Expressing Essentials

[BePoisedPombear]

Hi guys,

I plan to mainly breastfeed baby but plan to express and bottle feed for when I'm not able to feed him. This is mainly for short periods such as while I'm doing driving lessons and when it's not safe to breastfeed (going into town) as there's not always somewhere to go into such as café etc. I'm being induced soon but it is very likely he will have to go to NICU for various issues so depending on how long he is there for, I may have to express and bottle feed anyway (which I'm happy to do) if he doesn't like breastfeeding when he is home.

I was just wondering what essentials / necessities I will need. I already have bottles and both a manual and electric breast pump as well as milk bags but wondering if there is anything else I need.

Many thanks in advice.

Sterilising items - I had to express for a while for my newborn, we did cold water sterilising so had the Milton sterilising bucket and tablets which were easy enough to use.

Not products as such but in your position I would definitely look into antenatal colostrum harvesting (from 37 weeks pregnant) if you haven't already so you have a backup if needed. I would also make sure you know what help is available from the specialist infant feeding team in hospital - they should be able to help you asap with pumping once the baby is born.