Bonzodoodah

I liked it so much that I asked oopsacoconut if it would be ok and she said go ahead

Its the most positive b/feeding "thing" that i've read. I'm actually going to print it out for my midwife ( very pro breastfeeding )

"So I'd suggest, so harsh as it may sound, you stay away from tons of chocolate (esp dark or bitter) and liters of orange juice bc these are likely to cause allergies in your baby"

Fortunately, this is absolutely not true!!!

"Likely" to cause allergies? I don't think so

Lupusina Your basket sounds lovely! I'd love a friend like you.

It looks like that food standards website is out of date. There is new evidence that we should be eating peanuts when pregnant and breastfeeding - it says here about the new evidence. I always did as I thought that in the womb and through breastmilk was the safest place to be exposed to something for the first time.

kitkakqueen what a great inspiring list for encouraging Breastfeeding. I may print it to show other mums.

I am quite shocked by the food standards agency advice, tbh. IMO you do not need to take vitamin supplements! Also very heavy on the meat and fish, it's perfectly possible to bf and be a vegetarian! And I don't believe they mentioned chocolate

I would have chocolate, muslins, a cabbage, and some chocolate. Cake?

links to some of the things mentioned earlier- spiggy and gemmasetters mentioned breastfeeding necklaces, this site has them (and reminder bracelets to keep note of side and baby feed wheels to keep track of feed times) www.babybeads.co.uk and www.lactivist.co.uk has pro-breastfeeding t-shirts, bags etc.

Hi lupusinaLlamasuit,

This was on a thread that I was on a while back and I think its something that would have helped me first time round because its non judgemental - however far you get you have something to feel proud of rather than ever feeling like a failure for not getting further which lots have people have said they have felt. It was posted courtesy of oopsacoconut. Stick it in the basket with a note saying however far you get on the list you have done good...

First feed Helps to stabilise baby’s blood sugars and
protect baby’s gut
A great opportunity for the first skin to skin
cuddle
1 day The antibodies in your colostrum provide
natural immunity from infection Helps womb to contract towards normal size
2-3 days Sticky black meconium is cleared more readily
from baby’s bowel
Instant relief for hot, swollen breasts when
your milk comes in
1 week Transition to world outside womb is eased
Frequent feeds means time to sit or lie down
and for you and your baby to get to know each
other
2 weeks Food and drink always ready at the right
temperature, adapting to baby’s needs
Hormones help you get back to sleep after
night feeds
4 weeks For premature babies lower risk factors for
heart disease in later life Saves time sterilising and making up bottles
6 weeks Half the risk of chest infections now and up to
seven years old
Breastfeeding likely to be easier and you can
go out and about without bottle feeding
equipment
2 months Lower risk of food allergy at three years old if
breastfed only Reduced risk of ovarian cancer in later life
3 months Five times less likely to get diarrhoea now and
a reduced risk for the whole year Fewer visits to GP as baby less often ill
4 months
Half the risk of ear infections;
Reduced risk of asthma now and protection
continues up to six years
Feeling of empowerment at having been solely
responsible for growing your baby to four
months
5 months Five times lower risk of urinary tract infections A lovely way to reconnect with your baby if you
go to work
6 months Lower risk of eczema now and up to six years
old Less risk of osteoporosis in the long term
1 year
Three times less risk of becoming obese by
age six and a lower risk of heart disease as an
adult
No need to buy formula milk at all, saving at
least £450 this year
2 years Likely to have higher than average scores on
intelligence tests
Expect fewer visits to orthodontist when your
baby is a teenager;
Risk of breast cancer reduced by eight per
cent

I've also printed out the following:

Breastfeeding Support
The best people to get support for BF are trained, specialist BF counsellors. Not all Midwives are experts, Health visitors often are not and Doctors VERY rarely! You will get LOTS of different advice and often people will say ‘oh it looks fine’ even if it still hurts etc..
To distinguish between good and bad advice, ask if they’ve done BF training, and whether they fed their own babies (not all good advisors have however). Or just cut to the chase and go straight to those who are able to give good, up-to-date advice: the BF support helplines.
If you’re upset, might help to get someone else to call first (they can’t always take a question straight away). But do keep trying even if you can’t get through at first. And if you need to, try them ALL!
National Breastfeeding Helpline 0844 20 909 20
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers helpline 08444 122 949
Breastfeeding Network Supporterline: 0844 412 4664
La Leche League Telephone Helpline: 0845 120 2918
National Childbirth Trust Breastfeeding line: 0300 330 0771
Breastfeeding Network Drugline: 0844 412 4665 – this one is good if you’re prescribed something you’re unsure about (often doctors tell you to stop BF unnecessarily because of medication)
If you can’t get through however, you might have a more urgent question: you can often get instant help here: http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/breastand_bottlefeeding by asking a question, or using the search facility, or by scrolling down the list of posts for a similar question.
Or ring me!
This thread is good for a summary of things people wished they’d known when they started BF: http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/breastand_bottlefeeding/753304-what-do-you-REALLY-want-to-know-about-b reastfeeding
Tiktok posts on this board a lot: she is a trained BF counselor so her advice is usually the most credible. Search on posts by her and keywords for really good advice…

Good BF websites with lots of info:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/index.html
http://www.drjacknewman.com/

Video help – sometimes useful if you’re struggling to latch on…
Really good videos (of good latch) here: http://www.nbcionline.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=6&Itemid=13 Or just go to www.nbcionline.org and go to breastfeeding help

Videos (eg of good latching on…) can be found at:

http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_video.html

Breastcrawl and biological nurturing:

Basically the idea that good skin to skin contact immediately (first hour) after birth shows some evidence that babies themselves ‘crawl’ and latch on without help. And if BF isn’t going well later, trying lots of skin to skin can help a lot also.

Amazing video about ‘breastcrawl’ approach: http://www.breastcrawl.org/video.htm

Try also: http://www.biologicalnurturing.com for some info and research into this approach

This is quite a good, helpful blog: http://thetruthaboutbreastfeeding.com/missionstatement/

Here's the latest food advice from the Food Standards Agency:

www.eatwell.gov.uk/agesandstages/baby/breastfeed/?lang=en

Sorry - haven't read the whole thread, but how about some nice cordial? Like Rock's Squash?

ACtually that is a really good point, esp since her H has a serious nut allergy.

I wonder what the advice is these days about BF and eating nuts/peanuts etc? Since there's some evidence (isn't therE? Am I dreaming this?) that avoidance in infancy might worsen allergies...?

erm... there seem to be lots of choc fans on here.. as much as I love choc myself, cocoa is actually a STRONG ALLERGEN and so is any type of citrus. So I'd suggest, so harsh as it may sound, you stay away from tons of chocolate (esp dark or bitter) and liters of orange juice bc these are likely to cause allergies in your baby. Tho a small bite of choc a day won't hurt. Or eat white choc.

as for nice nursing bras - if your mate is into sexy underwear, try gift vouchers from zodee.com.au or becheeky.co.uk - they stock a good range of HotMilk at FAR lower prices than figleaves

Would a breastpump be too boring?! I tried two diff ones before finding the right one.

Lansinoh - total lifesaver - definitely not an emergency item (but then I struggled with soreness etc). I was the one ringing those BF helplines, crying, night after night!!

Probably promises of time/advice/support are the best present you could ever give.

What a LOVELY friend you are!!

That I never had anyone like you around!

PP
x

oh I also got her a little unlined notebook and some pencils (she's arty you see) for scribbling notes, sketching her beloved baby, and perhaps making a list of things to remember because she's suddenly become all addled like the rest of us

And I bought her an insulated mug at GREAT expense from a well known US coffee chain. Which was a bit stoopid but I was in a rush.

aaawww, what brilliant suggestions.

I have decided to make it a 'new mum survival' gift basket but with a strong BF help feel

I have got already:

2 x Muji stretchy vest packs (2 vests in a pack, one white set, one black) No idea what size she'll be so have bought one 10 and one 12 and kept the receipt just in case!

Some expensive disposable breastpads

Some Always Extra . Well. No-one tells you you can just use normal sanitary stuff when you get home do they. And I never had a MW ask to, ahem, look at my 'loss' at home...

Lansinoh (yay!)

Some dry shampoo and nice face wipes (jeez some days I just couldn't even wash...)

Lots of Green and Blacks

I am recycling my 12 million muslin squares

Now I just need a coupla other bits and to print off some BF contact details...

Corner pillow, and a hundred muslin squares. Lansinoh and the individually wrapped breast pads (way better than tescos)
Trawl on freecycle for a breastfeeding chair and stool for your pal!

A sling that you can feed from is quite a good idea for B. F . mums (my mum made me one from an online pattern) and I found breast feeding tops very welcome. They certainly preserve a bit of modesty: Definitely don't go and buy "an emergency box of formula -just in case" on the first day home from the hospital. It really crushes the spirit.
Breastfeeding tea is quite a nice idea, assuming they like hot drinks. I love the idea of housework voucher though.

A sling that you can feed from is quite a good idea for B. F . mums and I found breast feeding tops very welcome. They certainly preserve a bit of modesty: Definitely don't go and buy "an emergency boy of formula" on the first day home from the hospital. It really crushes the spirit.
Breastfeeding tea is quite a nice idea, assuming they like hot drinks. I love the idea of housework couches though.

It's a brilliant idea. My experience of breastfeeding was that everyone was so concerned not to 'pressurise' me into doing it that they actually gave no real help or advice. I struggled through not having a clue what I was doing and would have LOVED to have been given useful things like Lansinoh beforehand. It's very hard to get hold of in an emergency.

I was hellbound determined to breastfeed and loads of people were negative, very much you'll change your mind soon enough, so I would of loved a breastfeeding basket as a show of support and encouragement. But only because I was so determined.

Lansinoh, chocolate, baby-booby necklace (for them to look at and play with) and "this side next" bracelet. Also perhaps Lilypadz instead of breast pads? I never got round to buying some, but have heard good things so will next time.

Also I couldn't have lived without my little (ish) v shaped pillow. I also have one baby tshirt with breastfeeding is good type message on it (Care Instructions: Handwash only, love unconditionally, breast feed as required)- but I know alot of people would say that was taking it too far. Its from the Lactivist website.

PS, DD is 18 months and I still BF (at bedtime).

Sounds great - I want one too! (I'm still breastfeeding at 15 months, do I qualify?)

Actually, one of the best presents I got was a cafetiere cosy - essential for keeping the coffee warm in the pot while you have to attend to the wee one. Still use it all the time!

When my friend has a baby I put together a new mum pack - large carton of orange juice (to prevent constipation!); lansinoh (as above - worth it's weight in gold - actually almost costs as much as gold come to think of it!); chocolate and nice biscuits. Actually can't remember what else - but love everyone's suggestions!

Go for it!

Can I suggest this brilliant water bottle?

Can use it one-handed, it holds loads and you can't spill it. And it comes in lovely colours. I wish I'd had one when my DCs were tiny, but I have one now they're bigger and they love it too.

My first thought was chocolate! But would second the idea someone had of a thermos mug. It's a godsend, your tea stays warm and if it has a lid you don't worry quite so much about drinking hot drinks near the baby. Maybe a pint glass for later on (to ensure she stays hydrated). Nice PJs or a nightie, ones that are front opening or vest type to just pull down one side.
It's a lovely idea, if your friend is keen to BF. I would have said extra chocolate should be in the emergency part, but you could put the other things just in the basket, she will be able to work out they are for emergencies, or you could label them?

My mum made me a "new mum survival kit"
<just googling>

Something like this: link

You're a lovely friend.

An iPhone. Phone, Internet, games and so much more on one hand-held device. Perfect for interminable hours of cluster feeding!

Fab idea- I would have loved one.

I'd second the nursing necklace for when bubs is a little older and starts to grab her hair/boobs/anything else within reach.

When I had DS I would try and grab a few hours sleep in the evening while DP looked after him. I would wake up at the slightest noise until DP got me a sleep mask and some ear plugs. Perhaps putting them in with a note explaining that they are for her to use while Daddy is in charge so she can try and catch up on some sleep!

Sounds like a brilliant idea! If you're feeling like splashing out big time then possibly a round-the-body sling too, that you can feed the baby in?

I'd also echo the breastfeeding pillow as being good. I had a horseshoe-shaped one with DD and was great for feeding her when she was teeny.

blinder - if you're breastfeeding you still can't have pate!!! sorry - but I was told the vitamin A is still too strong and can get into the breast milk ... you'll have to hold off for a bit longer!

Lovely idea of the basket - can't say breastpads a re v romantic - but a bravissimo voucher might be good as if she gives up on the BF she can still get a nice bra.

Also - baby bath stuff - I was given a load and never used the Johnson and Johnson stuff (too many nasties in it) and only started using organic stuff once baby was about 4 months old. Before that they don't need anything.

If you def know she's going to BF, then a BF bracelet would be nice? booby reminder bracelets I think they're known as, helps you remember which side next, without obsessing over it. I've got this one:
www.mamatobegoodies.co.uk/personalized-booby-reminder%C2%AE-breastfeeding-bracelet/
but if you google it am sure you'll find others.

Also, agree wholeheartedly, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate.

If she's likely to BF for at least 6 months, you can also get a similar necklace, jingle boobs or something it's called, which is for when baby starts to get distracted and look around the room rather than feeding, so the idea is they play with the necklace whilst feeding (again, google).

I want a BF gift-basket! What a fabulous idea!

Do gently inquire about her intentions/thoughts on BF first though...

Lanisoh definitely not an emergency product though.

Chocolate/lovely baked goods are a must

* Magazine subscription?
* V shaped pillow- I had one from mothercare which was fab (didn't get on with a widgie)
* Extra cover for pillow?
*As well as the NCT/LLL info include details of local BF groups if any, and web addresses for sites like Kellymom etc.
* a BF bracelet or pin (completely unnecessary 'silly' item, but useful for remembering what side your on after yet another sleepless night!)
* Milk storage bags?

Also second someone's proposal for a book of 'vouchers' for favours/help around the house.

Lovely idea - sure it will be much appreciated. Definitely nice to have one nice breastfeeding bra, just for those days when you want to pretend to be a girl again for a bit!

think this is a lovely idea. though re EVERONE needing lanisoh - I didn't?? What's it for??

think this is a lovely idea. though re EVERONE needing lanisoh - I didn't?? What's it for??

Do you think the fact that I have a ten month old means it is too late to tell DH that I need to bf basket

Fab idea! But I do think it would be wise to check her plans first.

Not sure I'd have liked a breastfeeding basket - even though I was always totally committed to breastfeeding and never for once conisdered otherwise.
It's like someone bought me a "baby toiletries" present - far too bloody practical, wehre's the fun in that? I liked opening lovely little baby clothes, or funky changing bag.
Anyway, if you're set on it, I'd simplyput in a load of patterned T-shirts and tops - disguises leakages very well.

oops meant brilliant thread LupusinaLlamasuit.... Sorry

I think breast feeding gift basket is a fab idea. I was planning to get some bits for my Sil when she has her baby and there are loads of good ideas on here. I think it's lovely to get new mums stuff as often people buy for the new baby and forget about the mum. Brilliant thread sazlocks

Breasts!

<snigger>

Sorry <serious face> camomile cream, some lovely rich body cream to help combat stretch marks, a triangle cushion (if you are feeling rich), some gorgeous chocolates, a book token. Years ago you could get some fantastic stuff called rotasept that stopped sore nipples - but I can't find it and the mws don't recommend it anymore - but when I had DS#1 it was the only thing that stopped me giving up in agony.

We actually bought Lansinoh originally to put on DS's chin as it was getting really sore - the midwives recommended it as obviously it's safe for them to ingest. Had to get a friend to pick it up as we were in the 'agh new baby unable to leave the house' stage, she doesn't have kids or really 'do; babies, and wasn't particularly impressed about having to buy nipple cream!

Used it on my breasts in the end though, though I was never sure if it was doing any good.

I think it's a lovely idea, and offers of support are definitely some of the best things. I found out after the fact that two of my friends had stopped breastfeeding as they'd struggled, and couldn't help wondering if they'd had better support (primarily from the NHS would have been good, but friends who understand mean a heck of a lot) they would have continued.

Oh and nice bras = hotmilk. (Figleaves do stock these) with instruction not to be used until she's feeling able to go out and get properly measured first (This should avoid the first leaky phase)

The book "The Food of Love" is good.

Also contact your local NCT branch for some things - their sheet "Reasons to be Proud" is fab and reminds you that every breastfeed makes a difference, whether you breastfeed for 2 days or 2 years. They will also I think have little business-card sized cards with the details of the local breastfeeding drop-ins and numbers of the bf helplines on (or you could make one up yourself, with mumsnet on too!)

You could make some "lactation cookies" which are basically biscuits with milk-production boosting ingredients and are easy to eat one-handed. Google for recipes.

I like the muslins from ikea, they are nice-looking and reasonably priced.

If your basket/budget is big enough, a stretchy wrap with intructions! Or a close carrier.

Just to reiterate- Lansinoh is a MUST not an emergency item.
Even if all goes perfectly well and she only uses it for a short amount of time, she'll definitely need some.

In the States they actually recommend using Lansinoh prior to giving birth to 'prepare the nipples'- that's the way my midwive phrased it...

chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate and um more chocolate

and I would have loved someone to give me a hosue cleaning voucher to take the pressure off DH.

speaking as a pregnant woman, PATE! Oh I can hardly wait to have some .

A widgey pillow http://www.bumpto3.com/product.aspx?DISPLAYCAT=bump&CAT=Products&CATGRY=pregnancy_essentials&PID=KA1 05 I couldn't survive without mine! A sports bottle (the kind you can open with your teeth) for one handed drinks, cereal bars and I agree that muslins are a great idea. I have 12 and it's still not enough! Asda do really nice ones x

Actually yes pointing her in direction of MN is a fab idea!

Second (or third?) the suggestion of 'vouchers' stating your support/shoulder to cry on etc...I am bf my 5 month old lo and have found it hard, the thing that got me thru was the constatnt support of two really good friends , one of whom bf successfully and the other who didn't. Their shoulders were invaluable!

And the cake is a brilliant idea - someone sent my luxury mixed nuts as she said I might struggle even to make a piece of toast - oh how right she was!

How about a cushion for her feet, when she has them up on the coffee table?! Maybe a little radio (or even a smart solar one) so she can listen to Radio 4/World Service, depending on the hour . And the Domino's pizza menu so she can have a little self indulgence.

It's a lovely idea - some great suggestions.

The best thing I had in advance of the BF was a book called....

<goes away to look it up>

Fuck me no don't give her that I didn't realise who it was by!

If you don't know whether she's planning on BF or not it might be an idea to keep it a bit more general IYSWIM. Underwear voucher can be spent on anything, stretchy vests and chocolate always handy!!!

list of contact numbers/addresses for lactation consultants/nurses or support groups e.g. La Leche league.

And mention MN!

its a great idea if she is planning to bf lupusina. why not also include some baby bath stuff, i got some in a gift basket, as well as baby essentials which i still have to this date and my dd is 2.

I think its a great idea. The best BF gift I got was from a friend who made me a breastfeeding cake. Actually it was really a christmas type cake but without the icing and marzipan. Just a really, really dense fruit cake. It took me 3 weeks to eat it and I had a square and a glass of milk with me every night. Cos it had so many nuts, seeds and fruit in it was filling and healthy.
One of my friends has a 12 week old and I texted her every few days to see how she was getting on with BF and generally. She struggled loads but has said that my support helped her hugely so agree with above poster -its your support that will probably be the most important thing to her.

Most gifts for new mums will be most welcome however they intend to feed.

Glad to see you've not included any smellies or self-pampering stuff! I don't know who ever finds the time for that with a newborn, (besides, my skin was always too sensitive for the perfumes in the products).

How about including some pretty little cards with 'gift vouchers' taped inside them: babysitting/hoovering/meal-cooking/ironing/shoulder-to-weep-on/etc and your name and mobile on each one.

~If she wants to bf then go ahead and give the gift - the best gift I had was my neihbour turning up on my doorstep handing me a tube of kamilosan and saying. "ive just been to the breast feeding support group for you, they are lovely, now go and get this sorted out"

She had obviously had a run down on my latching problems from dp.

I think the biggest gift is your obvious support and that may mean more than all the lansinoh in the world...

deffo add chocolate too and do give give the gift

I think its a lovely idea! I preferred Kamillosan to Lansinoh myself and it smells lovely due to the camomile oil - just the smell of it now brings me out in a snuggly pink tinted baby haze - ahhh!

How about some fennel teabags and porridge oats?

I wouldn't call it a bfing basket, I would call it a new mother's basket because all new mothers will need and enjoy those things bfing or not.

I am worried about it seeming a bit pressured. But on the other hand, lots of people start their BF experience in the dark don't they? I did. And would have been grateful in the middle of the night to know I could express and cup feed if necessary. Or some Lansinoh for sore nips in hospital.

But that's with hindsight. In advance, maybe I would want to find out for myself.

Agh. I've got gift angst now.

That breastfeeding politics book they're talking about on another thread looks good.
But I'll be honest - I don't know if a breastfeeding gift basket might be pressure iykwim
A pamper gift basket with weleda. vitamin E oil etc might be easier

Sorry but lol at muslims! V nice idea for a gift .

What about a nice basket with a handle which her DH can keep stocked for her and big enough to hold the things you need for every feed at the start. i.e. bottle of water, TV remote, Telephone, book/magazine, snacks, spare nappy, muslims, breast pads etc.

a thermos mug!

useful for any new mum as it'll help you actually drink the cup of tea you made hours ago!

Depends on the size of the basket but how about one of those V shaped pillows -I found it excellent for both lying baby on to get them high enough and for propping me up to get comfortable and in the right position.

No point having nice nursing bras. They just get soaked in milk three times a day, even with the pads in .
Muslins very very good idea, if you're BF you need hundreds or so it seems.
I really do think you need to ask her if she's planning to BF, if she's not she might be a bit to get a load of BF advice line numbers. I think it's a really really lovely idea to do the basket BTW, I just think you should ask before you put it all together.
And you definitely need to put chocolate in there either way .

I have nothing to add but think this is a lovely gift idea

Muslins could be a good suggestion too - we didn't buy any before DS was born as they seemed really expensive for what they were. A friend bought us a pack of three, and we ended up having to constantly wash those three for a week or so before we could get hold of any more!

Further to the chocolate suggestion, how about some nice nibbly snacks, both savoury and sweet for her to have to hand when feeding.

Nice teabags/bottle of water/nice glass to remind her to keep her fluid levels up, especially in this weather! I always forgot to get a drink before I settled in for a feed!

Snazzy muslins?

Chocolate a must. Or nice biccies. Mmmmmm.

Ooh that all sounds lovely. Chocolate a definite yay, and I think the voucher for a nice bra is the best thing on there - I've never been able to afford a sexy nursing bra, and I would have adored a present like this!

Ooh and I love the Fairtrade M&S vests - about £7 for two. I had a few from before I had my DS, and started living in them after he was born. They're perfect for wearing under other clothes, really stretchy and you can just pull one side down under your bra to feed really easily and keep your tummy warm!

yeah piglet, I dunno. I was going to sensitively ask her first and then bring out the basket!

Yes gimmie a bar of chocolate any day lol. Does the person want to bf, this can be quite a sensitive issue for some people.

Green & Blacks hot chocolate is a must.

Surely chocolate isn't just for bf emergencies?

A freezeable gelpack to sit on - my stitches were sore for a bit, and with afterpains I did get quite achy when feeding.

And yes, DVDs - comedy good!

A nice flask (the Orla Kieley one?) for all the water she'll be drinking during feeds!

actually - chocolate sounds much better than healthy snacks!

I would move the Lansinoh out of the emergency box - practically everyone I know used it at some point.

A savoy cabbage?

Some healthy snacks?

A good book/dvd?

I would add big bar of chocolate to emergency box!

Really want to do this for someone about to have a baby for the first time but worried that some of the things I have in mind might be seen as presuming it might go badly!

So I'm thinking of the following:

Breastpads
Card with websites, BF helplines
Gift voucher for nice nursing bra (Figleaves? Anita?)
Two stretchy vests in her size
My old Jack Newman book

And then I was going to have in a parcel-taped box with 'Only Open in Case of Emergencies' on :

Lansinoh
Jelonet
a feeding cup/dropper

Is this last bit a bad idea? What would you add/lose in either category?

Thanks