Breastfeeding Supplies for the New Mom
Products to Help the Nursing Mother Feed Her Baby
Sep 27, 2009
There is a wide range of breastfeeding products on the market. While some may be optional, others may prove indispensable to the nursing mother. Before baby arrives, moms-to-be should learn about the various types of products available and consider purchasing some items. The following supplies will make life easier for the new breastfeeding mom.
Nursing Pillow
A nursing pillow allows mom to maintain a comfortable position while breastfeeding. The most common nursing pillow is a Boppy, a semi-circular shaped cushion that fits around the waist. While lying on top of the pillow directly at breast level, the infant will find it easier to latch on properly. Mom will be able to relax her arms while keeping baby in place with the support of the cushion.
Other types of breastfeeding pillows:
- Contoured nursing pillows are less circular than the Boppy and do not hug the body as much. These are great for the new mother who finds her midsection sore just after giving birth.
- Wraparound pillows can be adjusted to fit women of various sizes and shapes.
- Twin nursing pillows are large enough for feeding two babies at the same time.
- Inflatable nursing pillows are portable and allow for easy storage.
Many nursing pillows come with washable slipcovers, a must when dealing with the inevitable spit-ups that accompany breastfeeding.
Breast Pumps
A nursing mother may become engorged before her milk supply is regulated. She can alleviate the pain of engorgement by expressing milk with a breast pump. If she is going to be away from her baby or simply wants a break from nursing, she can pump milk to store in a bottle. Breast pumps can be manual, battery operated or electric. They can be a single pump or a double pump. There are several brands of breast pumps, including Avent and Medela. Consumer Reports is a good source for the expectant mother to find reviews of the best pumps on the market. She should also be sure to look for a pump and bottles that are Bisphenol A free.
While a good breast pump can be expensive, it is an item the nursing mother may want to consider, especially if she decides to continue feeding her baby breast milk upon returning to work.
Breastfeeding Wear
Expectant mothers can buy clothing that is especially designed for breastfeeding. A nursing bra has flaps that unhook to free the breast for a feeding. This eliminates the need to take the bra off altogether. Nursing tops and dresses have openings that pull down or lift up to make breasts easily accessible. Nursing sleepwear also has openings or built-in bras that make night time breastfeeding easier.
Other breastfeeding accessories:
- Nursing covers drape over baby to hide exposed breasts, giving women an added measure of comfort while nursing in public. However an ordinary blanket can serve the purpose just as well.
- Receiving blankets and burp cloths can be used to catch spit-up.
- Nipple creams such as Lasinoh Lanolin are applied to sore or cracked nipples. They are especially useful in the early days of nursing when mom and baby are getting the hang of a proper latch. Lanolin does not need to be wiped off before a feeding, as it is a natural product and will not harm baby.
- Nursing pads absorb the leaking that occurs until a woman’s milk supply regulates. Tucked into the bra, they help keep the nursing mother dry. Washable breast pads can be used over again, but the busy new mom may prefer disposable pads such as Johnson’s Nursing Pads.
Breastfeeding can be a challenging experience for the new mom. By availing herself of some essential nursing supplies, she may find the process just a little bit easier.
New or expectant mothers may also be interested in reading the article Mom and Baby Activities.
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