Breastfeeding Essentials for New Moms
Breastfeeding Essentials for New Moms - Your checklist Guide
Becoming a mom for the first time can be overwhelming, not to mention breastfeeding your little ones in the first few weeks can be quite hard and frustrating. Breastfeeding is a natural experience, but for some moms and babies it doesn’t come as naturally as you might think so try not to pressure yourself into breastfeeding the “perfect” or “right” way. As you and your baby become more connected, you’ll also get more comfortable with the process, making nursing easier. We put out this breastfeeding checklist guide for you in the hopes that it will make the transition a little bit easier for you.
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That said, the baby market is full of useful items designed to make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for new moms. Navigating the nursing products, supplies, and accessories available can be confusing, so we’ve compiled the top items every new mom should have for breastfeeding
Here are some Things You’ll Need to consider preparing in advance for Breastfeeding:
1. Nursing cover or poncho
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – breastfeeding is natural and beautiful! We believe moms should always feel comfortable doing something as natural as nursing, no matter where they are. However, there may come a time where a nursing cover may come in handy – whether you’re out enjoying a sunny day at the park, a delicious meal at your favourite restaurant, or on an airplane on the way to a warm destination. While we believe all moms should feel comfortable breastfeeding in public, sometimes you just want a little privacy – and that’s more than okay! If you’re a mom on the go, a nursing cover is a must-have.
2. Breastfeeding pillow
Words can’t describe the importance of a good nursing pillow while you’re learning to breastfeed! A comfortable, supportive breastfeeding pillow will support your little one by lifting them up closer to your breast. This helps encourage a good latch. A good nursing pillow can also make breastfeeding more comfortable for you by reducing the strain on your neck, back, arms, and shoulders.
3. A good (and cute!) nursing bra
In the first few weeks of giving birth, your breasts will feel quite full and heavy. Investing in a good nursing bra will help you feel more supported and comfortable by relieving strain on your shoulders and back. The best part about nursing bras is the convenience – they have “removable” cups that can be unhooked for easier access to your breasts when baby gets hungry. After giving birth, many women unfortunately feel unhappy with their bodies. Purchasing a cute nursing bra can help you feel a little more like yourself.
4. Nursing Pads
Nursing pads, or breast pads, are absorbent circular pads that you can place inside your bra to soak up any leakage. During the first few months of breastfeeding, leaking is very common; however, over time, most women will start to leak less or stop leaking altogether. That said, some moms have an overabundant milk supply that may cause them to leak for their entire breastfeeding experience. Unfortunately, leaks can stain your clothing and bras, which makes purchasing a couple nursing pads worthwhile.
5. Breastfeeding Clothes
Nowadays there are many clothing lines designed just for pregnant and/or nursing moms. Breastfeeding clothes are designed for easy access so that you don’t have to remove or pull up your clothing when it’s time to feed. These tops, blouses, and dresses have flaps or slits in the front, in a similar fashion to nursing bras.
6. Nipple cream
Nipple cream is a key, especially in the first weeks, your nipples may get sore from all that sucking, especially if your baby has trouble latching early on. Make sure to get one that will heal sore, chapped nipples such as purified medical grade lanolin or an all-natural organic herbal product that is safe for nursing mothers, may be useful to moisturize, soothe, and heal your dry, cracked.
7. Breast Pump
This tool will quickly become your best friend in this new adventure. Breast pump can be used for both the end and beginning of breastfeeding. In the beginning, you can get engorged while your body tries to adjust to how often and how much your baby eats. A breast pump can really help alleviate the pain and discomfort that comes along with that. And towards the end when you are trying to wean (or having to) your baby, you will want to use a breast pump again, so you aren’t getting super engorged
Really, a breast pump is for your comfort and while it can also help your baby learn to drink breast milk from a bottle, it is mostly for you.
