5 Items to help on your Breastfeeding Journey
Breastfeeding may be natural, but ironically it does not always come naturally. Many women can encounter breastfeeding challenges, particularly in the early weeks, and these can vary massively between women. Here is a summary of the top 5 best items for breastfeeding that I recommend to help you on your breastfeeding journey.
Muslin Squares
Muslin squares, and plenty of them. Largely because sometimes breast pads just aren’t enough and when you’re feeding baby it can get quite… well, messy. Especially if you have a fast let down reflex. They’re also great for mopping up any spills. A large muslin can also double up as a cover for when you feel more confident feeding in public. And also a swaddle. Large Muslims are LIFE 🙌🏼💯
A Water Bottle
Breastfeeding is thirsty work. As soon as baby latches on you will instantly feel parched. Have a straw type water bottle so you don’t have to screw it to have a drink, as you’ll be doing lots with one hand. It is always a good idea to grab your water bottle before you sit down to feed, or have one easily to hand ready for when you are feeding-trapped under baby. 90% of your breast milk is water, showing how important staying hydrated is. Most experts recommend at least 6-8 glasses a day.
Nipple Cream
Nipple cream is ONLY for a when your nipples are cracked but the majority of breast feeding mums have cracked nipples at some point. A good nipple cream can relieve pain and support the healing of sore, cracked nipples. Many women tell me they love Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream.
The Elvie Curve
The Elvie Curve is a wearable silicone breast pump that fits easily inside your bra and allows you to express milk when you let-down while you’re feeding or pumping from your other breast. It works by creating a suction and encouraging more let-down and catches it inside it ready for you to store and feed to baby later. These are honestly incredible and save so much time.
If you’d like to make a purchase from Elvie, then from Monday 25th April 2022 until Sunday 1st May at 11:59pm you can use the code “BUMPTOBABY” for 15% off. Click here to browse their products! The discount code is valid on the Elvie Pump Single, Elvie Pump Double, and Elvie Curve
Vest Tops
Vest tops mean that you don’t need to invest in too many maternity clothes as you can put your normal clothes over the top and lift your top up to feed baby whilst remaining covered. I wish I’d known about this sooner as it really is such a simple hack! And regular vest tops are so much cheaper than tops specifically designed for breastfeeding.
Other items for breastfeeding that I recommend;
-Breast pads. Especially in the early weeks and months when your supply is settling. Some women then find they don’t really need to use them after that, although some do for their entire breastfeeding journey. You can disposable ones or reusable.
-Ibuprofen & paracetamol for day 3 when your milk comes in. Taking a painkiller can help relieve some of the discomfort, and both of these are safe for breastfeeding mothers to take. Do check with your midwife if you are unsure. The Breastfeeding Network also has a great factsheet on breastfeeding and drugs you can access here.
-A supportive clip bra. Less fiddly for those moments when you’ve got a squirmy hungry baby to sort!
-All the snacks! As well as being thirsty work, breastfeeding is hungry work too! Having plenty of easy snacks to hand, like granola bars and nuts, can really help to give you that healthy energy boost in those early weeks and months.
-Ibuprofen & paracetamol for day 3 when your milk comes in. Taking a painkiller can help relieve some of the discomfort, and both of these are safe for breastfeeding mothers to take. Do check with your midwife if you are unsure. The Breastfeeding Network also has a great factsheet on breastfeeding and drugs you can access here.
-A supportive clip bra. Less fiddly for those moments when you’ve got a squirmy hungry baby to sort!
-All the snacks! As well as being thirsty work, breastfeeding is hungry work too! Having plenty of easy snacks to hand, like granola bars and nuts, can really help to give you that healthy energy boost in those early weeks and months.
Are there any additional items for breastfeeding that you would recommend? What are your must-haves?
Breastfeeding, especially in the early days, can leave you pinned to the sofa beneath a hungry baby. Your recovery from birth can often be overlooked as you focus on the needs of your new little one, but it is so important to look after you too! A breastfeeding basket filled with helpful items for breastfeeding can help to ensure that your needs as a new mum are met alongside your baby’s. Read this post on 7 things to put in a Breastfeeding Basket.
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