Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your child!!! You will treasure the time that you two have to bond and the health benefits to BOTH of you are MANY. FOREWARNING- It is not always easy, especially in the beginning, prepare yourself. For many people your boobs will hurt not only because they are huge and full of milk, but your nipples can get so cracked and sore and when baby latches on it can feel like someone is ripping your nipple off. Also it can be exhausting, you alone are responsible for feeding your child so every 2 hours they need you, your mom can't do it or your husband or the babysitter (obviously until you start pumping and they can give a bottle, but you usually still have to pump at the same time, so your boobs don't explode). Another thing no one told me before hand is the first few days( or possible even weeks) when your baby breastfeeds it will cause your uterus to contract,  this is good for your uterus and the size/shape of your stomach, but it can feel like you are having contractions again and can be painful. 

I am not saying this to scare you away from breastfeeding. I just don't want you to get started and think there's something wrong with you or your baby or not be prepared for the struggle. After a few weeks it will be sooooo much better!!!!! And again the health reasons alone are worth it!!!

Here are a few things to help. Nothing can prepare you for motherhood, but having the proper equipment / support and having some understanding of what will happen, helps immeasurably.

Breastfeeding

Medela Pump – I have the swing and it’s great for me, it fits in my purse and runs on a couple AA batteries, but pumps one side at a time.  For working moms the Pump n Style is recommended, it's in a bag like a back pack or shoulder bag and pumps both boobs at the same time, can be battery operated.  The ladies at the breastfeeding boutique say the Free Style is a waist of money, but apparently there is a bra like apparatus that works great, I will look into it and get back to you. I have rented the Symphony , which is the hospital grade pump and it’s GREAT, if you start having any supply problems or are trying to store a bunch I would recommend renting this for a couple of months. 

So That’s What They’re For( LOVE this and read it before you have the baby and take it to the hospital with you, this was my breastfeeding bible)

Bravado Nursing Tank – love this tank perfect fit and easy snap/unsnap

Bravado Nursing Bra- Super comfy kinda like wearing a sports bra, a little lining so you don’t nip out or see the breast pad lines and easiest snap, fits like a sports bra

Bravado Bliss- same comfort but gives you a little more lift and contour (As my friend Madeline said "holds the girls nicely and adds some va va voom")

V Neck shirts or zip up/button up tops – I wear a tank every day now, so that if I do have to lift my shirt you can’t catch a glimpse of my stomach , but my favorite thing to wear is a button down or zip up shirt over a tank so I just have to unzip it a little

Mamajama PJ’s (1 nice set of nursing pj’s for the hospital and when you come home, you will want to be comfy and it will take a little while to get the hang of nursing and it’s easier in actual nursing apparel, but it does feel nice to kind of match and be a little cute, especially with all the people visiting you.)

Le Leche League- join a Le Leche League near you, it's a great way to talk to people going through the same things you are with breastfeeding.

Le Leche reusable breast pads - these are the best reusable pads they are big so they absorb a lot and they don't give you weird lines in your bra.  They also wash great in the washing machine and dry quickly sitting out.

Lasinoh, lanolin-  this stuff is AMAZING.  Start using after the very first feeding to help prevent/sooth sore/cracked nipples. ( also makes great diaper rash cream) 

Lasinoh disposable breast pads - these are great for when you are on the go.  Lots of times it's easier to just throw out a wet breast pad then put them in your diaper bag until you get home.

Hooter Hider – I like the fact that it can’t fall off, like a blanket does, and it gives you complete coverage, but you can still see the baby. Make sure to get the kind with the wire in it. Diapers.com and many baby boutiques have these or look on etsy.com, for a custom made option.

Nuk warm/cool relief packs- these are awesome use them in the freezer for relief of engorged breast and heat them in the microwave for relief of blocked ducts, mastitis or to help let down.

Kellymom.com - a great website all about breast feeding great articles and great forums, they can answer tons of questions.

Lactation Consultant- Find/use a lactation consultant, my hospital had 2 on staff and they were so helpful, not only in the hospital, but the did follow up calls and I could call them/go see them any time I had questions.