Hoping to breastfeed, where to start?

[River93]

I would love to try breastfeeding when my baby arrives but I really have no idea where I’d start.

What products would everyone say I’d need?
Would I need to buy a tommee tippee perfect prep machine just Incase I do need to bottle feed?
Any tips or pointers?
TIA

The great thing is if it goes well you don't need much kit. I would definetly recommend getting some nipple cream on standby and some breast pads. See how you get on before getting a pump. I found a thrupenny bits feeding cushion of great use after my last section and have one at the ready for my next section next week. Good luck!

The best and only product you need to begin with is lasinoh nipple cream. I had never heard of it until I was desperate for it and it's a life saver!
Nipple shields, breast pads and something to help prop baby in to the right position (a cushion or little step to lift your knees up will do)

Other than that the main thing you will need is support. It is hard to begin with. And you will feel like giving up or like you cant do it. And it hurts! But once you get past that bit it is so worth it. But you definitely do need the support of your partner / family to keep you going!

xxx

Thank you everyone for your amazing advice! I feel like I could get very well prepared from all of your help

Breastfeeding isn't always hard to begin with.

Contrary to previous posters it's never hurt for me, it doesn't always.
On the bright side lansinoh is good as a lip balm 😁

I wouldn’t buy anything either apart from breast pads and lansinoh. They don’t recommend expressing and bottle feeding for the first few weeks as it can cause nipple confusion.

The one thing is that you need to be aware that newborns do practically nothing aside from feed. You'll need to spend two weeks post birth expecting to do nothing but feeding the baby. Anything over and above is ok if you feel up to it, but shouldn't be expected. Newborns feed very regularly and you'll feel like you're getting nothing done, that's fine. It gets better. Make sure you have snacks you can eat easily, and drinks to hand, and Netflix or similar.

Make sure you latch baby soon after birth if possible (seems obvs but no one told me and I left it way to long to try the 1st feed, baby was too sleepy and we had a hard time getting her to feed). They are programmed to route and find the nipple and suck, they are survivalists! I wouldn’t buy anything until after birth, apart from pads and a bra. You do not need a steriliser for breastmilk bottles/pumps, hot soapy water is fine. Go to local breastfeeding group or cafe, great to exchange tips and meet people. I never needed any creams or anything so it’s not a given and they can be expensive, so again I’d wait to purchase if poss. Feeding tops are useful whilst you get used to feeding in public, they made me a bit more comfortable to feed out and about. These are the best feeding bras I’ve tried and I have large breasts so they’d be supportive for any size. Good luck OP!

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/emma-jane-seam-free-maternity-nursing-bras-b7522.html

For now I wouldn't buy anything and would just wait and see what you need once you've started as every breastfeeding journey is different. But I would definitely give one more vote for ensuring you have enough support as a priority! This includes finding out about local and online breastfeeding support networks, as well as having your partner and family/friends (if possible) on board so that they are prepared to do all the cleaning and cooking around the house, chop your food and feed you, entertain the baby to give you a break when needed etc. Since DD was born, DP has been doing all nappy changes when he's around to give me a break, for example. I read somewhere recently that your partner will have to understand that from now on they will essentially be a butler! Also, it might be a good idea to avoid any relatives and friends with toxic views about breastfeeding as much as possible.

I might have been lucky as I didn't have any leaky boobs etc. so the only products I actually found useful were:

• a breastfeeding pillow for the first few months (get one with a pattern you really like as you will be staring at it for ages)
• some muslin squares or tissues always lying around
• nursing dresses/tops (I breastfeed anywhere in public and couldn't care less about being discreet but it's nice to have your tummy covered especially when it's cold and a good excuse to buy new clothes if you can afford them at this stage - there's not a huge choice out there but ASOS, Jojo Maman Bebe and Bshirt have some decent stuff)
• a good sling so that you can have your hands free now and then
• boxsets or an Amazon Prime or Netflix subscription and/or a pile of good books
• fancy decaf coffee and tea and lots of cake

Great advice so far. I was lucky that DD latched on well from the start and my nipples were never particularly sore. So be prepared that it could be difficult and painful but don't worry about it as it might not be! I used sleep bras (they look like a crop top and just fold under the boob) which were much easier than worrying about fiddly clips. Then graduated to stretchy ones from JoJo Maman Bebe (I think they were called Emma Jane and only about £13). So much comfier than a traditional nursing bra.

My main advice would be to follow baby's lead and feed them for however long and however often they want. DD fed little and often (felt like all day!) but it kept her happy to do that.

Find local support if possible, either at the children's centre (ask your midwife) or look for Facebook groups.

Good luck!

You don't need to buy much to begin with.

Lansinoh however is really useful (as has been pointed out ). I'd also recommend getting nursing bras and clothes to feed in.

and a Netflix subscription if you don't already have one.

It's not necessary at all, but I found the my breast friend feeding cushion a godsend. Excuse the awful name. It's expensive, but made feeding much comfier for me.

Big purchases like pumps and perfect preps can wait until you see how feeding is panning out. You might find it comforting to have a few pre prepared bottles of formula in the house, but even that's not totally necessary.

Do line up support in case you need it.

BF can be tough at the start, but that phase doesn't last. When it's well established, it's a lovely experience and much easier than bottle feeding. That said, nothing at all wrong with bottle feeding if that's what works.

Good luck!

@NameChange30 "The Food of Love"? As opposed to what...

OP, Amazon Prime is your friend - next day delivery on anything you find you need!

@PramCush
I didn’t write the book or choose the title.
It’s just a book about breastfeeding.
If you think the author is implying that people who don’t breastfeed don’t love their babies (I sincerely doubt it but whatever) then take it up with her.

Breastfeeding support drop ins also welcome pregnant mums to be.

Why not pop along to one while you're pregnant? You can get to know your local supporters and ask any questions about preparing too.

The ladies I met antenatal were so fab I ended up training as a supporter and still go to the same group every week 7 years later.

I have twice been a successful breastfeeder and agree with much of what has been posted above.

I have an avent electric breastpump that you can have for free. I'd only ask that you cover the cost of postage if you want it. I'd be happy that someone got the use of it.

Lanisoh cream and compresses, and I would suggest having a pump

I needed it to help engorgement so baby could latch. People will warn you not to pump too much as increases supply and leads to vicious cycle etc but eventually a midwife told me to just pump ASAP (one boob was very painful) and it did the trick. I’ve not used pump much since though.

Another tip - feed in bath if engorged, after a hot shower on boobs. You must cool the water afterwards though so it’s not too hot for baby if an arm or leg dangles into the water, and you’ll need someone to pass you the baby/take them back afterwards. It was the only way I could get little one to latch at first!