Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Breast feeding equipment?

13 replies

Penny2012 · 20/05/2012 23:26

I am hoping to breast feed my baby (due in Sept). What should I buy before the baby's born to be ready to do this? Any help appreciated thanks x

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
skrullandcrossbones · 20/05/2012 23:29

Lots of Lansinoh. Breast-pads (for possible leaking in the early days). Paracetamol (in case you're unlucky and it hurts to begin with). Think that's it.

Graciescotland · 20/05/2012 23:32

Lansinsoh (or equivalent) to help with raw nipples,
breast pads (although I never used them!)
a lot of people buy a pump/ storagebags to start off the freezer supply not necessary but can be handy if you plan on feeding baby the odd bottle. Medela swing is highly rated.

misslinnet · 20/05/2012 23:32

A breastfeeding bra with the drop down clippy things might be handy.

ChairmanMiau · 20/05/2012 23:35

Lansinoh yep - worth the cash.

Cheap muslin cloths from asda are handy for throwing over you both if boobs out in public or with acquaintances (I got my clippable nursing bras in advance but lots wait)

Breastfeeding tea with fenugreek in it to aid supply.

Decent pillow might be worth an investment.

Nipple shields if you get really sore but these can cause nipple confusion.

Lots of water, juice and decent snackables esp nuts you can grab a handful of, dried fruit, chocolate etc

Good luck xx

MouseSquirrelMum · 20/05/2012 23:38

Hi. I don't think I bought anything beforehand, except feeding bras (that you get measured for just before baby arrives). In the first few days though, dh was sent out for:
a feeding cushion - those v-shaped ones that go in front of you
nipple cream - the one in the purple tube is wonderful
breast pads - but not everyone needs them
some gel-filled pads called Oscar + Dehn's Breast Nurse Soothing Pads that you can use either cold or hot to relieve hurting breasts - brilliant
food - mountains of the stuff, to give me energy during each feed!
a breast pump - but not everyone uses them.
Nursing pyjamas - means you can feed without pulling your normal pjs up to your neck and getting cold
Hope this helps and it goes well!

MouseSquirrelMum · 20/05/2012 23:39

"the one in the purple tube" - I meant lansinoh!

Flisspaps · 21/05/2012 00:16

Nursing bra (buy at end of pregnancy) and Lansinoh.

That's it.

I've got boxes and boxes of unused, unneeded breast pads - what a waste of money they were!

greenbananas · 21/05/2012 06:35

You don't need anything at all. That's one of the many good things about breastfeeding - it's free!

Some women do 'leak' a bit in the early days, but don't buy too many breastpads. Any leaking will sort itself out quite quickly as your supply adjusts to the needs of your baby.

You shouldn't experience any pain or discomfort while you are breastfeeding - if for any reason you do, get your midwife or a breastfeeding supporter to help you as quickly as possible. Getting the baby attached well to your breast is the most important thing, and will prevent most problems. I know that lots of women swear by Lansinoh, but if you do get a bit sore in the early days, vaseline is just as good, and keeping your nipples wet with breastmilk helps enormously (breastmilk has antibacterial properties). Your nipples are make from the same stuff as your lips, so make sure they don't dry out.

A couple of comfortable nursing bras can make life easier, but any stretchy bra will do.

If you want to feed when you are out and about (and you probably will, unless you fancy being completely housebound), it might be worth thinking about what you will wear if you want to be discreet. You might not need to buy anything new, and you certainly don't need to waste money on 'proper' nursing tops. Two layers of stretchy vests are useful - pull one up to cover the top of your chest and one down to expose just enough breast for the baby. Big shirts are good too; you can simply put the baby underneath.

I think the best investment you could possibly make is to know as much as you can about breastfeeding before you start. Are there any breastfeeding groups in your area? The book The Food of Love by Kate Evans is a good read and has some lovely pictures.

Good luck Smile

Penny2012 · 21/05/2012 07:11

Oh wow thanks guys! Really really helpful and practical advice! xxxx

OP posts:
lalabaloo · 21/05/2012 16:47

My baby is 10 days old and I spent loads on things I really didn't need, we are using breastpads but I have also bought lilypadz which are very comfortable and I would recommended them, I also bought 2 nursing bras (i didn't realise but you should get measured for these at about 36 weeks and then go up a cup size or something like that) and a few nursing tops although they aren't essential. I am also loving my bebe au lait nursing cover, as I can't seem to coordinate muslin, baby and nipple yet without having lots on show! A good nipple cream for if you get sore and I used my hand pump today for the first time to express a little bit as I was feeling very full on one side.

Indith · 21/05/2012 17:03

To echo what others have said really- a couple of bras, some lansinoh and some breast pads. Just get one box of pads and go from there as some lycky women will hardly leak and won't need them but others will need vast quantities for several months! Don't bother with fancy tops, just get stretchy vest tops and lift your top then pull the vest top down.

jkklpu · 21/05/2012 17:06

you can get washable cotton breast pads (I get by with 6 - 2 each day), rather than paper disposable ones - Avent do some, green baby certainly used to. A comfortable chair is a must as you'll be sitting still for many hours each day.

TinkerMaloo · 21/05/2012 17:23

a few good bras, maybe some lansinoh (but I didnt need it with DC1 who was a natural feeder, only DC2 as she wasnt good at latching and messed about a lot) and copious amounts of breastpads if you have a strong let-down like I do! Tommee Tippee ones are the best imho, they are more expensive than some but they absorb amazingly well! I did try washable ones but they were poop and I leaked through them instantly.

Feeding lying down is the best too! Sitting made my back ache like anything and if you dont have a toddler to look after (like I will this time) then you can sleep at the same time :)

I did have a breastpump etc but I found expressing a nightmare and only used it once or twice then decided to just stick to the draught!

Good luck with it and if you are finding it hard seek advice! Its not always easy and some babies are better at it than others as my 2 so far have demonstrated to me. It does get easier, stick those first few weeks out and you will be glad you did :)

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread