First time mum, please help!!

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Hello, I am a first time mum and almost into the third trimester.. we have planned to start shopping for baby stuff and we are so clueless regarding what to buy.. please help 🥺

1. I am planning to exclusively breastfeed my baby, but still very anxious if sufficient milk would come in, atleast in the beginning. Can anyone please help what equipment we may need in case I have to opt for combination feeding or bottle feeding ? There are so many brands and types of products out there , my head spins just by looking at them 😧

1. As my daughter would be a winter baby, what type of clothes would be required for layering? I have got basic layers like sleepsuits, vests, t shirts and trousers already. But unsure about the next layers. I don't think we will be taking out the baby anywhere in the first 3 months ( except for the hospital visits)

Sorry for the long post but I would greatly appreciate if someone helps me out regarding these.. thank you xx

If you’re planning on breast feeding I would just get some of These individual bottles just in case. They’re expensive but no sterilising or equipment required - just open and feed.

If you do end up bottle feeding properly then I’d buy a cheap steam steriliser (they’re all the same) and MAM bottles.

For clothes, I’d get a couple of warm jackets like This for the pram. The bottom half can be covered with a warm blanket.

Congratulations OP!

I wouldn’t bother buying bottles just yet (though you’ll probably want a steriliser), but you can get some pre-made bottles like this that you could pop in your hospital bag as a back up (I chose to combination feed and found them so useful in the middle of the night!).

If you do choose to bottle/combination feed, I really liked MAM bottles. But don’t buy too many at once. Some babies require a bit of trial and error when it comes to what bottles they like.

For clothes, you sound pretty sorted. I’d maybe buy a couple of cosy snow suits (even if you don’t plan on going far, getting out for a walk can be a real boost for your mental health).

Oh and if you are still buying baby grows, look for some with zips instead of poppers… they are much easier to take on and off in the middle of the night 😁.

Good luck with your lovely new baby 💐

My dd was a November baby and snowsuit was great, made it easy to take her out. I found a walk round the block at least was essential or I got cabin fever.

Have a read of baby led breastfeeding book. Basically bf is supply and demand so the key thing is to give your baby unlimited time at the breast so that your boobs react to that demand. It's extremely rare for a woman not to be able to produce enough milk if their baby is latching properly and feeding enough but getting those things right is key and it is a bit of a skill!

Why won't you be taking the baby out anywhere for 3 months?

@Yoyooo it's basically a religious- cultural thing. I am not a native of this country, moved here a few years ago. My mum will be coming over to help out but in our culture, we aren't allowed to go out for first few months..

I'd recommend the Milton sterilising bucket. It's cheap and worked great for toys, teething accessories etc even if you don't use it for bottles.

@SalviaOfficinalis @Waitingfordecember @wonderstuff thank you so much xx

I would not plan to combi feed in case your milk doesn't come in because as soon as you do that you will actually reduce your milk production and then it will become a cycle where you need to bottle feed more and your supply diminishes.

It will seem like your baby isn't taking much milk at first and this could cause you to worry about your supply when they will be getting all they need if you let them feed from the breast unrestricted and build up your supply.

@bravelittletiger that's a great suggestion, I will have a read.. Thank you 😊

Spend your time doing every breastfeeding course, watch tutorials, follow lactation consultants on Instagram. That’s how you’ll set yourself up for success with breastfeeding, not by buying bottles (unless you really want to!)

@WhiskersPete this is true, totally agree with it.. but it's just my anxious mind that wants to be ready for every possible scenario! Having zero experience doesn't help much with that anxiety 😂

I personally felt much more relaxed breastfeeding knowing that I had some little bottles just in case.

@Auntiealie thanks for the suggestion xx No I don't plan on buying things which aren't necessary but there are certain things like maternal physiology which I have no control over..I feel better when I am prepared rather than panicking at the last minute

Totally agree!