Help needed with breast pumps/bottles and sterilizers

[Ludo24]

So, giving birth in 3 weeks and just trying to finalise my enormous baby list. I'm confused though about baby bottles and sterilizers.

If I'm planning on breast feeding (fingers crossed) then what baby bottles do I need? I do plan to introduce a bottle at some point (read that 4-6 weeks would be a sensible time) so that DH can do one night feed.

I don't mind buying a larger bottle that will see me through to when its slightly older (not impressed with how much stuff I've already accumulated and it's not even arrived!)..

Was told by someone to get the bottles with the teats that the baby needs to work a bit harder to drink from- can anyone recommend?

Also what about nipple guards? Anyone use them? Would love to save my nipples from a chomping baby mouth!

Thanks very much...

[BumbleBee2011]

I had a tommee tippee pump, it has broken down after 8 months so now got the medela swing. I would recommend if you're going to use it quite a lot spending the money on the best up front, would've saved me some money doing that in the first place.

Teats we have are tommee tippee, DH wants to swap to medela too as he says DD is struggling a bit with the milk coming out too fast. Our pump and steriliser came with bottles so we have an assortment of different sizes, you might as well get the big ones up front if you only get one set.

Nipple guards aren't recommended but can't remember why....think it makes it awkward for the baby? You're better off getting a big tube of Lansinoh lanolin cream, most breastfeeding women use that to stop cracks forming.

[Ludo24]

Thank you- great advice. Have bene recommended the Medela swing by someone else and don't mind spending more if it lasts (and works!).
Didn't know nipple guards aren't recommended- shame- thought they might be my saving grace!

[Fraktal]

Medela shields saved BFing fit us one horrible night around 5 days old. I wouldn't use the systematically but they can offer some needed relief.

We use Avent bottles as they're available worldwide and have a modular system so grown up to breakers etc.

I had an Ameda Lactaline pump because I think closed system ones are icky so my choice of bottle wasn't really influenced by it at all.

[Ludo24]

Thanks- unfortunatley we don't have a microwave!

Can anyone tell me how do you clean bottles if you don't have a microwave- presume you need to buy a separate sterlizer.

[HappyAsASandboy]

I have the tommee tippee steam steriliser and it's great (v quick and lots of space inside). They're about £50 normally, but they turn up in the supermarket baby events at about £25.

If you want to keep an eye out for a steriliser on offer, you could do as you can manage without one for a while. You can just stick everything in a pan of water (fully submerged) and boil it for 10 mins, or get some Milton tablets and do cold water sterilising in a big bowl/tupperware box.

[Ludo24]

ohhh thanks for that. will definitely have a look around for the best priced steam sterilisers....

[WitchOfEndor]

You could always borrow/ rent one of the hospital breast pumps. I did around 3 weeks because ds fed constantly and I was worried about my supply. They give you them for about two weeks and after that I got a Medea swing which I still use 20 months on. It's worth getting a Medela bottle or two, or you can use any kind of disposable milk bag ( medela are v expensive). I wouldn't bother with nipple shields just concentrate on getting a good latch every time and hopefully you will never need them.

Good luck!

[Ludo24]

Thank you- good advice. If I'm buying i think I'll go for the Medea swing and try the hospital one. Agree about getting a good latch- all sounds so easy! just know so many women who have struggled so much with b/f.