What are your BF'ing must haves?

[m4rdybum]

Currently pregnant with my first and due in January. Would very much like to breastfeed, so starting to arm myself with info along the way.

What would you say helped you to establish breastfeeding successfully? Whether it be products, support or general day-to-day things.

So far, products on my list are;

• Breast pump (electric or manual best?)
• Bottles/sterilizer
• Nipple shields (needed?)
• Nipple cream (Lanisoh? Any other alternatives)
• Breast pads
• Feeding pillow

I've joined a locally run breastfeeding suport group on Facebook, who also meet once a week, for when the time comes. There's no La Leche League groups near me unfortunately, and I don't think I can afford to pay for NCT ones.

I'll also be buying a tub of formula to keep aside, just in case.

-netflix watch list/box set
-kindle/books
-patience
-booby
Literally my best buy helped support the baby and also used it for tummy time and sit training later on
-definetly electric breast pump
-freezer bags or ice cube trays. I froze breast milk in ice cube trays and used when were weaning to thin out homemade purees and baby oatmeal.
-breast pads a must.
-bottled water
-oatmeal to help with supply
-bottled warmer if also bottling feeding

Also, mentally prepare yourself breast feeding doesn't always work the way you plan it. I had supply issues and had to combination feed with formula. It hit me like a freight train. It took alot of support and guidance from my midwife and husband to help me understand that no matter what you choose 'fed is best'

Good luck and congratulations x

@Bobbiepin Fed is best - hear hear! I had all these great BF-only plans when pregnant with DS, but he ended up in NICU (thank God nothing too serious) when he was born and he had to be fed on the hour. And it was all fine. I actually think the fact that I knew he was going to get bottle fed on the hour meant that I was under a lot less pressure, and I had lots of guidance and BF support from wonderful nurses. Combination feeding worked great for us.

Also, if anyone asks whether you'd like some sort of present when the baby's due, my brother sent me a load of frozen 'Cook' food and it was a bloody godsend.

Oops, I meant that to refer to @extremity1 🤦🏻‍♀️

I found these items essential....
Comfy maternity bra and removable pads
Huge glass of water and biscuits
Large Muslin (for wiping up inevitable milk regurgitations)
Daytime TV (I got hooked on Pointless and Heir Hunters!)
A comfy sofa

I bought lansinoh cream, a feeding pillow and nipple guards and didn’t find any of them useful. Good to be prepared, but you won’t know until you start whether you’ll need them or not.

Good luck!

I didn't need nipple pads, nipple cream or shields. I bought a manual and an electric pump but never used the manual it was far too much effort for no payoff. Never used a feeding bra just used a normal one and used a standard muslin to cover up

The thing that helped me the most was time. My DH all three times was brilliant at looking after me ( and the other kids ones we were past having one) so that I could just focus on being in bed and feeding for the first few days. Lots of skin to skin and liquids.

I'm not sure if anyone's mentioned it but I have a boned nursing apron for feeding in public. Got it off Amazon and it's great. You can see the baby buy no one can see you. I'm not great at discreet feeding so this has worked brilliantly for me.

Haven’t needed any paraphernalia apart from washable pads and a night light for night feeds.

I have this lamp and LOVE it:
www.amazon.co.uk/Ergojojo-flexible-gooseneck-brightness-headboard/dp/B079TGFBXQ?tag=mumsnetforum-21
It’s a nice warm light, has four brightness settings and is easily adjusted.

Oh and LOADS of muslins. My boobs are like taps once they get going.

Extra long charging cable for phone. Portable charger.

This is such a good idea!

freezer bags or ice cube trays. I froze breast milk in ice cube trays and used when were weaning to thin out homemade purees and baby oatmeal.

That's a good idea but how long can you keep milk on the freezer?

Also, when popping some milk in the fridge, do you heat it up for baby to eat? How?

Fed is best- hear hear!

Agree with this - would like to think I'm not going into it thinking BF'ing is going to be a bed of roses in the beginning. I'm a little worried about PND as my mum had chronic PND with me and my siblings and my sister also had a bout, so I'm being weary to ensure I'm also not running myself ragged.

Best bit of advice I got was from a health visitor: prepare for the pain.

It can be incredibly painful. We've all done the toe-curling, sharp inhale, grimace and latch as fast as possible. It can be like this for the first two weeks (or longer). It's normal, your nipples are being constantly abused. If baby is feeding well and gaining weight then you know it's working, but my goodness the early days can feel like someone is using a cheese grater on your poor nipples

Just thought it worth mentioning - it actually helped me to know in advance, otherwise I'd probably have given up. I appreciated that HVs honesty!

Hopefully it’s all smooth sailing for you, I prepared for a pain and was really nicely surprised! I put lanisoh on before and after every feed in the first couple of weeks and all was good.
The baby blues hit me hard on day 4 or 5 and the sleep dep was tough but you get through it and take any support you get offered! If you were to suffer PND at least you will have family who can help you recognise what’s happening and support you through it, but there’s no reason why it won’t be an amazing time for you.
The national breastfeeding helpline were absolutely amazing for me the couple of times I’ve rang them, absolutely brilliant women.
Also mumsnet for support and kellymom is great reading.

Pyjamas that are easy to bf in are super helpful for night time. I was recently given a pair from Cucumber Clothing which are lovely

Breastpads and a good nursing bra . I also got a nursing vest from www.stylishmum.co.uk to put in my hospital bag. I would recommend pumping at first so maybe something to look into later ?