What You Really Need to Breastfeed Your Baby
This is a three part series covering the main methods parent will use to feed their babies: breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and pumping. Each has their own set of tools that you will want to consider having on hand before your baby arrives (or if you switch feeding methods) so you can jump right into feeding your baby with ease and comfort!
My general rule is that you probably need less than think you do and if there is anything you find you need after baby’s arrival, you can always order it directly to your doorstep, usually pretty quickly.
However, with that said, I think you should consider having these items already on hand before baby is born so you can use them from day one and get off to a great start!
Helpful Tools To Make Life Easier When Feeding Your New Baby
Make Breastfeeding Comfortable
A nursing pillow will be especially useful in the early days when you and your baby are getting the hang of positioning and baby is nursing often and for longer periods of time. You want to be comfortable and a nursing pillow will help you sit up more (as baby will be closer to the breast) which helps your back and shoulders and may help baby stay in a better position throughout the nursing session. These are my two favorites right now: the Brest Friend and the Infantino Elevate.
Nursing Products
Because in those first few weeks as your milk supply is balancing out, you may leak and nursing pads will save you some time on doing extra laundry.
Nipple cream and Silverette cups are both tools that can help you if your nipples are sore, chapped or otherwise in pain. Click here to learn more about Silverette cups and how they work (many moms have had great success).
One caveat though! These can help with healing and comfort but any nipple soreness or pain while breastfeeding should prompt a call to an IBCLC or lactation counselor to investigate the root cause of the pain so it doesn’t continue to get worse.
Nursing Clothes, Bras and Covers
These are optional but I suggest you invest in a nursing bra and a few nursing friendly shirts that make breastfeeding easier, especially if you are out and about with your baby. Many parents love the ease of nursing bras and shirts even if they are home because it makes it fast to get the baby on the breast in those early days when they may be breastfeeding quite often.
A nursing cover is definitely not required (breastfeeding is nothing to hide!) but it can help you feel comfortable and offers privacy when you need to nurse away from home.
Also Important To Your Success as a Breastfeeding Parent!
Lactation Support
I suggest all expecting parents research the name and contact info for at least a couple IBCLCs or lactation counselors. Then, when your baby is here and you have questions or concerns, you know right away who you can call to get help and support. You don’t want to be scrambling to find a lactation consultant when you are sleep deprived, recovering from childbirth and struggling with feeding your baby. You want to just look at the names and numbers you already have and go down your list until you get someone who can see you right away.
Lactation support groups are another wonderful resource when you are learning to breastfeed your baby. Many hospitals have drop in groups like the La Leche League where you can pop by with your baby and ask questions and chat with other parents at various stages of their breastfeeding journey. Do some research now (an IBCLC or postpartum doula can suggest local groups or ask in a parent Facebook group) so you know where to go if you want to attend a meeting.
Make Sure To Take Care of Yourself
You are producing milk to feed another human. You are recovering from pregnancy and childbirth. You probably are tired and worn out. So try to make plans now for how you will eat balanced and nourishing foods and drink lots of water all day long. While it is easy to get lost in the craziness of newborn life, if you don’t make your own nourishment and rest a priority, you will eventually crash. Don’t be afraid to ask for a snack and a glass of water then turn on your favorite show and relax while you feed your baby. You deserve it!
In my role as a postpartum doula, I support all parents in their chosen method for feeding their babies. Whether you are breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or pumping, a postpartum doula can offer information, resources and encouragement. Click here to learn more about how I can support you when your baby arrives!
Leah Schilling
NAPS, ICEA, CLE, MEd
Leah Schilling is a certified postpartum doula and childbirth educator. She teaches group and one-on-one childbirth, infant feeding, and postpartum preparation classes to expectant parents. As a postpartum doula, she provides in-home support and is a new parent support group facilitator in the Seattle area.