Note: This is entirely based on my experience, written with the intent to help first time mothers and their partners prepare for breastfeeding.
Personally, I found breastfeeding so much harder than labour. In retrospect it could be because I was so mentally prepared for what labour would entail and though I had never experienced labour before, I knew what I was getting into. Breastfeeding on the other hand, was something I thought would come naturally. I thought “oh I have a pair of breasts so I should be alright with breastfeeding!” Boy, was I wrong.
Getting our baby to latch on, figuring out positions, using a hospital grade breast pump, not knowing when and how to feed my baby, feeling guilty over having to opt for formula when my breast milk wasn’t enough, sore breasts, tired breasts.
Below are a list of things that really helped me and I wish wish wish I had carried them all to the hospital with me because just a pair of boobs aren’t enough!
While you are at the hospital, you may be advised to start ”expressing” milk as your little one may need a top up. In our case, our baby was born pre term and we had to keep an eye out on her weight. She also had jaundice and breast milk is liquid gold for jaundiced babies so any spare minute I had I was pumping. I proceeded to use the hospital breast-pump and it was so confusing when every person trying to help me had a different way of operating a machine I had never used before. Long story short, a week later and nipples that were on the verge of falling off, I came home and used my own breastpump. I literally cried because I wish I had taken to the hospital with me. It was so much easier and time efficient. My breasts no longer felt or looked like that of an overworked cow. I highly recommend you get an automated one. There are many brands out there, the one I used was Medela Swing and I recommend it.
Pro tip: If you have the opportunity to borrow from a friend, do it!
2. Breastmilk Storage Bags:
Breastmilk is liquid gold (I will be using this term A LOT) not just for your little one but for you too. Imagine all the time you spent pumping when you could be sleeping (there’ll be a lot of imagining), you want to make sure that milk is stored securely and safely.
Just make sure these bags are Pre-sterile, with an easy to use wide opening for easy filling and pouring and made out BPA free material.
You can get them for so much cheaper in Amazon
Refer to this article on Step-by-Step Instructions for Collecting and Storing Breast Milk In the Freezer
Pro tip: Always freeze your breastmilk packet flat and never fill storage bag to the top. Breast milk needs room to expand when it's frozen.
A girlfriend of mine gifted this little magic number to me when I did not even know what it was.
To all new mummas out here, a letdown reflux is what makes the milk flow. When your bub sucks on your breast, tiny nerves are stimulated which then releases hormones that produces milk and also pushes the milk out through your breasts.
Some women notice that while they breastfeed or express from one breast, the other breast “leaks”. This is what the milk catcher catches and the quantity can be anywhere from 30ml to 100ml. Now would you not rather capture this drumroll liquid gold than let it get soaked away into your breast pad!
Haakaa is one of the trusted brands. Please girlfriend, give this a go. You won’t regret. My little one is 6 months and I still use one to collect letdown which I then mix in her solid food. Every drop counts!
4. Well fitted/Super snug Bras
After many many hours of getting a little human to figure their way on your breasts, your breasts will feel sore, over used and even the touch of the softest cotton on your nipple will feel like a mini electric shock. This is when a really firm and snug bra - without the hooks and clasps - come in handy. Something that will hold your breasts for you while ton try squeeze in a nap. These ones at Target really were what my sensitive breasts needed.
5. Breastfeeding support/pillow
These type of pillows are made to serve breastfeeding mums and baby because we have every tendency to slouch, which can take a toll on your back.
I used my Breastfriend and really recommend it for the first few months.
What I really like a lot this support are
it has a firm back support
the flat surface provided a good support for my arms when I walked around carrying baby.
a little convenient pocket to carry around bips, water bottle and your phone
a flat surface for bub to rest while feeding and also adjustable Velcro straps to keep the pillow nice and snug according to your preference.* Just keep in mind the Velcro straps are pretty loud! This was one thing which really bugged me and I had to leave the room to take it out.
I’ve also heard good things about the Boppy breastfeeding pillow from my c section mumma friend but I personally haven’t used it.
There is sure to be some leakage when your breasts are filled to the brim and your little human obviously cannot drink it all. So something’s gotta give. This is when these bad boys come in handy. They soak up your leaked breastmilk and I recommend stocking up on these if you see them on specials!
Another option are the eco friendly washable ones, although they didn't really work for me and my breastmilk would soak right through.
Pro tip: Use an absorbent breasted at night. If bub sleeps a little longer than usual and you skip a feed or two, your breasts WILL leak.
Look out for ones without Lanolin! I have read mixed reviews on Lanolin breastfeeding creams and just to be on the safer side, I opted to skip it.
One of my girlfriend’s gifted me MooGoo’s Mudder Udder. It’s lanolin free, made of baby friendly ingredients and does not require removal before feeding (although I did).
Pro tip: A midwife shared this tip and it really worked for me. Before you do try any balm or creams for your sore nipples, try using breastmilk. Most often then not, your breastmilk is the best medicine.
