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Hey mama! You’re wondering what you actually NEED for breastfeeding aren’t you? Don’ worry I was in EXACTLY the same boat 3 and a half years ago. Unfortunately, my breastfeeding journey didn’t really get off the ground with my son. Personally, I think this was because I wasn’t equipped with the breastfeeding essentials I now know I needed.
I breastfed my daughter for 8 months and without any of these breastfeeding essentials, I honestly don’t think I would have lasted s long as I did. I found that they just eliminated some of the stress from everyday life, and made breastfeeding really easy!
Breastfeeding is not an easy option, although many people think that it is. No, your not constantly boiling kettles and sterilising bottles. You are, however, a living and walking milk machine, and if your lucky your nipples don’t crack and your baby doesn’t want to feed every hour!
See what I mean? breastfeeding is definitely not the easy option, but if you want to breastfeed and want it to be successful, then I really recommend buying some of these breastfeeding essentials. They will aid your breastfeeding journey, help to give you a little bit of freedom as well as keep you comfy!
Your 10 Breastfeeding Essentials
Breastfeeding bra’s
This is obviously a very important part of breastfeeding, you need bras with easy access!! I looked in quite a few shops when I was pregnant so that I buy some and do you know what? I found 2 places that I could buy them, and they were far from pretty. That’s why I really recommend ASOS.com. They have so many different options and the prices aren’t bad either. The only thing I will recommend is that you order a few sizes to make sure that they fit you properly.
Breastfeeding tops, jumpers and dresses
The same as breastfeeding bras, some breastfeeding clothes wouldn’t go amiss either. I wish that I had bought more than just a few tops because I found myself just wearing a vest top and a button-down shirt a lot. Button downs get old after a while, and I know that I was craving to be able to wear something pretty and different. ASOS will be your new best friend for stylish and affordable maternity and breastfeeding clothing for a while.
Sleep bra
You might think that you don’t need a specific sleep bra, or that you could just wear one of your breastfeeding bras. I mean, you can, if you really want to, but this sleep bra is hands down the comfiest thing I have ever worn! It is so easy to breastfeed in as well because it just has an overlap, which means no clips! Yay!
Breastpads
When I first started breastfeeding I was using disposable breastpads. I couldn’t believe how quickly I was getting through them, how much they were costing me, and then how much they were contributing to my weekly rubbish! I then switched to reusable breastpads, and it was so amazing to not have bins full of them every week, and save myself a bit of money as well.
Related: 12 Breastfeeding Tips for Success.
No harm nipple balm
In my first pregnancy, I stocked up on nipple cream in preparation for breastfeeding. I was shocked at how thick and gloopy the stuff was. It was almost impossible to actually spread it on my nipple (which was cracked and VERY sore). Second time around I went with a brand that was created by midwives. They know exactly what we need and I was no disappointed. This balm was thin enough to spread evenly on your sore nips and because it had a pump, it meant that I could do this one-handed while holding a sleepy baby. Don’t be fooled by the small size either, you need so little of this stuff that it will last you a long time.
Breastfeeding pillow
Awww, my two little babes!! They actually both love the breastfeeding pillow. It means big brother can have cuddles with his little sister safely as well as give my arms and back a break when breastfeeding. Now my littlest is older she loves to lay in it as well. Feeding, cuddles, sleeping, tummy time and to help learn to sit up. Definitely worth spending the money on as you get so many different uses out of it.
Check out these 10 essential breastfeeding essentials to be successful at breastfeeding. #breastfeeding #newmum #firsttimemum Click To Tweet
Breast pump
A breast pump is a big buy. They aren’t cheap, but they are of different qualities. The first-ever breast pump I bought was a Philips Avent one, and within 8 weeks, it was broken. This time around I did my research and went for quality over price. Medela is a brand that doesn’t let you down. It’s a powerful pump that has the letdown feature, that mimics your baby’s suck when they are first feeding. It also has a memory function that you can set. Going for a double pump means you save time each pumping session as well.
Why might you need a breast pump if your breastfeeding? well, you can’t be with your baby all the time. You might want to go out with friends or go away for the weekend. A breast pump makes that possible so that your little one can still have your milk, even though you aren’t around. It’s also great for when you start weaning because you can use your milk when pureeing their food.
Pumping bra
Of course, if you are going to have a double breast pump, you need a pumping bra. This makes it COMPLETELY hands-free. This means you can still be on hand in case your little one needs you, do the washing up or even start preparing dinner. I know I couldn’t of double pumped without a pumping bra with a toddler and a baby at home. The bra is super simple to wear and put on with a zip at the front and fits snuggly so it doesn’t slip down.
Related: 20 Newborn Tips First Time Parents.
Breastfeeding cover
Now, a breastfeeding cover isn’t always essential, but it could help you feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public to know that you are covered up. I used a muslin most of the time but got to the point where my little one would pull it off, which kind of defeated the point. The lovely thing about these breastfeeding covers is that they are boned at the top, this means you can see and make eye contact with your baby while feeding which is important and lovely to do.
Breastmilk storage bags
Now, you’ve pumped all this milk in preparation for when your away from your little one. Breastmilk storage bags are breastfeeding essentials if you are going to store milk. They are more practical because you can freeze them flat which saves on space and they don’t use up all your bottles either.
There you have it! my 10 amazing breastfeeding essentials! Let me know what ones you are going to make sure you have for breastfeeding your little one?
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