August is World Breastfeeding Month. Breastfeeding is a special bonding time between a mother and her baby. It takes both time and commitment, but the rewards are very much worth it. In honor of Word Breastfeeding Month, we are sharing some of our favorite breastfeeding essentials.
Breast Pump
If you are returning to work, or if you need to leave your baby during one of your scheduled feeding times, you are going to want to pump some of your breast milk before you leave. Whether you are looking for a hospital grade breast pump, or one that can easily be brought on the go, there are many breast pumps on the market that will fit your needs.
Philips AVENT Comfort Double Electric Breast Pump
Available at Philips
$204.99
Medela Freestyle Breast Pump
Available at Toys R Us
$379.99
Hygeia Enjoye BReastpump
Available at Hygeia
$299.99
Nursing Cover
Breastfeeding is extremely convenient because you can do it anywhere and everywhere. If you are out and want to cover up while you are nursing your little one, there are covers specifically made for nursing moms so that you can discretely nurse your baby.
Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover
Available at BeBe Au Lait
$36.00
Boppy Nursing Cover
Available at Boppy
$25.00
Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are a definite must if you plan on breastfeeding, especially those first few weeks. Your breasts will leak when your milk lets down and you need something to absorb the milk so that it doesn’t go through your bra or shirt. You can choose from disposable pads that you can throw out after each use or washable pads that you can wash after each use.
Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads
Available at Target
$7.99
Medela Disposable Nursing Pads
Available at Toys R Us
$9.99
Bamboobies Washable Nursing Pads
Available at Bamboobies
$14.99
Nursing Tanks
Whether you are on-the-go or just lounging around the house, nursing tanks are great and convenient for nursing moms. These tanks provide easy access for nursing moms so that you can quickly access your breast to feed your baby. There are many options that include pull down tanks as well as clip tanks so there is bound to be an option that you are comfortable wearing.
Glamourmom Nursing Bra Long Tank
Available at Glamourmom
$49.00
Nursing Bras
Your nursing bra will become your best friend because you will be wearing it often. When your breasts leak, you want to have something that can hold and secure your breast pads. Nursing bras make for easy access for breastfeeding and can be worn under nearly any shirt.
Cake Lingerie Seamless Nursing Bra
Available at Cake Maternity
$55.00
Bravado Designs bodysilk seamless nursing bra
Available at Bravado Designs
$49.00
Nursing Pillows
You and your little one want to be as comfortable as possible during your nursing sessions, especially the ones in the middle of the night. A nursing pillow will comfortably prop your baby so that he can get in the correct nursing position and you can relax your arms.
Boppy Nursing Pillow
Available at Boppy
$40.00
My Breast Friend
Available at BuyBuyBaby
$44.99
Dr. Browns Gia Nursing Pillow
Available at Amazon
$20.59
Born Free Bliss Feeding Pillow
Available at Summer Infant
$14.99
Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow
Available at Ergobaby
$70.00
Nipple Cream
Let’s be honest, breastfeeding can take a toll on your breasts, especially those first few weeks. With all of the sucking and latching that your baby does, it can make your nipples raw. Thankfully there are several creams that will ease the pain and are safe for you and your baby.
Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter
Available at Earth Mama Angel Baby
$12.99
Lansinoh Lanolin
Available at Amazon
$10.99
If you are thinking about breastfeeding, here are 3 breastfeeding tips for new moms from Heather Kelly, a Board Certified Lactation Consultant in New York City.
1) Feed early (within 30 minutes of delivery) and often (do not limit the duration or length of breastfeeding sessions, particularly in the colostrum period, which is the first few days of the baby’s life). Frequent feeding will get important nutrients into the baby, keep him hydrated, and speed the arrival of your mature milk, which typically “comes in” on Day 3 or 4 post-partum.
2) Ask for help and be assertive! If you are not sure if things are going well, ask for the lactation consultant to stop in and see you. Although many hospitals have consultants on staff, they can be very busy and it can be difficult for them to stop in and see everyone, especially if you are not vocal about your need for help. So speak up, even if you have to remind the staff several times of your request.
3) Do not despair if the doctor or nurse recommends supplementation with formula! There is a misconception that introducing anything other than breastmilk is “the beginning of the end.” This is not true. Although I always encourage frequent breastfeeding in the early days and weeks of your baby’s life, there sometimes are circumstances that may prevent a baby from getting a full feeding at the breast every single time, right from the start. Jaundice, premature birth, general sleepiness…these are just a few examples of situations that could cause a baby not to get all that he needs right away. If the doctor recommends supplementation because of excessive weight loss or jaundice or some other reason, ask the nurse to show you how to supplement, and begin using a breastpump so that the supplement can be breastmilk and so that your milk supply does not become compromised. If you find that the baby regularly needs supplementation after feedings beyond the first few days of his life, I recommend contacting a Board Certified Lactation Consultant for help or attending a breastfeeding support group. www.ilca.org is a good resource for a consultant in your area, and your pediatrician may know resources for help, as well.
Photo via Flickr Use Aurimas Mikalauskas
{This post is in partnership with Glamourmom. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own.}