Baby due july-what to buy in advance?

[Summer1986]

Hello Mumsnetters!
Currently 33w preg with my first baby and trying to get organised.
Would really like to exclusively breastfeed my baby when he or she arrives. My question is, what to buy in advance?
Hubby thinks we need a starter pack of premixed formula "in case on an emergency" which I'm not completely opposed to but don't want to be tempted to give up the idea of breastfeeding when the going gets tough.
Eventually I'd like to express so he can feed the baby too or I can go out alone for a few hours, is it best to buy a pump/bottles/steriliser now or wait?
So far regarding feeding I have some breast pads and muslin squares!
Nipple cream and shields? What do I need?
Thanks in advance!!

[rebelrosie12]

You will be told by many I'm sure, not to have anything in the house which isn't for breastfeeding. I took that advice. I'm not sure I could convey the fear and panic of not being able to feed my baby on a Sunday night, shops were closed, we had no pump, no formula, no bottles. I would never ever suggest doing this, it was horrific. Hopefully it will go excellently and you can pass on the stuff but I wouldn't take the chance. I took premades into the hospital with my second!

I would see if you can borrow a good pump from a friend, get some ready to feeds and a bottle. One bottle isn't going to end bf but you might need it for all sorts of reasons. Best of luck!!

[GruffaloPants]

I only ever needed breast pads. I liked Nuk and Johnson and Johnson, found Boots and superdrug a bit rubbish. Some people like to have a cream like Lanisoh in case of cracking (I was lucky enough not to).

I wouldn't buy a pump now. You shouldn't pump in the early days, so why not wait til if and when you want one.

If you live in easy reach of a supermarket I wouldn't bother with the formula either. If you are more remote you could maybe get a carton just in case.

You should probably wait to get measured for feeding bras. You could buy a couple of stretchy ones from eBay or Amazon now. If you get them sent from China they are only about £3. They are good for sleeping in and would mean you have something to get started in before you get measured.

There's a Facebook page called can I breastfeed in it, which is good for ideas about clothes and bras later on.

Congratulations!

[Summer1986]

Thank you both!
I was measured at 25 w for maternity bras, they're non padded and have the clips for feeding, I'm guessing I will change sizes again in the time between now and baby being here but hopefully they will be ok as a starter.
I'm so clueless with it all but trying to learn what I can now to be prepared, may seek out a local bf group once baby is here. My mom exclusively bf'd me and my brother, she passed away a few years ago and this is just one of many many times I wish I could still ask her advice.
Thank you again, you are so helpful.
Breastpads-anyonw used washable ones? I guess everyone is different but roughly how many pairs a day did you use?

[Freddiesgirl]

You might be able to hire a pump from your local children's centre, I did so for a couple of months and it only cost £10.

[userabcname]

I had some premixed formula and bottles and a steriliser. I pretty much ebf-d until 6 months but honestly that formula was a lifesaver when DS was 3 weeks old and went through the most horrific phase of cluster feeding - I became ill through sleep deprivation and at 3am one night DH had to take over with the formula! A bottle here and there really won't hurt and could do you the world of good.

I found breast pads very uncomfortable and annoying - I did wear them when I went out but at home I just shoved a muslin into each bra cup to soak up the leaks. Incidentally, get a lot of muslins! They are fab for leaky boobs, leaky babies and to use as covers when you are out (if you get the big ones). Also a decent breastfeeding pillow is really worth it to help you get comfy.

[Spam88]

You'll get mixed opinions, but I'm of the 'don't have any formula in the house' camp, assuming you live near enough to a shop. That being said, a week or so in I did send my husband out to buy a tub but in the end we didn't use it.

Pumps are expensive so I wouldn't buy one yet. You hopefully won't need nipple shields so again I'd leave those for now. Lansinoh cream was a lifesaver for me - it lasts ages so one tube will do, although I had two so I could leave one in both places that I usually breastfed. And yes to getting breast pads in. I liked lansinoh. Tesco ones made me sore and the washable ones stuck to my nipple 😣 and I found they had to be changed after every feed whereas the lansinoh ones I could just change morning and night. Getting some soft nursing bras is a good idea, or the nursing tops from H&M that have built in support - so much easier in the early days if you can just get your whole boob out without anything obscuring your view!

Also, Amazon Prime is your friend in those first few weeks.

[BertieBotts]

It's really up to you but if you have a 24 hour supermarket nearby then there's really no need to have formula in, as you can always go and get it if you need it.

I would recommend getting a couple of stretchy sleep nursing bras once you get to 37+ weeks or nursing tank tops with support. Expect your cup size to increase and your band size to decrease but if you get the stretchy ones, they tend to cover a few sizes so you should be OK to guess. I'm having a summer baby too and I think I'm going to go for the tank tops this time as they'll be useful for the hot weather.

Breast pads are useful, as is a waterproof mattress protector for your bed, or at the very least a towel under the sheet on your side. Some people leak more than others. I used washable pads and have got more for this time.

You can get Lansinoh or wait to see if you need it. Your midwife might be able to give you samples, and a little goes a long way.

Some people find a feeding cushion is helpful but you don't strictly need this if budget is a concern. You can often find them second hand. I agree that muslins are much more useful than bibs.

I'm planning to get a pump and bottles later, because if I need one in the early days I can get one from the hospital and potentially hire that out, then later on I'd get one according to my needs - if only to be used occasionally, then a cheap single hand pump ought to do. If I was going to go back to work at 4 months or something, a double electric one might be more useful.

[BertieBotts]

And if you're only ever dealing with breastmilk you don't need a steriliser. I thought of getting some of the self sterilising bottles anyway. I think the steriliser is only useful if you've got a lot of bottles to sterilise at once.

[BertieBotts]

The most important thing to have in advance is knowledge of where to go and who to ask if you have questions.

Look for local BF support groups. Suss out which have lactation consultants or breastfeeding counsellors who are qualified to assess things like latch. Don't expect your midwife or health visitor to know about this.

Get a list of the BF helplines and stick them to your noticeboard or fridge.

Bookmark MN and Kellymom and refer back to them for everything :)

[Summer1986]

Thank you for the very helpful tips! I really appreciate everyones advice.

[riddles26]

As others have said, it's completely personal preference. You have the essential bits - nipple cream and breast pads! Definitely agree with finding out where your local breastfeeding clinics are and having numbers you can call readily available.

I was on the fence about having ready mixed formula in the house - in the end I decided not to get any as we have enough 24 hour supermarkets and convenience stores nearby. I did end up buying ready mixed bottles after a horrific day cluster feeding at 4-5 weeks old (but never used them).

I was determined to express and give bottle early on so baby didn't refuse bottle. I bought an electric pump and a very small starter kit of bottles when pregnant but this isn't necessary.

Congratulations and good luck with it.