Breastfeeding Equipment
There are a lot of breastfeeding products on the market nowadays. Some are supportive while others are only needed in certain situations. Here are some things you can do to prepare your home for breastfeeding.
1. A place to sit
A supportive place to sit and feed your baby is helpful, this does not need to be a special rocking chair. Any armchair or couch in your home might work well for this. Features that are nice to have include recliners, ottomans, couches with a corner or a chaise. Anything that helps you get your feet up and leaning back a little provides a supportive space to comfortably latch on your baby without causing neck and shoulder strain.
2. Pillows
Some people love their breastfeeding specific pillow which is great for them but one size does not fit all. If you have one but it isn’t working for you that’s OK! Gather up different shapes and sizes of throw pillows in your house and try them out when the baby arrives. You want to be able to sink into the pillows and seat and completely relax your body. A well-placed pillow can relieve tension to your wrists, neck and shoulders.
3. Nipple creams
Nipple creams can feel good if your skin is dry or you have some tenderness the first few days but if you have nipple damage (cracks or bleeding) you need something else. Hydrogel pads or medihoney are both excellent at healing nipple damage within a few days. Both of these products should only be used short-term to heal the damage. Addressing the root cause of the damage is equally important. Usually this is a shallow latch or incorrect use of the breast pump - your IBCLC can help with these issues!
4. Breast pumps
Most insurance plans will cover a double electric breast pump. It is helpful to have one on hand even if you do not plan to pump a lot in the early days. My favorite pumps right now are spectra s1 and s2, motif luna and baby buddha. My clients find these effective and reliable. A portable pump might be something you need later on but they are not strong enough to help you establish a robust supply in the early days so wait to purchase those.
5. Diaper changing station
Set one up on each floor of the house or near any place you regularly sit to feed. Diaper changes and feeds go together so a little organization can make the process smoother for both of you! A mat, diapers, wipes and some spare clothes are all you need.
6. Snacks and water
Making milk and feeding your baby will make you thirsty and hungry so set yourself up with a refillable water bottle and some tasty, nutritious snacks that you can eat one-handed. Encourage your support people to keep this well stocked.
Hopefully you can see it doesn’t have to take a lot of money and products to set yourself up for successful breastfeeding at home!