Breastfeeding essentials?

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Hi everyone

Sorry if this has been done before but I'm planning on giving bf my best shot once baby arrives and so far have got some Lansinoh but not much else!

What else do I need in advance and what couldn't you live without? I've read that you need to wait until your milk comes in to get nursing bars, so can you wear maternity bras until then?

This might help you, Lists of Essentials for breastfeeding.

1. Lanolin

Cracked and sore nipples happen when your breast-feeding, they just do. Lanolin is a 100% effective, safe, and natural way to ease that pain and heal the nipples fast in the early weeks of breastfeeding. If you don’t have this waiting for you when you arrive home with the baby, trust me, you’ll be sending your husband out for it in about two days.

1. Gerber Breast Therapy Warm or Cool Relief Packs

An absolute must. Engorgement that occurs once your milk comes in can be more than just uncomfortable. These reusable relief packs are a convenient and easy way to provide much needed relief. And in the event of a breast infection or any other aches and pains associated with breastfeeding, these will be a lifesaver.

1. Breast Pads

Just like any other feminine product, everybody’s got their own preference when it comes to the brand of breast pads. It doesn’t really matter as long as you have a box waiting for you when you get home. And if you plan on pumping, going back to work, or being separated from your newborn for even just a couple of hours, you will need them to protect you from leakage.

1. Motrin or Tylenol

Safe for mom, safe for baby. Motrin or Tylenol are the safest ways to take off the edge from the pain of engorgement. Nuff said.

1. Breastfeeding Clothes

Nothing will make you happier when you come home from the hospital and have some nice cozy clothes to lounge around in that are MADE for breastfeeding. Also a nice comfy SLEEP bra will make life much in the early weeks much sweeter for you. It may seem like a luxury, but it truly is an essential.

1. Snacks and Bottled Water

Fill the house with lots of granola bars, yogurt, and fruit cups, whatever your pleasure. When you’re tired and breastfeeding, nothing makes you happier than having plenty of ready made snacks at your disposal. And stuff like yogurt is great for you and the baby while breastfeeding. You CANNOT drink enough water while you’re breastfeeding. Always have a bottle within arms reach.

1. A Co-Sleeper

OK, so maybe you can consider this a luxury. I breastfed with a bassinet by my side with one child, and a Co-Sleeper with the other. The convenience and comfort of having a Co-Sleeper is immeasurable. Late night feedings were never easier.

1. A Good Breastfeeding Book

Words can’t express how important it can be to have a great guidebook by your side to help answer questions that come up. Though there a ton to choose form, my personal recommendations are:

The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning
The Nursing Mother’s Companion

www.life360.com/blog/essentials-for-breastfeeding/

Hazchem I'm probably being dim but what are ABM and LLL?

Didn't realise how thirsty bf makes you but it seems to have come up in almost all of these replies!

ABM is Association of Breastfeeding Mothers abm and LLL is Le Leche League LLL oh and there is the Breastfeeding Network too (excellent for medication and breastfeeding) BfN
All of them run breastfeeding helplines.

On the table next to me right now:

• Big cup of water with ice in (yy to being thirsty, and once you get started, it's a real pain to get up. I use an insulated cup to keep water cold as long as possible)
• smart phone. I can't imagine BF without a phone to hand. Makes the night feeds bearable. Use it to catch up on email, read web, play games, read books etc
• kindle. Sometimes I read on kindle, sometimes on phone. Can sync between two so always at right point in book
• snacks. I usually have a couple on the go, in Tupperware containers. Today I have Rich Tea biscuits, granola bars, also have a couple of apples and some sweets.
• radio. I'm not in uk, but listen to radio 4 equivalent when feeding. Have never been so well-informed.
• lip balm.
• lansinoh
• big box of tissues

Not on table but must haves:

• nursing bra/vests. I like the stretchy ones. Fitted ones make my nipples itch during first few months of bf
• Tea-making DH

Oh, forgot to recommend "the womanly art of breastfeeding book". Essential reading, and answered all my questions. Still refer to it even though I'm now well into bf #2.

I would suggest you write down the numbers of one or more of the BF helplines, and find out whether there are any BF cafes or support groups near where you are.

You will probably not need them, but in case you do, it might be helpful to know where they are.