Hoping to Breastfeed - what should I buy as backup?

[CoffeeMonkey]

Hi All,

I’m a FTM, currently 31 wks & just trying to get the last bits & pieces sorted!

I’m hoping to breastfeed but am fully aware this may not work out, has anyone got any tips on what I should buy as back up initially in case we make the switch to formula feeding or combination feeding?

So far we have a 6 pack of instant ready made bottles, 1 box of formula & a small set of 4 bottles with teats, thinking of also getting some reusable microwave steriliser bags.

Thinking with this at least baby won’t starve & we can order next day delivery or my husband can do a quick Asda dash if we are stuck for anything, but does anyone have any useful tips for anything we haven’t thought of or may be useful for us?

Thanks so much!

Get a Milton steriliser starter pack and some fluid or tablets for it. Great for sterilising loads of different thing rather than just bottles or dummies.

Bottles and formula you have in already will do initially. Move on to the powdered stuff pretty quickly as it's much cheaper if you ff in the long run.

The things you have for actual feeding sound fine really because as you say you can pop and get other stuff if you do need it or there's next day delivery. The thing that saved me when I breast fed was Lansinoh, I'm not sure I could've carried on BF without it!

You really don’t need much of anything for backup. If it makes you feel better, one bottle of ready made and one bottle will do.

If you are worried I would invest in a good breast pump so you can pump after feedings to increase supply.

If you are hoping to breastfeed, rather than spend lots on "backup" you may never need, it's far more important to spend a bit of time reading about what to expect in the early days of feeding, common problems and how to troubleshoot etc, and finding contact details for local support groups to help if needed. La Leche League and Kellymom have some good resources, and some of your local groups may be meeting online even if not in person. Most bits of kit can be got on Amazon prime or from a 24 hr supermarket (assuming you're not somewhere super-remote) but a bit of advance knowledge is priceless!

Do you have a breast pump? Just in case you end up wanting breastfeed but feed from a bottle occasionally so you can have someone else do the night wakes.

Manage your own expectations on BF.

I couldn't BF DC1 as she had meconium fluid & struggled to feed on her back, I expressed and fed her, but I was gutted and guilt made me so sad.

DC2 I BF for 4mth, then some solids and BF. Night BF past a year.

Honestly, I felt some discomfort feeding DC2 even after months, I was tired as no help. I'd have BF a third DC if I'd had one, but bottle feeding is fine too. If it works great, but you'll be the same mum however you feed.

Really I would tell you not to buy anything. 24hour supermarkets are a thing that you can send DH to of required.

You're much less likely to "give up" on a spur of the moment at 4am if it's inconvenient.

Breastfeeding can be very hard (I'm currently ebf number 3)

Everything is available instantly so you already have plenty! My main advice would be to be mentally prepared for the cluster feeding night 2. It's just baby telling your body to make the milk! Get in a comfy position as best as possible you've got this!

Also second lansinoh. Get plenty and apply liberally before and after feeding! It's amazing stuff. And breast pads!

Also the absolute best thing you can have on hand is the number to a lactation specialist. Having that phone number at the ready when we were sleep deprived and frustrated was key.