A breastfeeding shopping list - what do I buy?

[cheekster]

I failed miserably at breastfeeding DS and I really really want to be able to breastfeed this time.

I have read all the recommended advice and watched the DVD's, but now I would like to go out and buy everything I need that will help breastfeeding easier and more natural.

There is so much stuff out there - nipple sheilds, breastfeeding pillows etc I dont know what is worth buying or not.

So could anyone give me a list of things to definately buy and possibly a list of things not to

PLEASE

I wish I'd bought a feeding pillow - will next time maybe (skinflint)

Lansinoh - essential imo

Feeding bras - got mine from M&S

And that's all I really needed. Never needed breast pads at all but obviously it's worth buying some just in case.

Dvd boxsets and nice snacks/drinks to get you through the first month (my drink of choice was gin and tonic )

Personally I didn't buy anything. You can just buy the stuff you need when you've started. Some people have put Lanisnoh as a must but I've never used it once and fed for a total of over 5 years with my DC.

One thing I would do though is find out the numbers of your local Bfing Counsellors before your have your LO and pack them in your hospital bag.

Definitely Lansinoh - get this before anything else and use it from first feed onwards imho. It was the best thing recommended to me and the only thing I bought in advance.

Breast pads - I only need them if I'm going out in the morning and DD hasn't fed much yet.

Nipple shields - for if things get really bad, just for a couple of days while your nipples heal/rest.

Nursing bra, obviously.

I sleep on a doubled up towel - am still leaking overnight 4 months after DD has stopped waking for night feeds, and I prefer to let the air get to my boobs rather than have them in soggy pads for hours.

Most of this I've bought afterwards when I know what I definitely need or not. I hand express still, but am thinking about investing in a pump so I can express quickly when I go back to work.

Also, find out in advance where your nearest BF support group/counsellor is and how to get hold of them.

Sky+

Ha ha, yes wasting, goes with my suggestion of an insulated mug!

cheekster why did you fail miserably? What happened? I also consider myself a failure at bf for lots of reasons and this time, the last, I WILL make it work.

can't reccomend the mybreastfriend feeding pillow enough. Is pricey but SOOOOOO worth it. I tried loads of them and that was best by miles made it so much easier to position DD and I could do it hands free!

Without a doubt get one!

Boots do an inflatable pillow for under a tenner. It's great as it is firm enough to raise DS to breast height and I go hands free.

Lansinoh
pads
bras, but I would get a soft carriwell or braado one (one that fits a range of sizes) for starters, then get fitted for proper ones when your size settles or it could get pricey.
Muslins.

Sleep bras are handy for support or holding in pads. I don't use pads at night but sleep on a towel, with this in mind, I recommend a good selection of comfy, easy access nighties or PJ tops, as leakage means you will be washing them often.

Definitely need sky+ or some good films because BF can be very time consuming and boring. Also would suggest a supply of trashy paperback novels you can hold in one hand. Make sure they're not too mentally demanding though, I found I was too tired to follow anything but the most basic of plots :)

Other essentials: Lansinoh, nursing bras (M & S do a good 2pk for £25)

Nice to haves: pillow (I also love the my brestfriend pillow its not too expensive either if you buy second hand like I did, check ebay!), vest tops to go under normal tops to cover your tummy/back when feeding

I never needed breast pads but you could always buy a cheap pack of disposable ones just in case.

I did buy nipple shields when I had cracked nipples in the early days but they were so fiddly to use and sterilise that I didn't bother after a few goes and fed through the pain instead (it only lasted a day or so).

I also wouldn't bother with special feeding tops, pjs etc. not only are they expensive but they're normally fugly too!

One last thing I also kept a thermos filled with cold water next to the bed for night feeds. You can get really dehyrdated and the kitchen feels a looong way away in the middle of the night.

Some DVD boxsets, subscriptions to a few magazines and lots of easy to open snacks/bottled drinks.

Everything else is optional.

• easy clothes to lift up & a comfy bf bra.

- If it hurts use your little finger to unlatch & start again - Lansinoh - if you get sore use lots with a breastpad to stop it marking your clothes. - bf holding your baby in your arms as you deal with your ds. You will never actually be able to stay sitting to bf.

Breast pads.
Muslins - essential IME, when DS was about 15 weeks old I nearly made someone's latte in Starbucks extra milky I sprayed so far when DS pulled off! She was very understanding
Pjs or nighties that have buttons down the front - works much better than the expensive ones with feeding clips.
Lansinoh.
Chocolate biscuits.
Sky+.

And most important - a supportive husband who will cup feed your baby while you express at 3am if your baby won't latch, who will bring you endless glasses of water and cups of tea, who won't try and persuade you to give the baby formula when he knows that you really, really want to make BFing work.
DH was a bloody star when I had DS, and we struggled with feeding for a good 6 weeks before we got it cracked. I couldn't have done it without him.

ali top marks to your hubby :)

We should start a fab hub club (I have one like yours :) :) )

Lansinoh, and cheap stretchy vests to wear under loose fitting tops for feeding in public and on cold days - top up, vest down = minimum flesh exposure.

I second the recommendation of the mybreastfriend feeding cushion. Absolutely couldn't be without it. I didn't get on with my v shaped pillow - kept shooting out from underneath dd. The mybreastfriend one stays in place because it's strapped on, I can stand up to burp dd without it falling to the ground, and the back support is a godsend. Also the cat likes to sit on the front of it so she doesn't feel left out when I'm feeding dd!

best advice i have is to put a towel under your chest at night and sleep topless, saves so much scrabbling around with clothes in the middle of the night, so much more natural and easy!