Pregnant: What feeding equipment will I need?

[lauren6283]

Hey everyone
I'm 19 weeks with my first baby and I am planning on giving breast feeding a go, but I don't want to get too hung up on it so if it isn't possible, I would like to be prepared with some formula in case I can't feed and baby is screaming in the middle of the night.
So could anyone advise me on what equipment I will need to buy? I know I will need a steriliser and bottle warmer if I do end up bottle feeding, and if I were to breast feed I would probably buy a pump, but what will I need right away? What can't wait?
Thanks in advance :-)

[Brugmansia]

I'd agree that there's nothing you actually need, just things that some women find useful and others don't. Personally I never used lansinoh and never felt the need for it. Despite leaking I don't really use breast pads as I just find them a faff and forget to put them back in post-feed. I did have an electric pump and steriliser ahead of time because I was always keen on trying to express, but you don't need those and can order online easily.

In advance I'd suggest thinking about practical things to make the environment you are in comfortable for long feeding sessions with a newborn. Do you have somewhere comfy to sit and feed? I have a widgey breast feeding pillow, and although not essential I found it great. If you'll be doing night feeds in bed have lots of nice pillows to prop yourself up. Also have food in, either batch cook and freeze or ready meals, that you can eat one handed while feeding. Have some entertainment sorted - my nexus tablet was invaluable.