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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Preparing for breastfeeding...what do I need?

69 replies

dozyjosie44 · 08/03/2022 22:19

I'm due in a few weeks and I'm hoping to bf. I haven't bought any feeding equipment yet. No bottles, steriliser, breast pump, nothing. I guess I wanted to see how I got on with breastfeeding before spending lots of money on things I may or may not use.

But as time goes on I'm feeling a bit under prepared. If you bf did you buy anything in advance or can it all wait until your feeding preference becomes clearer?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Tasiadgohiontacharfad · 08/03/2022 23:16

Others have said about all the brilliant things you might need. They are all great.
I just want to mention positioning. Bring your baby to you, to your breast. Put as many pillows and cushions on your lap as you need to to bring his/her head in line with your breast.
Secondly, turn your baby's body towards you. If she/he is on her back and her head is turned towards the breast, she will pull on the nipple which will hurt. Babies noses are upturned so that they can breathe even when they have a mouthful of nipple and aureole. You want baby's whole body turned into you.
Lastly, perseverance and best of luck! ☘

doyouwantachuffedybadge · 08/03/2022 23:21

Seriously, what is a lactation consultant? Googling only leads to NHS recommending midwives and health visitors.

doyouwantachuffedybadge · 08/03/2022 23:25

@Tasiadgohiontacharfad

Others have said about all the brilliant things you might need. They are all great. I just want to mention positioning. Bring your baby to you, to your breast. Put as many pillows and cushions on your lap as you need to to bring his/her head in line with your breast. Secondly, turn your baby's body towards you. If she/he is on her back and her head is turned towards the breast, she will pull on the nipple which will hurt. Babies noses are upturned so that they can breathe even when they have a mouthful of nipple and aureole. You want baby's whole body turned into you. Lastly, perseverance and best of luck! ☘

In addition I'd recommend making sure that your child has been assessed for any issues that could affect breastfeeding as I couldn't and it turned out years later that there were problems with not only stress, and abuse that affected my breast milk supply (and I asked for that to be tested and I was laughed at) but also biological issues that were present when my child was in my womb but weren't discovered until they were several years older and definitely affected breastfeeding.

scarvesandsocks · 08/03/2022 23:36

Yes I agree with many PPs that you will really feel the benefit of doing research into breast feeding now- rather than once the baby has arrived. Someone recommended an online course which sounded great- and there are books to read.

A lactation consultant is a very highly qualified practitioner who can help with breastfeeding- not official term, but I have found them to be amazing - complete lifesavers- literally for you and your baby.

I'd even receive getting in touch with a local one ahead of time to ask what you have asked here: I'm planning to breastfeed- how can I prepare for that now?

I've had two friends who took time to research and 'learn' breastfeeding ahead of time and their experience was so positive compared to countless friends who wanted to breastfeed but were hit by issues at the time, no support, knowledge and no idea where to turn in the heat of the moment and who struggled and ultimately couldn't continue. It makes me so sad because they feel bad about themselves/ but really they should feel angry that there is no real support for you at the time.

Taking time to learn a bit about it and reach out to those who can support you will really be worthwhile.

Best of luck with it all.

BlueGreyApple · 08/03/2022 23:51

You really don't need anything (unless you run into issues and then there are shops) I think there's a lot of marketing designed to make you think you need stuff for babies. I felt a lot of pressure and ended up with unnecessary stuff.

I'd prioritise buying comfy clothes with easy access to breasts, snacks which can be eaten one handed and water bottle...as well as research as mentioned above.

Nipple shields can be useful but only if you run into problems. They can also cause issues with feeding so best only to get if needed with advice from lactation consultant.

I didn't find nipple cream needed.

If you get engorged like a previous poster suggesting hand expressing can be effective.

thingymaboob · 09/03/2022 00:31

I'm breastfeeding for the second time. The first time I bought an expensive electric pump and bottles etc but I couldn't pump a thing and it wasn't what I wanted to do anyway. I bought a medela manual pump last time too to help with fast let down and I found it useful when I had mastitis to relieve pain and pressure so got that in reserve this time in case I need it. This time I've got loads more stretchy non wired nursing bras and I've bought lots of "b-shirts" as I think they're the best breastfeeding t shirts as they fit under normal clothes and I wear them to bed, I have 5.

DappledThings · 09/03/2022 08:18

@doyouwantachuffedybadge

Seriously, what is a lactation consultant? Googling only leads to NHS recommending midwives and health visitors.

It's someone who is an expert in lactation and you can consult. Fairly self-explanatory really. It's a private service and any women find that their HV and midwives in hospital aren't enough help if it doesn't go well at the beginning.

I was really lucky and with DC1 was in a hospital which had a whole bank of breastfeeding supporters. DS was very sleepy with low glucose and reluctant to latch. I saw 4 different women who helped find the best position for us and after a shaky first 2 days we were flying.

I have other friends who didn't have that NHS support and had to find private a private expert to help them get breastfeeding established.

annlee3817 · 09/03/2022 09:17

Fenugreek tea is a good standby to have, meant to help with supply, knowing your support network is key too, so either local breastfeeding support like La Leche league, or groups you can attend. Intact details for hospital grade breast pump hire If ever needed. The Kellymom website is great for all breastfeeding questions too :)

annlee3817 · 09/03/2022 09:18

Contact details not 'intact'

pinksquash13 · 09/03/2022 10:52

Breastfeeding pillow. Hakka. Nipple cream (purple one). Breast pads. Feeding Bras. LOADS of Muslins. I was a 3 a day girl and they got MILKY.

shoopashoop · 09/03/2022 11:10

Lansinoh and reusable breast pads. Feeding pillow helps especially if you have a c section.

I had the medela hand expressing pump as I get very painfully engorged on day 3, before I opted to buy the much more expensive electric pump later on (which ended up being useless anyway, as dd never took to bottles). But basically I agree with not buying everything straight away and see how it goes.

As a side note - cabbage leaves worked wonders for the engorgement! Sounds weird I know. But maybe pick one of those up on your shop

ancientgran · 09/03/2022 11:11

@Ineedastyleicon

Breasts.

Sorry, couldn't resist!

Exactly right.

YesILikeItToo · 09/03/2022 11:14

From my own experience, I would suggest that you do research now on what you would want for a pump, steriliser etc. I needed them urgently in the first week or so to help establish breastfeeding, and it’s not really a great time to be working out how to source the best equipment.

thedot · 09/03/2022 11:15

Lanolin cream
Breastpads
Soft nursing bras
Stretchy vest tops
Large non-spill water bottle

And definitely think of doing a pre-natal breastfeeding course.

Trinacham · 09/03/2022 11:15

I've been exclusively BF for nearly 7 weeks with my first baby.
All you need is:
Lanolin cream (nipples will be sore for the first couple of weeks!)
Nursing bras and tops
A breastfeeding scarf for when you're out and about in a few weeks
A cushion (I use my pregnancy pillow when we're in bed)

Trinacham · 09/03/2022 11:16

Oh yes! Breastpads.. for the leaks!
I did also join a virtual breastfeeding class, which was helpful.

Trinacham · 09/03/2022 11:20

I got given a manual pump and did get a few bottles in case they were needed. We haven't needed them but I have expressed a bit and offered a bottle (mainly so DH could have some bonding time.. and for when I need to go to a personal appointment) but he doesn't seem keen on drinking from a bottle- so I wouldn't buy an expensive pump yet if I were you.

MrsAvocet · 09/03/2022 11:21

Knowledge and support primarily, a couple of bras and some breast pads.
See if there is a support group near you and if so, whether you can go aling before baby is born. You might have no difficulties of course, but its still a good way to meet new friends, and if you do have any issues it is easier to reach out to people you've already met. The phonelines are great, but in my opinion nothing beats face to face support.

ka147 · 09/03/2022 11:23

I used reusable pads, didn't like the feel of the disposable ones. Only leaked with my first baby. It came quite easily to me and I didn't need creams or shields.
Got a haakaa for my 2nd baby but couldn't really be bothered. Took a year maternity then just moved the baby onto cows milk.
I didn't need muslins.
Anything you need can be bought very easily the next day or Amazon prime so I wouldn't buy unless you're sure, have wasted so much money on perfect prep etc

MrsBellamy · 09/03/2022 11:23

Lansinoh cream (expensive but lasts for ages and works wonders on cracked nips)

One of those round pillows that goes around your body to rest baby on while feeding (well worth it and will likely be used for loads of other purposes after feeding is done)

Breast pads, nursing bras and strappy vest tops to wear under your actual top, so that you don't feel self conscious about flashing belly when pulling outer top up.
I was not fazed at all by having a boob out in public but hated the thought of people seeing my tummy.

AlwaysaLittleBitTired · 09/03/2022 11:24

Pads, lots of them.
Muslin cloths.
Digestive biscuits (or healthy snack if you prefer ).
Comfy sofa - you'll be there a lot!

I had what the La Leche League (at the time) called 'enthusiastic breasts' ! I only had to think about feeding and I soaked through my clothes, so I went through boxes and boxes of these. I liked the Tommee Tippee ones best. Washable pads didn't hold enough for me. My babies fed a lot. Muslins also were great to prevent me taking out the eyes of the nearest people with a high speed jet of milk, as soon as I opened my bra.
Eventually I then bought a pump and milk storage bags, as I used the expressed milk to mix with cereals/rusk once the children were on some solid food as well. Neither of mine would take a bottle whilst bf, so only bother with those if you really want to mix feed. Mine both went straight onto sippy cups when they were ready (6m+ but I forget exactly when).
Double layer clothing was good. Vest top to pull down (to keep tummy covered), and loose top over to pull up.
I would also echo what others have said about bra size. I went from my usual B cup to a DD whilst bf.

Exciting times! Good luck!

Daisy4569 · 09/03/2022 11:25

Completely up to you but I got a tub of formula to put in the cupboard. I never opened it and have been exclusively bf for over a year but mentally helped me to know if I ran into issues it was there so I didn’t feel pressured.
Practically nipple cream and breast pads is all I used in the first weeks (also some syringes to hand express as my lo needed them in the early days but the hospital will provide them if needed)

tealandteal · 09/03/2022 11:25

I would agree that you don’t need to get a pump until you see how you get on, things can be delivered so quickly now. You have said you have pads and nipple cream, a couple of stretchy bras are good as you will wash them frequently if they get milky. A breastfeeding pillow was helpful for me to get the right position. It’s worth taking some time to consider where you will feed at night, make sure there is somewhere comfy to sit. A water bottle that won’t spill if it falls over is a good idea as well!

doadeer · 09/03/2022 11:27

There's very little you can't get amazon next day on or send partner out to get.

You just need a comfy bra, pads and nipple cream. I mainly lived in vest tops, nothing fancy.

Everything else you just pick up over time if you need it.

I didn't snack loads and I already drink tons of water but I did need nipple Shields as I have very flat nipples but this wasn't an issue for anyone else I know.

Trinacham · 09/03/2022 11:32

I know people have said not to bother but my sister planned to breastfeed but found she couldn't. She advised me to get bottles and formula just in case, as they were in a panic when baby was hungry and wouldn't latch, and had nothing on standby to use instead!

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