We have made it a month into my second round of breastfeeding, and I really cannot believe how fast time is going. In my last post I talked about my newborn’s schedule and trying to establish a routine, which you can read here, I told you the first 2 weeks were the hardest for me and I can say that the next 2 weeks were so much better. I have had a few things that have been life savers for me when it comes to breastfeeding and I want to share those with you now!!
1. Breastfeeding support group
I am listing this first because it helped me the most emotionally. The best part is, it is not something I had to buy, but it is requiring of my time.
I will tell you it is oh so worth it to sit in a room of women feeding their babies and telling their war stories and learning together. I thought most of these women would be first time mamas, but they are actually mostly second time mamas.
To be honest I have some facebook groups and online forums I am a part of, but nothing beats physical human interaction for me. You can visit the La Leche League site for local support, or check the hospital where you delivered.
2. Support Pillow
I have tried both the My Brest Friend and the Boppy and I found a preference in the My Brest Friend. It provides back support for me, which is the most helpful. Also, it gets baby into the correct position for feeding and I find that I can multi-task when I put Cooper on there.
The Boppy was easier to slide on and off, but did not give me the support I was looking for or put baby at the correct angle where we found it most comfortable.
3. Reusable Breastfeeding Pads
There are tons of different kinds out there. However, I chose a large pack so that I could use a new pair each day. I went with an organic bamboo fabric, and they stay in place well and absorb any excess during the day. I’m lucky that I do not leak a lot, but it makes me feel more comfortable to have these just in case.
4. Milkies
Milkies milk savers are the neatest inventions ever! I am able to use while I am feeding on one side, I just place the milkie on the other side in my bra. Literally, instead of leaking into a pad, I leak into the milkie and get to save that milk! I end up getting a little every feed and I put into a bottle in the fridge until I have about 2 ounces to freeze. The first day I used them, I saved 5 ounces of leaked milk! Talk about amazing!!
The Haakaa is a more budget-friendly option, but I don’t like the fact that it can’t go into my bra.
5. Nursing Friendly Clothes
I’ve stocked up on 5 great nursing bras for daytime and 5 for nighttime. This may be more than you need. But, I find that half are in the laundry, so in order to escape daily laundry I need extra.
Kindred Bravely has my absolute favorite nursing sleep bra! See below how comfortable it looks, and I can tell you it feels amazing. Breasts can grow up to 2 cup sizes in the first months of breastfeeding. The range of sizes they offer will amaze you.
Also, I use tank tops from target that are basic and a little large for me so that I can easily pull them down. I have around 7 of these in basic colors and some more in fun colors. This TX heat makes it hard to wear 2 layers, but I hate having my belly exposed to the open air when I am nursing, so I am easily able to pull the top layer up and the tank top down.
6. Spectra S1 Breast Pump
I invested a little bit into this because I wanted the cordless option. The battery power lasts a really long time. I wanted a cordless option for when I go back to work and have to travel. This pump is very quiet and I would highly recommend it.
Going through pumpingessentials.com I was able to use my insurance and upgrade to this option for about $30!
If you need a pump through your insurance, they make it easy to see your eligibility! Go to register on their website, www.pumpingessentials.com, and enter this unique friend referral code: OH-104726 in the “Friend – Referral Code” field.
If you don’t have insurance, the Spectra S1 is available on amazon as well, but it has a pretty high price tag.
7. A Good Nipple Cream
Unfortunately in those first days and weeks, your body is adjusting, and baby is learning to latch. Nipples may feel sore and crack. Lansinoh’s lanolin has been a lifesaver for me, but I also really like using Bamboobies brand, which is much thinner. Motherlove brand was also a win in my book! Since I got a few samples in my various baby registry freebies, I tried many brands.
8. A Great Water Bottle
I love my camelbak water bottle, it is pretty large and it has a top that’s easy to manage with one hand while nursing. I also use the one the hospital gave us that is large and has a bendy straw. Either way, a straw is necessary! You get so thirsty while nursing. You want to stay hydrated, since breast milk is made up of about 90% water.
Those are my top must-haves for surviving the first month of breastfeeding. Is there anything I missed? If you are a nursing mama, what would you add to the list?
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