What do I need to buy - breastfeeding...

[LondonRoo]

Hi,

I am planning to breastfeed when baby comes (due date towards the end of Jan). I'm having a look on the black Friday sales on amazon and will keep an eye on all the offers coming up to Christmas. I'm wondering if I need to buy a breast pump at this stage?

Initially I will feed the baby on the breast but longer term DP would like to be able to do some feeds and I'm thinking this could be helpful for me too.

Should I get one? How do I pick one? Electric, manual, any particular brands to look out for or avoid? Is there anything else I need?

Feel so completely clueless!!!

Roo

It's completely your decision. I had an electric medela mini breast pump, I was grateful for it in the beginning. I didn't buy it though, it was given to me by my Aunty. I did get lots of lanisoh nipple cream which was a godsend in the first couple of weeks and ultra slim breast pads were better because I found the smaller chunkier ones scrunched up to nothing. I also liked the reusable breastpads :)

Lansinoh nipple cream and breast pads; night time nursing sleep bras / nighties (seraphine do lovely ones).

I had the medela swing pump which I used with my first, but haven't yet bothered with second - having to spend time pumping, then washing and sterilising all the parts is a real PITA, plus I found even if I did want a night off with the first I got so engorged and uncomfortable it really wasn't worth it!

I'd hold off buying lots of nice nursing bras and tops until you see if bf actually works out for you first. Jojo and H&M do nice ones.

I got some lovely nursing bras in the figleaves outlet section, got measured after my milk had settled. Cost eight pounds each instead of thirty

Lanisoh, breast costs , a bra or two and the womanly art of breastfeeding book :-)

Doh! Breast pads

I had a manual breast pump with DC1 and it was awful. Took forever to get any milk and was pumping for ages. With DC2 I have got a medela mini electric pump, much better! I only used it the first 2/3 weeks because I really overproduce until my supply settles. I don't use it now because feeding and pumping would just be too much for me. Breast pads you will need, and a couple of good maternity bras. I got a really comfy set of 2 from M and S. A bit more expensive but IME worth the money.

Some good breast feeling bras and tops.

You may find a hand pump better than electric, and you can hire hospital grade breast pumps worth looking into.

Milk storage bags for after pumping.

And finally I couldn't haven't survived without these www.philips-shop.co.uk/store/catalog/breast-feeding/breast-feeding/avent-breast-care-comfort-breast-shell-set/productdetail/SCF157_02_GB_SHOPPUB/GB/en/?&origin=%7Cmckv%7CsLDL8L3Q4_dm&pcrid=156261138200%7Cplid%7C

You don't know what your breastfeeding experience will be like, DD1 I had a tough time and ended up pretty much exclusively pumping, I bought a very expensive Medela freestyle pump and it was great. With DD2 it was a breeze and I could never be bothered expressing. Once I expressed with a manual pump just so DH could feed her but it was never worth it, she was so easy to feed!

So, what I suppose I'm saying is you don't know what kind of experience you'll have. Usually the hospital or midwife can lend you a pump if needed, I wouldn't spend lots.

Try and get to know what breastfeeding support, cafes etc are in your area and the best resource online I found was Dr Jack Newman, his videos of how to tell baby is getting enough are fantastic.

Lansinoh is worth it and some breast pads. And cake for all the extra calories you'll burn!

Good luck, it's a great experience breastfeeding I don't want to stop!

Thanks all! I'm thinking I should wait and see how the breastfeeding goes before making any major purchases. Thank you for the jack Newman recommendation strawberry leaf - just found him on YouTube and the videos are really helpful!

Other than what is suggested above, i find my breast feeding pillow invaluable, feeding really kills my back otherwise. You will also spend hours sitting feeding with only one hand free so it's worth thinking about stocking up on books / video subscriptions / other entertainment.

If money is a concern, please don't just buy lanisoh, it's really expensive at over £10 a tube and you might not need it. I'm allergic to the lanolin in it, so I bought a much cheaper Boots cream, but just didn't need it. I ended up using it on my legs!