Breastfeeding Gear – Suck It Up!

Mommylicious

It all starts with the question at your OB/GYN’s – Are you going to breastfeed? As you circle around ‘Yes’, little do you know what a special journey you will embark on with your little one.

Having exclusively breastfed my son for 6 months (and still going strong at 14 months) , all I can say is breastfeeding is the most fulfilling aspect of motherhood. It is hassle-free, easy and economic. But if you are a first-time mom, you need to gear up for it.

Must-Have Breastfeeding Gear:

A few things to invest in to make breastfeeding more enjoyable:

·        Breastfeeding Attire:

If there is one thing that will make nursing easy, it is your clothes. The pre-pregnancy bras will not fit anymore. So quit purchasing all those Victoria Secret bras when you get pregnant. A regular bra will only cause more pain to your engorged breasts. Having nursing bras, nursing tanks and a few button-down shirts will give you one less thing to stress about while tending to a hungry baby. I lived in nursing tanks for the first one year after my son was born. It is comfortable, easy to unclasp and all tired nipples need. 

 

·        Nursing Pillow:

Breastfeeding can be back-breaking too (as if pregnancy was not enough!). Getting a nursing pillow will ensure you do not strain your back while breastfeeding every few hours. Not only will you be comfortable, but so will your baby. With a nursing pillow, it is just so much easier to give support to your arms and the baby. I loved the Boppy Pillow as it can be used for propping up the baby by the second month and helping the baby sit later on. 

·        Nursing Pads:

Truth be told, breastmilk will leak and stain your clothes. When my baby would feed on one side, my other side would leak all the time. For 11 months, I could not stay a day without nursing pads. I had extras stuffed into the diaper bag and my purse just so I am not caught with milk stained clothes. Nursing pads will keep you dry and save your pretty dress. They come in a few varieties but my nursing pad of choice is the disposable one with adhesives. 

·        Nursing Cover:

When your newborn needs to be fed, it needs to be fed. If you are anything like me and are not comfortable with breastfeeding in public, a nursing cover is the answer. Nursing covers come in a wide array of colors and patterns, and they are breathable. The one I used by Boppy had a way of marking the side I fed my baby. It also prevents the baby from getting distracted when you are trying to feed him in a mall (or aquarium, like me). This one by Boppy folds into a little pouch and is so easy to carry around. 

  

·        Nipple Cream:

It is the only solution to cracked and sore nipples. As harsh as it sounds, as a new mom you will experience sore nipples (and maybe cracked too, in some cases); what with feeding the baby every 3 hours for months. Nipple creams will soothe and heal sore nipples. Some nipple creams are harmless if consumed by the baby at the time of breastfeeding. So, lap it up. I loved Lansinoh as it does not have scent or color and is completely safe for the baby. 

While most people will say how breastfeeding saves you a ton of money, it needs some investment. Breastfeeding is good not just for the baby but also for the mom. If you can breastfeed and get the chance to do it, embrace it. It is a blessing. 


This is not a sponsored post.