breastfeeding

optimistic-mummy

lilymay1 wrote: »

OP, You got your BFP 4 days before me and I can't believe you're thinking about breastfeeding already! I suppose planning ahead can't do any harm xx

Thanks lol no i like to stay as organised as possible. and i know the time will fly by at some point and ill panic because ill feel under prepared ... i was thinking about breastfeeding before we even started TTC now that was getting ahead of myself :rotfl: i cant believe i'm already 9 weeks ... its going past quicker than i thought it would :eek:

pesky85

optimistic-mummy wrote: »

hi everyone, hope i have posted in the correct place, i need some advice, i have not long found out i'm expecting baby #2 and i would like to exclusively breastfeed. i didn't breastfeed my first child so im kinda new to all this. but so i don't waste money i was wondering if you lovely breastfeeding moms could help me. what essentials do i need while breastfeeding. i was going to get a feeding pillow as i suffer with back problems, so being comfortable is a priority. other than that im not sure what is essentials ....so im in need of your help
many thanks xx

Muslins, breastpads, breastfeeding bras, lansinoh...

You can get nursing tops that give baby easy access but they are generally overpriced. I got a few stretchy strap tops from primark and wore them under a baggier top (baggy top lifts up, strap top goes down) which offer the same ease of use and modesty.

If you plan to express (which they don't recommend for a couple of weeks after birth) then invest in an electric pump such as the medela swing. I've tried manual vs electric and there is no comparison! You can get these second hand or even hire them. You can get milk storage sealable bags to freeze the milk, I found them quite useful.

Be prepared for a tough couple of weeks to begin with (although some get lucky!), if you can get through the first two weeks you will be sailing

Amara

Hello!
I didn't buy any of "essentials", but breast feeding went really good. Some Vaseline has been enough on sore nipples ( it settled once breastfeeding been established) , cotton pads in bra . Maternity bra! That is really one extra thing I used.

loracan1

unschooler wrote: »

Also, if you have help getting the latch right from the beginning it doesn't hurt at all. I got awful pain for a month or so the first time but by the time the second came along I knew how to avoid it and it was fine.

That particular myth didn't help with my first child. It can hurt, it can be absolutely crucifying, but it's over within seconds. And gets easier.

lazywife

LO is now 2 weeks old and he's getting good at the breastfeeding.
The 1st night was pretty grim though... be patient. He just about got a latch within the stated 6 hrs since delivery, so had a bit of a feed then, but then over night he wouldn't latch. I have to hand express (taking an hour to get 1.2ml in a syringe) for him to have a small amount twice in the night, but he was very mucousy (turned out he'd swallowed some the waters) so until he'd coughed that up, he had no interest in feeding.

Whilst you're pregnant, if you do start to leak a little, from your breasts start to try and encourage a little out (warm softs breasts eg out of the shower was when mine would produce a little). Don't try and get loads, but if you can from a droplet, then you've got an idea of how to express a little if nec on day 1.

Day 2 much better. Used lanisoh cream from the start and never had a problem with sore nipples. Also would definitely advise some muslins.... for the over flowing days!
Soft maternity bra (I've got Emma Jane from Boots) for 24hr usage (comfy to sleep in).
Everything else, just see how you go.
Good luck.
x

Sus1e

For me, a v shaped pillow is a must for feeding at night - makes it more comfortable to sit properly in bed for feeding.

I use the Avent nipple cream - it's cheaper than the lanosah cream and works just as well for me.

I use reusable pads during the day and the lanosah ones at night, but I also have some pieces of fleece which I use if I am leaking a lot ( happens when he drops a feed at night).

I use a Muslin when feeding to act as a partial cover and also as a burp cloth afterwards - buy lots of them, you need more than you think! I get through 3-4 a day but have a sicky baby

Pooky123

Agree with all the above. I'm bf ing my third - this morning after a lovely morning feed he was smacking his lips together!! Payback for all the times bf was hard. Lansinoh, a comfortable place to feed (bed or chair with good support) and decent bras are essential. I'm big breasted and forked out for under wired Emma Jane bras that were worth every penny. No saggy boobs and so much more comfortable. I'm proud of the fact I go out with a handbag rather than an enormous nappy bag filled with flasks etc. get support early on and you will be fine.