Lets jump right into everything Breastfeeding
A Breastfeeding Course!
I wanted to start off with saying EDUCATE your self if you can! Especially if you are a first time mom wanting to have a successful experience! Breastfeeding is natural but it doesn’t mean it comes to everyone naturally unfortunately. I say this because I had the mind-set that it did. So don’t set your self up for failure and at the very least spend some time one YouTube to learn how, what, and why breastfeeding works!
Here are some helpful YouTube videos that I some time still refer too!
How to Hand Express for a Better Breastfeeding Journey
Breastfeeding Essentials for First Time Moms
Breastfeeding Tips | A Lactation Consultant
Breastfeeding/ Nursing Pillow
Now that we talked about education lets talk get in to the nitty gritty part of breastfeeding! One the firsts that I like to recommend to a breastfeeding mother is a nursing pillow! Now the the nursing pillow industry is pretty over-saturated with an abundance of options so I will direct you to the classic Boppy Nursing Pillow. When your in your first few months, your first few weeks especially, you are going to find that comfort is key. If mom is comfortable milk will flow just as it needs!
Here are a few other recommended nursing pillows:
Snuggle Me Organic | Feeding + Support Pillow
Hair-ties or Hair clips are a Must!
Something so simple but so helpful! Having hair-clips near by will help you from getting your hair pulled and prevent baby from getting hair getting wrapped around their fingers and toes!
Burp Cloths
Now this one I hesitated to put on this list because burp rags are just a given when preparing for a new baby but you may find that you will need them more than just for baby. A hack that I found helpful was to use reusable cloth diaper inserts as burp rags! They are extremely absorbent and do the job without question. For those moment that your nursing pads may not be doing the job the burp rag will surely work!
Reusable Breastfeeding Pads
Now, for when you are on the go and have to kind of consider how you look, reusable nursing pads will be your next essential! The key is to find some that will now become rough and uncomfortable. Nursing can make your nipples a wee bit sensitive in the beginning so it is best to invest is something durable and soft.
Haakaa!
You are probably thinking, ” What the heck is a Haakaa?!” Because that is what I thought when I became a first time mom! But let me tell you it will be your “Breast Friend”. A Haaka is a silicone manual pump that helps express milk after a let-down occurs. In the early weeks your will find you will be leaking ALOT and you don’t want to let that liquid gold go to waste! So when you are nursing on one side use the Haakaa on the opposite to collect and help stimulate your milk production!
Large Blanket or Nursing Cover
Now this one is totally optional. You may find you don’t like to covered up or vise versa. Either way the key is to have a multi-purpose use for those on-the-go moment! I prefer a LARGE blanket that way you can use it for everything like: overing the carseat, swaddling, or even cleaning up spit up.
Another option is a 5-in-1 cover! Its just like a large blanket but a round piece of fabric! I also use these and love them for summer days when the last thing I want to do is deal with keeping kids and things organized!
Gotta Stay Hydrated!
Postpartum or not you need water but even more so when you are breastfeeding! You may find you have not only more cravings after you give birth but are EXTREMELY thirsty! The larger the water bottle the better!
The Little Milk Bar ‘Milk Maker’ Water Bottle is a fun option!
This water bottle is a more affordable option and does the job while breastfeeding!
Support. And I am not just talking about bras…
Find your people! Find your people and share your goals with them. Your husband being your first to go to! Breastfeeding is not easy especially since all the responsibly solely revolves around you. So finding your people is key to helping your transition into motherhood and your growing family!
FREE Postpartum Support Guide Ebook for Support Partners
Patiences
And Last but most definitely NOT least is grace. Give your self lots of grace during this journey. Things may be hard but with more practice I promise the grass really is greener on the other side.
If you want to get Fancy with Breastfeeding…
Breastfeeding Stool
Now you don’t needed a stool but is is very handy especially if you underwent a C- Section or even struggle with anytime of postpartum pain. Comfort is key to promoting a successful breastfeeding experience!
Comfortable Rocking Chair
With comfort being key a rocking chair is nice but not always needed. I only say that because with nursing both of my girls I found I really enjoyed laying down and nursing, when I had a chance.
Waterproof Sheet/ Protector
And lastly waterproof sheets! In the early days of nursing I found I would leak so much when I was sleeping that I was slowly ruining our mattress. If for some reason you can’t get your hands on waterproof sheets right away puppy pads also do the trick as well!
Congratulations on your growing family! Each moment goes by fast and being prepared is the ket to enjoying the little things in life!
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Also Check out…
- What Kitchen Essentials do I need?
- Essentials for Breastfeeding | A List of Must haves & What you Need to Know
- How do I Teach my Child to be gentle with Animals?
- How to Make at Home Date Nights Fun
- Exclusively Pumping- What you need to know & Must Haves
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