Equipment for breastfeeding - what to buy?!

[Surfnicky]

I am planning on breastfeeding my little twins when they arrive in September and have been given a Medela Swing pump, in order to help me express (so that hubby can help too).

What other bits & pieces do I need to start off with? I don't want to buy too much but assume I'll need a steriliser (any recommendations on which one greatly appreciated!) and some bottles....

How many shall I start off with - or shall I just wait until they are born? I figured that if they aren't great feeders to begin with then I might need to store some of the milk that I'm producing so that my supply doesn't dry up - or I could be talking complete nonsense!!

I have a TV drive which is the Virgin/Telewest equivalent of Sky+, and would recommend that or one of the new hard drive recorders if you're happy to stick with terrestrial TV and/or Freeview and you don't already have satellite or cable. Also because even with one new baby it's easier to catch up with programmes at a time when it's quiet, and with 2 you'll have your hands full.

Straws for sipping drinks - it's easier if someone else has to hold a drink up for you than drinking from the glass or mug, and might be useful even if no one else can help that!

I found a nursing cushion useful, so if there's one specially for twins it might well be worth a look. Get one which you like the look of as it's something which might well be useful even when you're not bf'ing.

Definitely a travel mug Seaworld Parks Shamu's Deep Sea Adventures NEW world this one is great

Ooops that didn't work ! Anyway, a berghaus one is great.

Well I never bottle fed a baby ever. I wouldnt' nkow how to do it and I don't think you need to buy a single thing except breast pads and a good book on breastfeeding. Yes, someone said you might want to go out shopping but to be honest if your breasts are full of milk when you;'re out shopping you want to get back quickly anyway within the 3 hours to relieve your own discomfort - it's a two way process, not just the babies needing a feed but you needing to feed them. If you're going back to work and the babies can't be brought there to feed then you will need some bottles, a pump etc

I didn't buy anything before DS was born, only some hidden support vest tops to make feeding easier at first (he was a summer baby so was happy to wear them with pj bottoms of leggings). We had virtually no cash & I didn't want to waste money on things I might need or nursing bras when I didn't know what size I would need. The day before we left the hospital I sent DH out to get a breast pump, bottles & steriliser set as DS was not feeding from me. The day after I came home I went into mothercare & got some bras & some breastpads. A month later I bought some nipple shields to try to get DS back on the boob.... & that was it really. I used ordinary pillows at home to feed with & cushions when I visited friends/relatives houses.

The most important thing that enabled to bf was completely free - support from my local LLL group

Thank you all so much for your advice - LOVE the bell idea and yes, I have Sky+ and dh has been loading it up for me with all my favourite films at the moment so I'll be well prepared for the hours on the sofa!

Someone has kindly given me a Medela Swing pump so I'm already sorted on that front (otherwise, I agree, I would wait until they are born) but the steriliser bags sound like a good idea...will pop out and get a pack just in case, as they probably aren't too expensive?

Those of you with twins, did you start out feeding them at the same time or did it take a while for everyone to get the hang of it? I agree that tandem feeding does sound like a great idea - but thought that it might be nice, especially in the early days, to have some one-on-one time with each baby...interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks again!

agree that all you really need is good advice (the 'what to expect when you're breastfeeding...' book i found good), decent breast pads and lansinoh

Make sure you have a good nursing bra, nothing worse than being uncomfortable, its a valuable investment. Probably best to steer clear of light coloured tops for a bit during the early days just in case your breast pads let you down...wet patches are all part of the fun! BF is an amazing experience but one thing no-one ever mentions is when your nipples start to suffer from being on call 24 hours a day!!!! My mum swore by kamillosan ointment when she had me and it was the best advice she passed onto me. Good luck for September!