It’s Breast Feeding Month! I’ve been there, got the badge, shed the tears at the beginning at the end. So, thought i’d share some of my favourite breastfeeding essentials that made my 1 year of nursing possible.
SHOP IT!
1. The Bra – Once the milk comes in, your breasts will change shape pretty quickly. So, it’s best to wait until baby comes to get properly measured and buy a well-fitting bra. These will serve you well – providing access to your hungry baby, as well as giving you additional fight against saggy boobs. You’re spoilt for choice for brands – I’ve mentioned a few here just remember function and construction out rule pretty. Don’t forget to wear a Sleep Bra at night!
Second Skin Organic Nursing Bra £35, Amoralia
2. Nipple Care – This bit is crucial and the source of much pain. It could be a bad latch, it could be inverted nipples (like mine) or blocked ducts, but my gosh if you’re struggling with establishing breastfeeding those early days can be so hard. So, I understand why mums give up. In my case, I loaded up with Nipple Shields, Lansinoh, Coconut Oil, ice cubes, hot and cold gel pads (great for letting down painful engorged breasts too), breast milk and then a prescribed nipple cream from my midwife centre. I gave it six weeks and it all fell into place by the fourth, after which it was plain sailing.
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream 40ml £9.99, Mothercare
3. Breastfeeding Pillow – You can spend a lot of time feeding your baby, I mean what can feel like hours glued to the sofa or your bed. Cluster-feeding sessions, colds, teething, summer dehydration – all signal achy arms from supporting baby. Now you can prop yourself up with pillows and large cushions, but a breastfeeding pillow is so much better! I used a My Breast Friend, it fits around your waist with savvy mounds for baby, your arms and elbows, as well as supporting your back and flaunting a handy pocket for mummy snacks or baby supplies.
My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow £45.99, John Lewis
4. Breast Pump – I vividly remember the first time I used a breast pump. My lactation consultant got a hospital grade machine, which grrred and whirred while pulsating the breast milk out of me…Moooo! At this stage, my milk was still slow to come in and the stimulation inspired a flow of milk so strong that after a couple of weeks my pneumatic breast milk could be fired across a room. You see the age-old advice for increasing breastmilk supply is fact, the more the milk comes out, the more milk you produce – supply and demand/ feed and replenish.
By using a breast pump, you can also give daddy some feed time with the baby (on the night shift that is), freeze up a stash in Breastmilk Bags, which will come in handy for weaning and also keep up the supply when you return to work…I used a single manual pump for my return to work.
Medela Swing Essentials Breast Pump Pack £139.99, Mothercare
6. Breastfeeding Cover – Essential for both mothers and babies, nursing covers can give mum more confidence when she’s nursing in front of others and keep baby focused on the task at hand and not distracted by absolutely everything, which can be quite disruptive and painful (if they suddenly turn while still latched – yowch!) As for me, I used large scarves as breastfeeding covers, but a specifically designed cover does have many benefits, mainly allowing you to see your baby nurse and avoid the cover being pulled off.
Mamascarf Breastfeeding Cover £18, Mamas and Papas
7. Coconut Water – Naturally Isotonic, coconut water hydrates the body naturally, hydration being key to successful breastmilk production and quality and a great alternative to water. Try a spoonful of coconut powder in your water.
Coconut Water Powder £15.30, Biovea
PLUS…
Sling, keeping baby close will help keep the breast milk flowing, check out my selection of cosy slings here
Snacks, who needs the gym when you can breastfeed instead? Apparently it burns 300 calories a day, which means your rumbling tummy needs a hearty supply of healthy snacks… carrot sticks and hummus were a personal favourite of mine after those 2am feeds.
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