3 Essentials for Breastfeeding Moms

Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience of bonding with your newborn. You get to hold your baby, skin on skin, and enjoy precious cuddles. Plus, you have the knowledge that you are providing healthy milk for your child’s nourishment. However, it’s not always the easiest process.

Whether you’ve breastfed before or not, you should be aware of essentials you’ll need when feeding your newborn. They’ll make your life a whole lot easier.

1. Comfortable Clothing

Breastfeeding requires a dedicated time period of sitting relatively still. During this time, you’ll want to be comfortable. In warm rooms, wear stretchable shorts and a short-sleeved shirt so you don’t overheat. If it’s chilly, put on pliable pants, such as yoga pants. Don’t wear skinny jeans, as they might be too tight for prolonged sitting.

You’ll want several wireless bras available during this time. Bras with wires will cut into your sensitive skin, going beyond uncomfortable to the point of painful. Wireless nursing bras are ideal, as they have a flap that opens to expose your nipple while still supporting your breast.

For nighttime feedings, there’s no need to change your clothing. Wear comfortable PJs to bed so that when the baby awakes, you’ll be ready. Either choose a nightgown that opens at the neck or pajamas with top and bottom pieces. You can lift up your shirt on one side to provide access for your infant.

Don’t forget your feet. If you tend to have cold feet, wear socks or keep a blanket handy. You won’t be able to get up and put on socks midway through your baby’s meal. If you have socks on and your feet get warm, you can always kick them off, if necessary.

2. A Relaxing Location

Since you’ll be settling in to breastfeed in one place, you want to have a relaxing location designated for that purpose. Pick an area in your home that isn’t next to a vent, which may make you too hot or too cold. If you’re near windows, notice the sunlight patterns during the day. Sitting in direct sunlight can get too hot, even in winter months. Plus, it might be too bright for your baby’s sensitive eyes.

Some women prefer rocking chairs, while others want a glider or recliner. Whichever you choose, make sure that it’s well-padded on both the seat and the back. You may also want the arms of the chair to be padded. Your arms will be supporting the weight of your baby and will need someplace soft to rest.

Generally, you’ll want a chair that provides movement to help you rock your baby. You should also consider a gliding stool. It allows you to put your feet up while still providing movement in conjunction with the chair. If you’re using a recliner, you can just lean back and use the foot support to rest your feet.

A nursing pillow is another essential for supporting your infant. They wrap around your sides, offering a place to rest your arms. Plus, they have plenty of room up front for your baby to lie. They are soft, yet firm and come with covers in a variety of fun colors and designs. If you spill on your nursing pillow, the cover easily slips off and can go in the wash.

Many new mothers don’t realize how thirsty they can become while breastfeeding. It’s important to replace the liquids that are being removed from your body. And your body will let you know that it needs hydration with a powerful thirst. Keep a large container of ice water next to you and drink from it often.

3. Breast Care Supplies

Your body is going through a lot of changes, and you need to take care of it. When you first start breastfeeding, you can expect to have sore and sensitive nipples. They may even crack and bleed, especially if you don’t care for them. After each feeding, apply nipple cream or purified lanolin.

If your newborn is struggling with breastfeeding, you don’t have to give up. Use nipple shields if your baby is having trouble latching on correctly. This cone-shaped silicone or plastic device is thin and flexible. It fits over your nipple and helps teach your baby how to breastfeed. You won’t need to use the shields indefinitely, only until your baby understands how to latch on properly.

You’ll also want to keep nipple pads on hand. These soft, circular pads fit inside your bra and absorb leaking milk. They prevent stains on your shirt. Nipple pads come in disposable and reusable options. The disposable ones may have a sticker on the back to keep the pad in place. You simply throw it away when it gets wet and get a new one. Reusable ones must be washed between uses, but are more environmentally friendly.

When showering, do not use harsh products on your breasts. In fact, you don’t even need to use soap. Rinse your nipples with clean, clear water to protect your baby from chemicals. Do not use any products on your breasts unless they specifically state that they are made for breastfeeding moms.

Breastfeeding Essentials

As a new mom, you likely have a lot of issues to consider. Don’t focus so hard on taking care of your baby that you forget to take care of yourself. If you choose to breastfeed, you can expect your nipples to be sore, especially at first.

Use creams made especially for breastfeeding moms to prevent cracking and bleeding. You want to make yourself as comfortable as possible, so plan ahead. Breastfeeding may seem like a daunting task. However, with proper preparation and the right supplies, you and your baby are sure to figure it out.