so i am totally overwhelmed when i go into the breast feeding asile at stores, there are so many things! what supplies other then a breast pump do you use to breast feed. so far im thinking nipple cream, storage bags for milk, breast pads, maybe nipple shields... anything else?
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@autmnlove: ooh yes i forgot about bras! thanks
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@stargal: I wouldn't worry about getting nipple shields just yet because you may not need it. And if you do, the hospital will likely give you one. Oh and don't stock up on too many nursing pads because you don't use them much past the first few weeks.
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Daily, all I use are breast pads. I bought lanolin and have used it once, and I've sort of tapered off pumping since LO is on bottle strike. I rarely use a pillow (better to get used to not using it bc you can't have it everywhere you go). I wouldnt get a nipple sheild unles you're sure you will need it. The last thing you want is for your LO to get hooked on the shield.
When I was pumping regularily I used my pump, storage bags and my counter top sterilizer every day.
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@BabyBoecksMom: I'm 4 months into nursing and I use at least 2 every day! lol! I let down on both sides EVERY time she nurses, and I will regularily leak......... I WISH I didn't need them anymore!!!!
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@BabyBoecksMom: I still use nursing pads at 9 months pp! The other day I didn't and completely leaked through my bra and shirt.
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Most people don't need much to start with, because you don't need to start pumping right away. So you could get by with just nursing pads and some lanolin in case your nipples get sore You could get a nipple shield just in case, but you might never need it.
If you wanted to be super prepared, you could get your pumping supplies ready ahead of time, just in case you need to pump early on for some medical reason. Then you need your pump and storage bags for milk, plus bottles. The pumping bra is nice to have if you're pumping often (like at work), but it's not a necessity in my opinion. -
I used a lot of nursing pads, storage bags and a pump. I only just ordered a handsfree bra. I used lansinoh lanolin on my nipples during pregnancy but now that i am breastfeeding I really dont like using the lanolin especially paired with the nursing pads, I just dont like how it feels
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@Mrs. Bee: don't you just hate that!!!! I sometimes forget to put a nursing pad in and then boom, through another shirt :T
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@prettylizy: @Mrs. Bee: Ok sorry about that
I bought 4-60 count boxes of them while I was pregnant and at 5.5 months pp, I've only gone through two boxes (I usually just use them now to prevent my nipples from poking through my shirt after pumping).
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The nursing pads thing differs from each individual... I didn't use them after 8 weeks and I'm still BFing 4-5 times a day at 12 months... No leaking at all. So just get a big box to start and see how it goes for you.
I think your list sounds good so far. A lot of it depends on how often you'll pump too, if you'll be pumping at work, etc... I was prepared with a lot of pumping supplies for Baby 2, but I ended up pumping rarely, so a lot of things I had were not really necessary, just nice to have (e.g. extra sets of pump supplies to minimize washing in between pumping and quick clean wipes).
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@prettylizy: I agree with your logic of not wanting to get used to a pillow or shields, but if those things are needed to help baby feed they are great tools. I think more people seem to use the pillow (and it can be used for other things) so I would suggest going ahead and getting that. I liked bringing mine to the hospital to get used to it but our hospital did have ones you could try.
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I recommend those gel pads for your nipples, just in case you end up with any issues and your nipples are sore. You can pop them in the fridge and they feel so good!
I use nursing pads every day. If you're going to be working and pumping, extra pump parts, wipes, etc.
A nursing cover. Nursing bras.
I originally ordered the Boppy but it wasn't working for me so I switched to My Brest Friend, which I love. I feed her without a pillow when we're out and about, but it's nice to have my arms free and sit back and relax at home.
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thanks everyone, great advice! i dont feel so overwhelmed now
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medela microsteam bags...you can throw anything in them and they are reusable (pump parts or pacifiers to sanitize!)
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A pump, storage bags, a couple bottles, nursing pads and a couple of nursing bras. I thought I'd use the Boppy a lot to nurse, but used it just a few times. The breast pads do become less necessary after the first few weeks, but I still let down on both sides while LO is nursing one side, or sometimes even when she's gone a while between feedings. I would recommend the Lansinoh breast pads over the Medela ones. The Medela ones have a weird smell and it took me a few days to realize using them caused my LO to have a nursing strike. Also, in the very beginning, lanolin is really useful, and I also needed a little piece of plastic wrap to cover the nipple after applying lanolin, so that it didn't just immediately rub off--made a HUGE difference in my comfort level.
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