Welcoming a new life into the world is a joyful yet terrifying experience. As a new mum, the journey begins with something that is an essential part of the early days of motherhood: breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a process that not only nourishes the child, but also creates a bond between the baby and the mother. For the mothers, it isn’t an easy task and it certainly isn’t comfortable at times, and that’s why you’re going to need all the help you can get with all sorts of things that are essential.
What Supplies Do I Need for Breastfeeding?
Both the mother and the child need to have a nice experience during this time, and so many items facilitate it for the mother, since if you’re happy and comfortable, then that means the baby is happy and comfortable, and above all well-fed. So, let’s look at some of the breastfeeding essentials you need to have to count on a pleasant experience.
Nursing Pads
When your milk comes in, you will probably find your bra and shirts damped from leaks. This is where nursing pads come in. You slip them into your bra to protect your clothes. They will provide an extra layer of protection from leaks and will keep you comfortable throughout the day without having to worry whether you’re leaking while at home or out on a walk.
Nipple Shields
Nipple shields are thin pieces of silicone that are placed on your areolae and nipples that provide comfort during breastfeeding. They provide a protective barrier between your baby’s mouth and your nipple. They can be a game-changer for those struggling with sensitivity and latch issues and they allow you and the baby to have a pain-free breastfeeding experience.
Nipple Cream
Breastfeeding is a tough process and in the first few days, your nipples will be sore. So, having and applying nipple cream after nursing or pumping helps protect and heal, it soothes and moisturises cracked nipples, and ensures that the breastfeeding experience is more pleasant and pain-free. As a new mum, you’ll hardly have time to take care of yourself, but applying this cream should be considered a little self-care ritual so that you have one less worry.
Lactation Massager
Clogged milk ducks and low milk supply are just some of the issues that mothers may experience and, lucky for us, many breast feeding products can help with these issues, one of those being a lactation massager. They are multifunctional items that can relieve pain and discomfort, softening the breasts for better latching and relieving clogged ducts. By stimulating the breast, they make it easier for the baby to latch to it and for the mother to be comfortable through the process.
Breast Pumps
If you plan to be away from your baby for a few hours, breast pumps are breastfeeding essentials since they allow you to maintain supply for those times. There are manual and electric pumps, you can choose which one is the right for you based on price and convenience. Having a good breast pump offers you flexibility and ensures that the baby is fed when you go back to work or when you have some appointments, providing convenience for both you and the baby.
Bottles
Having bottles on hand is essential for the times when you need to pump and store the milk. The baby might have a hard time getting used to the bottle, so look for ones that mimic the breast to ease the transition. So, having the right bottle will allow your baby to get used to the bottle more easily and it even helps the person taking care of the baby when you’re gone.
Additional Comfort Items
Aside from those breastfeeding essentials, being comfortable is probably one of the most important things during this experience, and it also improves the experience. If you’re comfortable and calm, it means that the baby is also comfortable and calm, and will eat and sleep better. So, having some items that aren’t a necessity but facilitate breastfeeding might do you good.
Comfortable Bras
It’s normal to go up a cup during pregnancy, and having bras that don’t fit right will make the entire process more painful. If your bra is too tight during nursing, it can cause clogged ducts, resulting in a lot of pain. Get a comfortable maternity and nursing bra, such as a soft cup bra that is made of cotton or other natural material, and make sure that there is room for you to put a nursing pad so that there aren’t any leaks.
Breastfeeding Pillow
When you’re nursing, a breastfeeding pillow can be a great idea. When you consider how often you breastfeed, every day and night, having the proper support will help you avoid any wrist and hand injuries as well as shoulder and back pain. These pillows are specially designed to provide support and make the feeding session a relaxed and enjoyable time for both you and the baby.
Breastfeeding is an incredible experience for mothers and babies, but it’s far from an easy one. By having the right tools, you can navigate the challenges that come with it much easier and more confidently. Remember that every breastfeeding experience is unique and finding what works best for you and your baby is key.
