Hoping to breastfeed

[MrsTickleMonster]

Baby TickleMonster is due soon so I'm starting to think about hospital bag packing and getting last minute bits. One thing we haven't got anything for is feeding (apart from a few bottles we got for free from various giveaways).

I was wondering what I should be buying if I'm hoping to EBF- what are the necessities? I've read a few lists online but am always dubious as I know there are often promotional tie ins to certain brands who might be pushing their products. I'm worried if I get bottles and things 'just in case' then I'll be less likely to persevere when it gets tough, which I know it will!

[StealthPolarBear]

Yes I don't think you need much. Maternity bras. Breastfeeding pads.

[StealthPolarBear]

Breast pads.
Why does my phone keep autocorrect ing. Breast is a word in its own right phone!!

[Bytheseabythesea]

No particular equipment required but you're committed to breastfeeding maybe save your money for a private lactation consultant in the event you find it tough or your baby has problems with their latch. Best not to use bottles for the first few weeks to enable your body to adjust to the baby's demand.

[Icklepickle101]

I wouldn't buy formula, there were many 3am feeds where me and baby were frustrated and had we had it I would have caved and give him a bottle!

Get a water bottle with sports lid and plenty of snacks!! Feeding makes you incredibly thirsty and I always get the munchies!

[Scarydinosaurs]

snacks to keep your energy up!

Thermos so you can keep your hot drinks hot!

Comfy pillow to sit on whilst doing it.

[dontpokethebear]

I had bottles and some ready made formula just in case for all three. I don't think it'll make you less likely to persevere if it's something you really want to do.
The first couple of weeks can be tough though, so keep on keeping on
Good luck!

[GipsyDanger]

Breast pads
lansinoh
Nipple guard
Nipple sheild (from Amazon, covers sore nips and catches milk)

[longdiling]

I got a cheapo steam steriliser and a couple of cartons of formula 'just in case'. Still managed to breastfeed all three of mine but with number three when I had a hellish first night of her suckling and crying all night long until 3amish, knowing I had an alternative and I didn't need to get het up or feel trapped or stressed helped me.

[1frenchfoodie]

Agree with those saying maternity bras and breast pads. I'd add nipple cream (lansinoh is good but others are available) to soothe in the first few days.

Baby French was known as 'nipple shredder' in her first week but once we got a good latch sorted all was well and 3 months down the line she is breastfeeding happily. I express by hand for her dad to do the occasional night feed and to have small stock for emergencies though you might want to look into a breast pump.

[GipsyDanger]

Philips AVENT SCF157/02 Premium Quality Comfort Breast Shell Set

I loved thess

[doleritedinosaur]

Nippleshields
Lanisoh
If you don't have them loads of vest tops, I had quite a few from Primark & meant I could just wack them out.
Get ready to set up breastfeeding "stations" in your home.
I had 2 litre bottles of squash set up, in the living room & bedroom, biscuits/snacks/food basically.
Netflix/tv subscription/e reader - I watched a lot of shows in the first 3 months.

Cluster feeding takes a lot of you & can be frustrating but it's their way of building supply/growth spurts. It can go on for hours & hours but it is normal.

Try to find a local breastfeeding or baby group when you're ready to go out/for advice. It does help.

[Fomalhaut]

Decent breastfeeding cushion
One of those trays from IKEA that drapes over the sofa arm so you have supplies to hand
Decent nursing bras (hotmilk are good)
Bra pads
Lanolin

And we did find a bottle useful. I found bf ing very tough at first (it can hurt, even if you're doing it right!) and giving the odd bottle saved it for me. Now we are doing great and plan to carry on as long as he wants it but having a bottle as backup was good for us.

Learn to feed lying down as soon as you can!

[knaffedoff]

Check out your local breastfeeding group and get information as to what is (and isn't) normal!

[ICJump]

Breast pads
Breastfeeding bra
Number of a breastfeeding helpline on the fridge.
That's really all you need.
If you have time going to a breastfeeding class or drop in before is good. Also if you have a friend who is or has breastfeed to be a bit if a mentor. Someone who will support you to breastfeed but also knows the reality if it.

[Alisvolatpropiis]

Nipple shields,Lansinoh.

The confidence to stop if it doesn't work out for you, it isn't a crime and you won't have failed.

Get your baby checked for tongue tie. This isn't done as routine and is very common.

[MrsTickleMonster]

Wow! Thanks so much for all of the help and advice! I've got a ton of maternity bras already so that's boxed off. Will make a list of all of the other suggestions and head to Boots/Primark (for the vest tops) this week

[minijoeyjojo]

Lanisoh is so important for the first few weeks. Take it with you wherever you go! I bought 3 tubes (upstairs/downstairs and out) which was kind of pointless as once the first few weeks were over I didn't need it any more.

IMO, the lanisoh breast pads are the best. Amazon has them at a good price. A breastfeeding cushion was really useful to start with too.

For me it took a bit of perseverance, the first two weeks were tough, but after that it's so easy! Good luck

[minijoeyjojo]

Oh also I'd avoid the H&M rushing tops - like everything at H&M they are designed for people with no boobs. As such mine were incredibly uncomfortable until I finally decided to ditch them and just get normal strappy tops that were stretchy enough to pull down.

[GipsyDanger]

Echoing mini the first 2 weeks are tough but after that it's ok

[bigmamapeach]

Don't need to buy anything necessarily. Sometimes you need kit (pads, bras, cream, shields ) etc , sometimes not needed. Definitely agree phone no for helplines and all the local group info is crucial. Check where your nearest childrens centre is and ask there about bf support.

[CityMole]

I disagree with the advice to use shields. They're OK in an emergency for a day or so, if you have shredded nipples or thrush, and the alternative is giving up BFing.

I would take your time to sort out support groups, and to read up if you can so you know what to expect. And my advice is never to worry or suffer in silence. Ask on here or call LLL/BFN if you ever have a single question! It can be hard to get started, but once established BFing can be the best thing in the world.

[WellErrr]

Don't stress too much. Don't listen to the horror stories.

The vast majority of babies just latch on and feed. The vast majority of mothers have plenty of milk. Things to remember -

*they feed very often in the early weeks. Every time they cry or stir, put them on the boob.

*cluster feeding happens when they're having a growth spurt, and they can literally feed for hours on end for a day or two. Just go with it. It's essential for growth and establishing supply.

*they don't visibly 'suck' in the early weeks. If they're sleeping, going on the boob, and having wet and dirty nappies, then they're getting enough.

Best of luck!

[Shittak]

I would also be wary of nipple shields. Yes, they can be helpful sometimes, but you're better off researching your local BF cafe or La Leche League meeting for real life support if things get tough.

My essentials were:

Lansinoh
Multi-MAM compresses
Medela Swing
Good feeding cushion
The MN infant feeding board

[Shittak]

Oh and I totally agree with the cluster feeding advice - if in doubt, whip 'em out!

[Elllicam]

Agree with the cluster feeding advice, especially in the evening and at night. Box sets and books are your friends for the first couple of weeks. I read the entire series of game of thrones during DS2's first 2 weeks.