Successful breastfeeding certainly doesn’t need anything major asides your breast and the baby, but even at that never look at it as an easy task because it definitely is not. It may get crazy to a point of calling in extra hands for support, could either be a lactation consultant or basically just breastfeeding supplies. Whichever the case, you will probably want to do anything just to make nursing a bit friendlier and comfortable. Breastfeeding is an overwhelming activity but can be made easy with the right approach. All it takes is for you to embrace the numerous Modern-day essential products tailored towards making nursing a comfortable activity for both mother and baby. It, therefore, goes without saying that the modern society has made available helpful nursing items for any lactating mother who needs comfort during breastfeeding and all you need to do is make the right purchase.
Here are some essential purchases any breastfeeding mother should make:
- A nursing pillow
Every baby needs support like help to lift them to the breast level and to achieve that you will probably need a comfortable breastfeeding pillow. A nursing pillow may also come in handy for moms who have large breasts, are nursing multiples or recovering from cesarean section. It also makes the side lying breastfeeding position less exhausting, reduces back, shoulder and neck strains and offers adequate comfort in all positions weather you are sitting or lying down. When shopping for a breastfeeding pillow, get a medium feel, not too hard and not too soft either. Make sure it has a fine and baby friendly material.
- Nursing bra and pads
You will always have full and heavy breasts during breastfeeding mostly within the first few weeks of nursing. This means you will need serious support and comfort beyond what an ordinary bra can offer. Get a well-fitting nursing bra to offer full support and relief from strained shoulders, make sure it’s comfortable and not tight to avoid being susceptible. It is better you shop for a nursing bra after delivery and not before because naturally, your breasts will be almost twice the size they were during the pregnancy. Also note that as time goes by, you will keep changing the sizes, depending on your milk production. A good nursing bra can be easily unhooked and pulled down during breastfeeding. In addition to the nursing bra, you will need nursing pads or breast pads as others call it to help absorb leaks. They are highly absorbent disc-shaped pads to put inside a bra to soak up the leaking milk and bar it from penetrating the dress. This you can wear for as long as you experience the leaks though some moms never experience it. There are disposable or reusable nursing pads, be sure to get what best works for you.
- Breastfeeding friendly clothes
Nothing hurts like not being able to breast feed your baby in public because of a wrong outfit. Apart from nursing covers you should invest in nursing friendly tanks, dresses and blouses that are comfortable enough to allow easy breastfeeding as and when the time is due. They normally have zips, slits of flaps at the front for easy access to the breast. When purchasing the clothes also consider getting the right material, you wouldn’t want your baby suffocating when breast feeding.
- Breast pump with storage bags and containers
A breast pump is basically used to extract milk from your breasts either for future feedings of the baby when the mother is away or just to relieve engorgement. It also comes in handy when a mother has an overabundant milk supply, and needs to let go of some. Pumping also comes in handy when you have to resume work, but still hope on maintaining exclusive breastfeeding. All you need is a pump and storage can to extract enough for the day. There are different types of breast pumps suitable for every use, be it occasional or long-term, make sure you know what you want before you get it. For instance, occasional pumps may as well do with bare hand squeezing of the breast. You wouldn’t require an electric or manual pump for that. After pumping, you will obviously need a storage box or container to hold your collection and keep it safe. The storage bags are designed in a manner that they can safely withstand freezing and thawing, and can store your milk for as long as you desire. Look for storage bags that are purely designed for breast milk storage to avoid contaminating the milk.
- Nipple Ointments and Shields
Having sore nipples is a common factor in every nursing mother; they all experience it at some point in their nursing journey. It is for this very reason that every nursing mother is advised to always have soothing creams and ointments to help keep the nipples moisturized hence, avoid drying and cracking. There is a variety of nipple creams and ointments in the market, and not all works for everyone; you may need to sample a few before settling on what works best for you. Try purchase a nipple cream before delivery because you may need it right at the onset of breastfeeding. In addition to that, you may also consider having a nipple shield to aid your breastfeeding. Well run this by your doctor before settling for it, as much as it really aids a baby through latching or assists when nursing a preemie, it is equally not the safest measure so use it only after consultation. They come in various sizes that must be confirmed and fitted by a professional. Breastfeeding may be exciting and traumatizing at the same time, you may end up getting really frustrated through it. However, a good purchase may just save you the agonizing ordeal; get your hands on the right information for a smooth ride. If completely clueless, make use of what you have. Engage your lactation consultant; there is a reason as to why they are called consultants.
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