Breastfeeding essential’s are needed and it’s in! If you haven’t read my blog on the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom, click here.
To get the best out of your breastfeeding experience there are 3 breastfeeding essentials I recommend investing in.
Now granted, the labor and delivery unit do have items that can assist you with breastfeeding,
However, some things you will not be able to take home.
So, in this blog I point out 3 great things that help mothers prepare for a successful breastfeeding experience.
Learning how to breast feed can be difficult for some or even frustrating.
If there are a few things you can do to reduce any level of frustration, let’s work toward that.
3 Breastfeeding Essential’s Post Delivery
Breast Feeding Pillow
#1 My Breast-friend Nursing Pillow
This pillow is perfect for breastfeeding, it fully wraps around the mother’s waist and has an adjustable buckle that snaps in place for different waist sizes.
The back of the pillow is padded for moms back when they lean back in a chair or sitting down on the bed.
Consider how comfortable you want to feel when you get home on the sofa or sitting on the floor.
This is vital to assure you are not distracted by constant repositioning. Constant repositioning often breaks the latch and frustrates the baby.
Another great thing with this pillow is, the attachment. When I attach it to moms, they enjoy the closeness the baby feels.
No gap between mamma and baby, it positions baby at the right level with firmness on top of the pillow.
This pillow is hands free!
It doesn’t slip down or fall when moving, and has a cute pocket on the side for extra items.
Burping cloth, extra diapers, cell phone, and this can also be good for the dad’s to use.
I emphasize even more that this pillow is a great investment for those who underwent a c-section. It’s easy on your abdomen and attaches above the waist away from the c-section scar.
Goals for breastfeeding is to experience comfort and ease not the opposite. For moms whose baby is sent to the NICU, we use this pillow especially for them.
So many lines connected to the baby, can be overwhelming when attempting to breastfeed. Bring the my breast friend pillow, to facilitate with an easier experience.
You will not regret it!
Numerous times, I have seen mothers come in with their boppy pillow as a support for breastfeeding their baby. News Flash ladies NOT WORTH IT!
It is good for lying the baby on it like the picture of my cute niece, but this is not a pillow to place around you for breastfeeding support.
Boppy pillows are floppy, lol. Seriously though, it promotes bad posture with moms, it’s does not have a stern foundation for babies to lie in position for feeds and you spend majority of your time placing a pillow beneath the boppy pillow to get a good level of support.
This takes away the baby feeding time and at times get’s the baby frustrated with the latching on and off because of bad posture and positioning
When rounding to assist mothers on latching, they pull out their boppy pillow for positioning. I allow a moment to take place while they get in ready and then ask them how does their back feel, how is the baby position for them?
The frustration for some of them is the comfort and positioning. So, I offer the my breast friend pillow we have on the unit.
The my breast-friend gives moms support and comfort in breastfeeding, you can purchase this item on amazon here, or any local Target store.
#2 Breastfeeding Pump Essential’s
Now I will not get into the semantics of which breastfeeding pump is the best, but I will stress having one is essential while at the hospital for moms wanting to breast feed.
You may thinking, well if I’m breastfeeding why would i need a pump?
Breast Pumps are essential during your hospital stay because there may come a time when your baby is resting after a feed and you need to express the rest of your milk. Engorgement is a discomfort in a woman’s breast causing pain, swelling and tenderness.
Also, for working moms, the opportunity to learn how to pump will be while, you have access to nurses and or Lactation Consultant prior to going home, to work out any struggle you may face.
Medela, Ameda Mya, Elvie or Spectra are good breast pumps.
Most hospitals carry the Medela breast pumps for moms and your L&D or post-partum nurse can grab one for you. Most insurances will cover the Medela or the Spectra breast pumps.
Breast pumps can stimulate your breast milk let down; every woman is different with their milk supply, some milk let down is already leaking out, others may just be starting, and others are trying to get it started.
There maybe some circumstances if the baby is in the NICU and breastfeeding is not an option at the time, pumping is still an option for you, Then your infant can be bottle fed the colostrum when you visit your baby.
Take note! It is good to pump AFTER you breastfeed, for those that can. If you have a scheduled touched time with baby in the NICU breastfeed first if possible, then when you get back to your room pump the rest.
Any milk you pump can be saved if properly storage to feed your newborn.
#3 Breastfeeding Bra
Wonder Mom wireless lace bras, Kindred Bravely hands free nursing bra or sleep bras, and Cakye Maternity seamless bra which accommodate changing breast sizes.
If you’re looking for any supportive bra’s, these sites have been known to sell great breastfeeding bras.
Nursing Bra’s, a good one at that! Will help reduce straining your back, your breast will become full and heavy so its essential to invest in a good breastfeeding bra.
Make sure that you’re not purchasing bras that are too tight. Prevent plug ducts and mastitis by not wearing tight bras.
Wonder Mom bras are especially unique, not just from the support and lace fabric that mothers love, but the strong claps that it has.
It open from the inner corner of your bust! I love seeing these bras on mothers especially when the time comes for assisting in breastfeeding
Being in the hospital you are prone to interact with multiple staff. Post-delivery you can breastfeed your baby on demand.
Rather you are still in the labor and delivery unit or postpartum, having good breastfeeding essential’s; pillow (my breast friend), a breastfeeding pump that works best for you, and a good breastfeeding bra is helpful for not just you but easy access for baby.
What type of breastfeeding essential’s you’ve used and consider great for others mom? Comment below I’d like to know your thoughts!
All my opinions are my own, no sponsorship or affiliation is associated with this blog.
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