Nursing Gear

Yes it's true that all you really need to start nursing your baby is a pair of lactating breasts, but there are a few things that I have found helpful and would like to share.

Nursing Covers:

Although nursing in public isn't exactly ideal, it is sometimes necessary and a nursing cover can help with that. Having never breastfed, I registered for a poncho style nursing cover, which I use for pumping but quickly found that it wasn't practical for nursing. I wasn't aware of how important eye contact is. Plus, there's nothing worse then having to try and blindly re-latch your baby without being able to see him/her or having to yank the cover up to find the baby beneath it. That's why I fell in love with the Bebe Au Lait nursing covers. They are apron style, with plenty of fabric to wrap around your sides, and have a flexible piece of plastic in the neckline so you can maintain eye contact with your nursing little one.

Nursing Pillows:

My Boppy is one of my favorite baby items. Mine was a hand-me-down (ask around, you might be able to find one for free) but fabric stores often sell generic versions that are much cheaper. I like the shape and it helps give me a little extra support for whichever position I am using. I also think the Boppy is helpful when you are trying to pump one side while you nurse the other. I like to do this to safe time and keep my supply up. I'll have Eliza on one side and will put the bottle from the pump between my belly and the Boppy on the other side, works great!




 Ointment:

Sore nipples are no joke. I have tried several products and like them all about the same. The most common ointments for breastfeeding are lanolin. Made from sheep sweat and completely natural, lanolin is a popular option. Another option is topical Vitamin E Oil. The lanolin has a thick, vaseline type consistency while the oil is just how it sounds, a liquid oil. Both, when applied, help soothe the pain and discomfort of sore, cracked nipples.



Nursing Pads:

An essential for any nursing mama not wanting to spring a leak in public! There are, however, alternatives to the wasteful disposable nursing pads. Nuk, and some other brands, make reusable nursing pads that are made of absorbent cotton and can be washed in the washing machine.






Breast Milk Storage Bags:

Not everyone can, or wants, to be a stay at home mama. For working moms, pumping is a necessity. I have been pumping for about 5 weeks now and have tried several brands of storage bags. My favorites are the Lansinoh bags. There are fairly economical, safely hold up to 6oz and are able to be frozen flat which makes storage easier. These are another one of those items where if you ask around you might be able to get some for free from friend and family who leftovers. Likely, not enough to last you, but at least some freebies to get you started!






Breast Pumps:

I was very fortunate in that I got a hand-me-down pump from a good friend. I use a Medela Pump in Style double electric breast pump. This is the only electric pump I've used, other than the hospital grade pump during my post-partum stay. It's important to keep in mind that warranties are voided once pumps change hands, but a hand-me-down is a good option if you know the previous owner and are able to buy replacement parts for it (tubing, valves, adapters, etc). I also keep a manual Medela Harmony in the car for those times when I end up away for longer than expected.


Herbal Supplements:

My fav! Motherlove More Milk Plus is a combo of milk production enhancing herbs in liquid form. They taste nasty but are well worth the bump in milk volume.










Pumps and some other breastfeeding supplies are now tax deductible!