Planning to breastfeed, but what bottles and stuff do I need??

[mishkamoo]

Am planning to breastfeed, but know that it may not be poss. Have been looking at bottles and things, and am totally confused!! If I do breastfeed, how many bottles will I need. What's the deal with all the different teat/bottle combos? Will I definitely need a breastpump? Do you have to make sure that your breastpump and your bottles are the same make, or can you mix and match?? Can anyone recommend a good breast pump-what are the important features to look out for? Can anyone recommend a good cold water steriliser?? Also, is there any difference between makes of breast pads, or should I just go for the cheapest?? Not sure why, but this appears to be this weeks fixation/source of anxiety-any help gratefully recevied!!

If I do breastfeed, how many bottles will I need - none unless you express - you can always get them later. I panicked that DS might starve if I couldn't BF once he was born and didn't have bottles etc ready, but someone on MN reminded me that shops are open 24 hours and I didn't need them anyway. Saved loads of money, as only used a couple of Tommee Tippee ones when Dh giving DS expressed milk on sunday mornings (my lie in !)

What's the deal with all the different teat/bottle combos - there are loads, I used tommee tippee ones as they had good reviews and were likened to feel of the breast for DS. Have a look at some packets and they have little pictures of drops of milk to symbolise how much milk comes out, so for example one drop for new born and then 3 drops for older baby

Will I definitely need a breastpump? depends, I got the Avent Isis one as didn't really have any luck hand expressing. didn't buy this until DS was about 3/4 months old though

Do you have to make sure that your breastpump and your bottles are the same make, or can you mix and match??
You can mix and match - I had to express into the avent bottle as it attached to the pump i chose, but then just poured into the TT bottle - make sure you let every last precious drop pour in!

Can anyone recommend a good breast pump-what are the important features to look out for? - look at the reviews on here, I htink people just have their own preferences - Avent isis was good for me as didn't have to keep pumping, just switched it on and sat there!

Can anyone recommend a good cold water steriliser?? I used an Avent electronic one and it was v easy

Also, is there any difference between makes of breast pads, or should I just go for the cheapest?? I found lilypadz good when BF established, but used Johnsons first of all, the disposable, found reusable ones moved about too much. as others have said try a few brands first to see, so buy small amounts.

good luck with BF, there is a lot of excellent help on MN that I found invaluable especially in the first few months, and the NCT also have BF counsellors who you can speak to, and they will also come and visit you -I found this very helpful.

With all due respect ladies, i hear what you're saying but i feel there is nothing wrong with the choice of expressing when i feel it is nec. I have spoken to many friends who are first time mums and a lot of them agree or can at least see where i am coming from. If it is what i feel more confident in doing then i shall do it.

Thank you for your comments and suggestions, i have noted them.

Babylove, I don't think there is anything "wrong" with your decision either. I think people were posting suggestions as, I for one, don't think you appreciate how hard expressing is for some people. It would be ashame for you to stay inside or give up bfing because you felt uncomfortable about bfing in public when its so discreet. Perhaps you could find someone else who is bfing, or has bf in the past, to go out with?

And on the Avent Isis thing, I found it to be completely useless, much prefer my electric Ameda Lactaline.