Breast Pump
If you plan on leaving your baby for any amount of time during the
first 12 months, you'll need a breast pump. The type you'll need
will depend on how often you'll need to pump. A mom who will be
at home with her baby most of the time can get away with a manual breast pump , while a mom who works outside the home will need a high-quality electric pump.
Manual Pumps
Manual breast pumps
require you to do the pumping by squeezing a handle. You have to
pump one breast at a time, so using one of these can be
time-consuming. On average, you can expect to pump each breast
10-15 minutes using a manual pump. These pumps are fairly
inexpensive.
Electric Pumps
Electric breast pumps
can be a working mom's best friend. Both
breasts can be pumped at the same time, and the only thing you have to
do is hold the collection bottle in place. Pumping time is cut in
half compared with the manual option. Most women report being
able to pump more milk using an electric pump. Most electric
pumps also have different speed and suction settings so you can find
the setting that is most comfortable and productive for you.
Manual pumps can be very expensive, so unless you will be pumping more
than several times a week, it probably won't be cost effective for you
to purchase one.
Milk Storage
After you pump your milk, you'll need something to store it
in. If you plan on making a large stockpile of milk, you'll need
a great deal of storage containers. There are essentially two
types of storage systems: bags or containers.
You'll need to experiment to see which system you like better.
Bags take up less room but can be ackward. Containers take up
more room but can be reused.
Bottles
Unless you plan on nursing your baby 100% of the time, you'll need
at least a few bottles. How often someone else will be feeding
your baby will determine the number of bottles you'll need. There
are many, many types of bottles on the market, some marketed directly
for breastfed babies. Avent is popular among breastfed babies that I know, and is what we use in our house.
Nursing Pads
The first few months you are nursing, your breasts will likely be
unpredicitable. Many moms leak milk at inconvenient times.
Nursing pads slip into your bra and absorb the milk that leaks
out. Cloth pads or disposable pads
are available. Cloth pads may be a more cost-efficient option
because they can be reused. Disposable pads can be
expensive.
Nipple Cream - Lanolin
Breastfeeding moms often have sore nipples, especially at first. The best thing for this is lanolin
. There are several brands available, but whichever you choose be
sure that it is 100% lanolin. Even though a tube of lanolin can
cost about $10, it will last a very long time. Lanolin is always
a good thing to have around with the baby as it can be used for diaper
rash or other skin rashes.
Nursing Bras
Every breastfeeding mom will want to have a few high-quality nursing bras.
You may want to wait to purchase these until after your baby has been
born because your breasts will likely change size as your milk comes
in. Nursing bras look like regular bras, except that the cup
folds down to give access to the nipple. Some nursing bras can be very
expensive, but truthfully I've had the best luck with moderately-priced
brands like Motherhood.
Nursing Shirts
If you plan on nursing outside of your house, a few cute nursing tops
are great to have. The shirts have panels that can be removed
that allow breast access while at the same time providing ample
coverage. Nursing shirts also tend to be a little roomier in the chest
and tummy areas for your postpartum body. There are many, many
styles available.
Nursing Pillow
It can be difficult, especially at first, to find a nursing position
that is comfortable for both you and your baby. A nursing pillow
can help provide support for your baby and give your arms a
break. Again, there are many brands and styles available that
you'll want to check out.


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