Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

BF - what equipment is really necessary?

74 replies

LionRock · 02/03/2011 18:00

First baby. As a general principle I'm keen to get the genuine essentials before the baby arrives and buy other stuff once we know what we actually need or will find useful. (I don't like being manipulated by marketers!)

So, I plan to breastfeed and am getting conflicting info on what's essential equipment. I'd appreciate others' thoughts and experiences.

I'm thinking the essentials are nursing bras, breast pads and Lansinoh (or similar). Do I need to buy a steriliser though? My thoughts are that I only need one if either expressed breast milk or formula is given to an infant under 6m old.

thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
LionRock · 02/03/2011 18:02

To clarify - that breast milk or formula is given by bottle to an infant under 6m old; after 6m sterilising bottles is no longer necessary.

OP posts:
japhrimel · 02/03/2011 18:03

Don't need a steriliser for bfing - a hot soapy wash and air drying should be fine with ebm anyway.

Lansinoh are the best disposable breast pads IMO.

And you can survive the first week with just sleep bras which might avoid wasting money on bras that never fit.

SoupDragon · 02/03/2011 18:03

Breasts. Preferably a pair but one will do. :)

You won't need a steriliser as an immediate essential, if all.

WorzselMummage · 02/03/2011 18:04

You might not need anything except your boobs.

I never leaked a drop and never needed lansinoh as was never sore. Breastfed for 18 months.

littleducks · 02/03/2011 18:05

I breastfed two babies for over a yr each.

I think breastpads are a must, feeding bras a convenience and Lasinoh depend on if you need it or not. Is very £££ if you dont. Grab a free sample from you MW if you can!

I never had bottles/sterilisers or anything like that

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 02/03/2011 18:06

You are right - nursing bras, breast pads and Lansinoh are all you need.
I wouldn't get your nursing bras yet though, because your breasts will potentially change in size hugely when your milk comes in. I would (in fact I am - DC2 due in just over 3 weeks) get some of the dress-sized nursing bras and vests from Mothercare. They are pretty cheap, nice and soft, and absolutely fine for the first couple of weeks until you can then measure yourself or get fitted.
Mothercare v.bad for 'proper' nursing bras though - I would recommend Royce, Bravado or Anita.

You don't need a steriliser. I bought one first time round and we need not have bothered. Breast milk is sterile and so there is no need to sterilise the bottles and teats if you do decide to express at all.
If you do have problems and need to express or give formula, then Milton cold water sterilising tablets are available in all the supermarkets so you won't be stuck.

Hope some of that ramble helps!

ChunkyPickle · 02/03/2011 18:06

I think that's about it - nursing bra for convenience, breastpads (I used lilypadz which I found better than the thick soaker type ones) and I bought a tube of lanisoh, but never needed it so it gets used as lipbalm/nappy rash cream now.

If you've got a dishwasher there's no need for a steriliser at all (and mine would never take a bottle anyway)

By the time they're six months they're grubbing around on the carpet eating fluff, so sterilising cups/bottles/spoons seems a bit odd.

straightbat · 02/03/2011 18:06

You don't need a steriliser. You can sterilise in a pan if you need too. When I was expressing for my dc in scbu I was told there was no need to sterilise the pump.

Muslins are useful. Some people like a nursing pillow.

Original poster
LionRock · 02/03/2011 18:20

Brilliant response rate - thanks to each and every one of you for the fast and useful replies. It's very much appreciated.

OP posts:
BertieBotts · 02/03/2011 18:21

I didn't buy lansinoh either - got given little sample sachets by midwife :)

exexpat · 02/03/2011 18:24

You may not need breastpads either - I didn't seem to leak at all - so don't go overboard buying them in advance either.

jaggythistle · 02/03/2011 18:44

yes - i leaked about twice in the first few weeks and never again. used a few to stp the lansinoh getting on my clothes!

so: boobs, one or two packs breastpads, Lansinoh (I bought two but only cos i lost one till my FIL found it down the side of the couch!)

I did have a nursing pillow, actually 2 (widgey and Mothercare one). I found DS escaped off a normal pillow once he was a bit bigger. I think the v-shaped type ones can be good for pg and bfing maybe? Hard to tell till you do it!

Nagoo · 02/03/2011 19:04

What?

can someone explain the you don't need to sterilise for ebm really slowly to me?

Is there some way i can put in less effort?

Nagoo · 02/03/2011 19:06

also, OP, i know i'm probably terribly out of fashion, but I like muslins. there I've said it.

i have crazy fast flow and without them my dd gets covered as she tries to avoid drowning and i get soaked.

BertieBotts · 02/03/2011 19:08

You don't need to sterilise for EBM if you wash thoroughly. Especially if you're feeding it straight away. Breastmilk has anti-microbial properties.

jaggythistle · 02/03/2011 19:09

oh yes, muslins - i used soft bibs to catch some dribbles and wee pukes too at first. lotsa muslins!

I just washed my expressing stuff/bottles in hot soapy water, rinsed and allowed to air dry. BM has it's own antibacterial properties or summat.

Expert explanation please :)

comixminx · 02/03/2011 19:11

Yes, I'd agree that muslins are v useful - I've used them instead of breast pads sometimes. Haven't got a steriliser - have bought tablets from Boots for sterilising with, but am no longer bothering to express in any case.

chickbean · 02/03/2011 19:22

If you can't get Lansinoh from your midwife, look out for the special offers at Sainsbury's (perhaps other supermarkets too) - I got some at half-price. It's a bit of a gamble because you may not need it anyway - do you go for the really good offer or wait until you need it and have to pay full price.

I loved my Boppy nursing pillow with DS1 - it really helped when it felt a bit awkward - by DC3 I didn't need a nursing pillow, as it all felt a lot more natural.

bonkers20 · 02/03/2011 19:33

I'd wait on the steriler to see whether you need one or not.

Never used Lansinoh in my life.

Nursing bras are a must! I've used both zip undercup release and drop down and found the drop down easier to manage.
If you are able to invest in the top end brands (Bravissimo or Elle MacPherson) then go for it, they really are nice.

Best to try a few brands of breastpads. If they're not going to be seen through clothing then just go for the most comfy, otherwise you'll need to shop around for what fits your bra well.

If you are quite long from lap to breast (long shanks?!) you will probably find a nursing cushion really useful. You must look after your back!

I treated myself to a glider chair this time. It's not essential of course, but oh so lovely.

I BF DS1 for 3 years and DS2 is still going strong at nearly 2yo.

Oh...I'd say having the contact details of your local BF counsellor and LLL or ABM on hand would be pretty useful.

crikeybadger · 02/03/2011 19:48

and a good supply of chocolate Grin

MrsShrekTheThird · 02/03/2011 19:50

boobs
decent nursing bra, fitted at around 36wks [wks]
bra pads, I liked the reusables but not everyone's 'thing'.
Chocolate [essential]
Job done.

jaggythistle · 02/03/2011 20:06

chocolate and other quick snacks to hand definitely useful if you are having a 'busy' feeding day!

I kept a jug of diluting juice and a glass to hand as I always got thirsty as soon as I sat down to feed. :)

Wigeon · 02/03/2011 20:13

I almost bought Lansinoh before having DD (my first) because I was convinced that BF = sore nipples. It's nine quid and I'm so glad I didn't waste the money in advance. Wouldn't have needed it. If you do need it, any supermarket will stock it and you can pick it up very easily.

The unknown truth about BF: it might not hurt! You might not get sore nipples! It might be fine! I think women who found it easy (including me) don't talk about it in case it makes those who didn't feel bad!

But essential in my experience: feeding bras, breast pads, plus quantities of muslins (I leaked like mad from the breast DD wasn't feeding off and would have soaked breast pads), and a curvy nursing pillow, which (mostly) stopped my shoulders and arms killing. Or loads of pillows which you can use to prop yourself and the baby up with.

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 02/03/2011 20:43

Yes muslins are v.useful for all sorts of things, you cannot have too many IMO.

With breastpads, I found that I needed ones that had a sticky bit on the back (Tomee Tippee disposables do, and I think the Lansinoh disposable ones). Nothing worse than having a breastpad either fold up in your bra which = weird lumpy boob, or work it's way up and poke out of the top of your clothes :)

I am seriously considering getting a nursing pillow this time because I got bad back ache with DS.

And yes chocolate biscuits essential!

TittyBojangles · 02/03/2011 20:51

Oh thank god CrikeyBadger for mentioning the most important thing that seemed to have been over looked. May I also suggest cake? And my personal favourite a few thousand jaffa cakes!

As to what you need then just the boobs. But other things you might want have all been mentioned.

I use a cheap v-shaped pillow, but normal pillows work for me too,
Muslins/cheap face clothes from Ikea,
Nursing bra,
Breast pads,
Lansinoh in the early days.

The bf helpline numbers and details of your local bf group and infant feeding specialist are a good idea in case you need some help in the beginning.