Breast feeding pillow and anything else that might be useful

[scaryfairy28]

I'm 35 weeks tomorrow and really want to breast feed when the time comes am considering if I should buy a pillow and wondering what else might be useful?

pillow is great! pump if you want to express or to help build supply, nursing bras, pads nipple cream! ohh an congratulations hope the next 5 weeks go quickly for you :)

I could never get the hang of the pillows, arms work best! (but my boobs are quite big and droopy)

You need nursing bras and pads and lansinoh (use after every feed for the first couple of weeks)

Good luck!

Hi! I just bought a regular V pillow. Was really comfy to sleep with towards end of pregnancy, perfect for supporting baby whilst feeding and now makes a safe and comfy head rest for her whilst lying playing. It was much cheaper too!

Good luck!

Definitely the Lanisoh!

Also a sense of determination and perseverance. Sounds a bit trite but I am bfing my first baby and it's taken until the last few days to feel confident and comfortable, and she's six weeks...I kept wondering when I'd feel like others describe when they talk about loving feeding and how amazing it is. I am finally there but it's taken a little while!

A phone that will allow you to access this forum one handed, whilst feeding at night is very useful too!

Good luck

I'd recommend getting Lansinoh and a packet of good breast pads (I prefer the Lansinoh brand actually) plus plenty of easy food in the freezer and cupboards and a partner who understands that their job will be to feed you while you feed the LO!

I got a nursing pillow and used it a bit but found a firm normal pillow was actually far better. And I only needed a pillow at all sometimes in the very early days. We were both a lot happier when we got to grips with basic cradle pose (no pillows plus Mum has a hand free!). Nursing pillows also tend to be a right rip-off.

Nipple shields would be the only other "emergency" thing I'd consider. I found them great for keeping me going for a few hours when I was so sore without them.

And audiobooks, DVD box sets and a nice (but not too thick) dressing gown.

i bought some vests with the support cups in them from m&s because i would leak at night and couldn't keep breast pads in my pj's and didn't want to sleep in a bra!
Also a couple of cheap towels to lie on so your sheets don't get soaked.

Thanks for the advice think I'll definately look at feeding pillows and invest in Lansinoh.

Lansinoh. One tube will last you forever. I used it liberally for weeks and weeks until I got DD's latch sorted, and I still have half a tube left.

The phone number for your nearest bf support group will be a godsend. If you can, visit them before you have the baby so you can speak to other new mums for first hand experience.

I had a v pillow given to me, but DD ended up half way up my chest (me of the shortness in the body type). Tried using it to prop me up, but my shoulders end up all in the wrong place and my lower back has no support. Used it to prop DD up slightly and for tummy time to get her head off the ground.

Also prep your DP/H - you will likely need someone to lean heavily on in the early days for lots of reassurance that You Are Doing Really Well

Good luck!

My DW hasn't used a BF pillow at all.

I would echo the advice on having the phone number of a BF support group. We were lucky enough to have a community MW who was very good at helping DW get a good latch, but if you don't have that you are very likely to need someone to give you some pointers. Don't leave it until you're crying with frustration. Call them as soon as you think you might need help.

I found the widgey pillow really really useful, apparently they're in tesco for a tenner now which is a bargain as I paid over £30 in mothercare.

Not wanting to disagree with the everbody about the lansinoh...but ....
you may, just may find that you don't actually need it. Some women can be allergic to it too.

Also the mws usually hand out little sachets of it like sweets (can't imagine why )- so if you do get sore, it's amazing how long you can eek out a sachet! (God I'm tight!)

Insulated cup for your tea. Lots of DVDs for the cluster feeds when there is nothing on TV.

I didn't need Lansinoh, or breastpads, or a special pillow, or anything else.

The routine for evening breastfeeding is - find a comfy chair, place TV remote next to chair, place mobile phone next to chair, place cup of tea and pint of water next to chair, place packet of biscuits next to chair. Latch on baby and relax for the next couple of hours. :) Do not under any circumstances let DH near the TV remote, in case he flicks through and leaves the channel on Top Gear or football while he wanders of for a leisurely wee, getting a cup of tea etc., while you sit there fuming and trapped in the chair. I ended up perfecting the art of grabbing the baby and staggering bent double across the lounge, but it's not recommended!

MrsTittle - you have it so right there! Trying to teleport the remote with the Power Of My Will drove me crazy

My best buy - an iphone to pass the boredom. Bought at 4 weeks and boy did I appreciate it! Also agree with support vests for bed to keep breastpads in place. Lots of breastpads. Insulated mug. Lansinoh. A pashmina for public.

And a huuuge luxury, but I also loved my feeding chair, especially at night, when I found feeding in bed really uncomfortable. And its lovely for story time now too.