pump. </p> <p>I bought too many nipple creams beforehand. Just a good calendula cream and some coconut oil was all I needed.</p> <p>Nursing tanks were sent from heaven!!! I would suggest at least 7 (one for each day).</p> <p>I would have purchased way more breast pads for night time. I leaked a lot. I also bought a Milkease (because both boobs would letdown, and I would get milk everywhere). </p> <p>Lastly, I really loved having a breastfeeding pillow. I used a boppy, but I know there are lots of great options. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011180 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:21:17 +0000 ChiCalGoBee 2011180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cait: I'm only 8-weeks into mommy hood, but I'm EBF so thought I'd weigh in! Insurance gave me a pump, and I used the hospital-grade one for the first two weeks as my son was in the NICU for a few days and I needed to get my supply up to bring him home (jaundice). I bought glass bottles before he was born intending to use them, and I honestly don't like them very much. My son hates the nipples they came with, and they don't attach to the pump well. He also has reflux, so I recently went out and bought some Dr. Brown's bottles which have been great...I only wish I hadn't wasted money on the glass ones! I guess if I were to do it over again I'd just use the bottles that came with the pump initially and then try a few different other ones to find his preference rather than buying a bunch of one brand. Good luck with BFing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011179 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:14:42 +0000 QBbride 2011179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would hold off on a pump for now since which one you decide to buy may change based on your needs. For example, you might need to rent a hospital grade pump in the beginning if you have supply issues. You might not need a double pump or even an electric pump. </p> <p>I planned on ebf and I didn't have any bottles on hand. It is easy enough to pick some up (or have someone pick them up) if you need them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011142 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:49:01 +0000 Mrs. Toad 2011142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only things I needed in the beginning were nursing bras/tanks and a nursing pillow (made getting him set so easy). I did have to pump in the beginning due to engorgement when my milk came in. The breasts were so full that he was unable to latch. I WOH so i had an electric pump, but a manual could work, and used it each morning for the first week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011111 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:20:53 +0000 xInfinity 2011111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm off work for a year (Canada mat leave) right now, my daughter is almost 5 months old and I ebf. I bought a pump and a few bottles beforehand and didn't need them for supplementing. BUT I now have a baby that refuses to take a bottle (even pumped milk) because she's not used to it. I can't leave her for longer then a couple hours and have to time it between feedings. Next baby I plan to give a bottle of pumped milk occasionally after the first month so it won't be a big ordeal. Easier to learn from the start then to spring it on them at 4 months like I did. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011080 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:00:49 +0000 FairSeas 2011080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If there is a reason that you need a pump in the first few weeks, you're going to want a hospital grade pump (like a Medea symphony) I would look into the availability of pumps in the maternity ward and what the rental availability is from your hospital or a local LC practice . If your insurance doesn't cover rentals, you might be able to use your FSA to cover it. Once Breastfeeding is established, having a personal pump (this like a Medea freestyle, ameda purely yours that you buy from Target/Amazon for a few hundred bucks) available is great and hand pumps are also really useful--some electric pump kits come with a manual pump/manual pump conversion pieces. Insurance will cover those. Be aware though that there's some anecdotal evidence out there that the "insurance grade" pumps (Some insurance plans make a limited selection of pumps available to plan members through a specific vendors versus just letting you go to Target and reimburse you for something off the shelf) get are not of the same quality as non-insurance. Suction may not be a good, stuff like that. </p> <p>What I would really do in advance is get a recommendation for a well-regarded lactation consultant (make sure thy have the IBCLC credential) and plan to call and make an appointment during your first week home. Even if everything seems good, Breastfeeding is a dynamic relationship and establishing that connection with a professional LC early on can make it easier to get the support you need as your baby grows and changes and your Breastfeeding relationship develops and changes. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011049 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:47:18 +0000 jetsa 2011049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bought a manual pump early but I don't think another pump is neccesary at birth if you are wahm </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011042 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:43:55 +0000 mrsrugbee 2011042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lanolin, disposable nipple pads (I really like the Johnson &amp; Johnson ones), a couple of nursing bras. I bought the Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric pump which I really appreciated having. Also, I hear Playtex Nursers are the best bottles for breastfed babies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011025 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:36:18 +0000 Mae 2011025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would definitely get a pump ahead of time. LO was jaundiced and we needed to push food through her so I pumped from her second day (in addition to BF). I'd say get some gel nipple pads, nursing bras, pumping stuff, and ideally a nursing pillow although you can work around that if you don't have one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011022 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:34:35 +0000 Ms.Badger 2011022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It was nice to have a manual pump on hand for when he started sleeping longer and I was engorged. The manual pump worked well for me when needed in the beginning if I was out and first thing in the morning to build a stash and when I traveled. Also, a few bottles and nipples just in case (either for pumped or formula). I never used formula, but I felt safer having some on hand.</p> <p>In addition to nursing pads, I think some kind of nipple cream (lanolin etc) is a must have. And either a nursing pillow or extra normal pillows (i think i needed 4 normal pillows in the beginning to get him situated and me comfy) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011005 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:22:21 +0000 Dandelion 2011005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've used my manual pump very few times. Mostly when M started sttn and I was engorged while my body adjusted. I bought it after I had him because I had to pump and dump for a week due to gall bladder issues.</p> <p>Nursing pads are a must have! For me, everything else is an as-needed basis. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2011004 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:22:17 +0000 kentuckygirl 2011004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you are in the US, your insurance should cover a pump. It was helpful to pump in the very early days when I had to supplement because baby lost 10% of his birthweight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-ebfdplanned-to-ebf#post-2010997 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:19:08 +0000 cait 2010997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm starting to make a list of baby gear I'll need for LO2. I didn't BF with LO1 so this is new territory for me. I'm a WAHM, and ideally I'd like to EBF. I've seen so many "must-haves for breastfeeding" lists that's include pumps/bottles and I'm wondering if it's necessary that I invest in one before the birth? Is it something that's best to have on hand right away, or could I just wait and see if pumping is a road I have to go down before purchasing? </p>