Although Dexter was bottle fed, I was hell bent on breastfeeding last time, but it just didn’t work out. I really want to breastfeed this new baby and I’m going to try to persevere while trying to be a bit more laid back about it this time. Being prepared for a breastfeeding journey is key, here are the breastfeeding essentials I have stocked up on ready for baby number two’s imminent arrival next month.
Nipple Cream
Because of Dexter’s poor (and mostly non existent) latch, my nipples were super sore last time and nipple cream helped them heal in between attempted feeds. Lanisoh HPA Lanolin cream comes highly rated so I’ll be using a tube of that again.
Breast Pads
My boobs were really leaky last time and every time I thought about Dexter (which was practically every second of every day) the good stuff would start squirting out. I’m going to have plenty of breast pads on hand to save embarrassing boob leaks when we have people round to visit the baby or I decide to venture out into the village.
Related Post: The Highs and Lows of Breastfeeding
Nursing Bra
Easy access to the boobs is a must and I got this gorgeous Panache Sophie bra from JD Williams to help me on my latest breastfeeding journey. Each cup has a clip so you can pull the cup down for easy boob access. It isn’t underwired which makes it super comfortable and despite the lacy luxurious design, it feels really nice to wear and not at all restrictive or uncomfortable like some sexy bras.
Related Post: Maternity Lingerie from Fashion World
Breast Pump
I found a breast pump invaluable when Dexter was born as I couldn’t get him to latch, so being able to pump and get enough to bottle feed him put my mind at rest that he wasn’t going to starve. Some mums will say pumping should be avoided for the first few weeks while you establish feeding but I’m going to have my Tommee Tippee electric breast pump on hand incase I feel that baby needs a bit extra.
Toddler Toys
This time I’ll also have a toddler to entertain while trying to breastfeed so getting him set up with some stimulating and engaging toys is going to be a must. Luckily my due date coincides with Christmas so I’ve got him lots of little gifts ready so I can concentrate on getting baby to latch in a comfortable position on the sofa.
Netflix Subscription
Dexter won’t always be with me and the baby though as he will continue to go to childcare during the week. For these moments (and I’m sure they’ll feel like fleeting moments) I am going to reinstate my Netflix subscription so that baby can feed and sleep on me while I binge watch Sabrina, Jane the Virgin, Making a Murderer and Brooklyn 99.
Mother Sucker Suction Cup
I hadn’t heard of suction cups the first time around but then I stumbled up on the Mother Sucker. It is simply a silicone suction cup you attach to your breast while baby is feeding from the other and it will collect and store the milk that usually would just get wasted. I’m really excited to try this product this time and see how much milk I’m actually saving instead of wasting.
Nipple Shields
Nipple shields can help in those early days of baby is struggling to latch. I didn’t have any on hand last time so this time I’m prepared with some Lansinoh Contact Nipple Shields.
What are your breastfeeding essentials?
