Feeding your baby can be a wonderful time for bonding. However, you don’t always have the luxury of feeding on your time or in your nursery or not the mom with enough milk supply (a situation we have addressed in our NO BREASTMILK BABY post and BREASTFEEDING TIPS AND TRICKS. Whether you are a breast or bottle mom, we have compiled a list for both to ensure you have everything you need to feed your baby!
Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend breastfeeding your baby. There are major health benefits associated with breastfeeding such as better digestion, stronger immune systems, and protection against infections. Not to mention, breastmilk provides all of the nutrients your baby needs. Don’t forget to checkout out post on breastfeeding tips and tricks. Now whether you are feeding directly through breast or pumping it out then feeding through bottle, our list below will help you to get what you need:
1. Feeding pillow or a regular pillow
This pillow puts your baby in an optimal feeding position while also preventing you from straining your neck, back, and arms during feeding.
2. Nipple Shield
Lactation consultants recommend using a nipple shield because it allows newborns to latch better. A standard 24 mm size fits most women.
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3. Nursing pads
Nursing pads are soft cloth or disposable pads you place inside your bra to help absorb any leaking breastmilk. Not only will you feel more comfortable, but you will also avoid staining your favorite shirts!
4. Nipple cream
It happens. Especially when you’re new to breastfeeding your nipples can become chaffed, irritated, or cracked. A soothing nipple cream will alleviate pain so you can keep nursing. We recommend wiping your nipples and breast with hot towel before you feed your baby to clean off any cream .
5. Nursing bra
Fortunately, there is a larger selection of nursing bras today than ever before. Some have cups that clip down while others clip in front so you don’t have to fully undress to feed. The best part is they are built for comfort and convenience so you’re bound to find one that is perfect for you.
6. Nursing covers
Nursing covers are completely optional. Some women feel more comfortable being covered while breastfeeding especially out in public. If breastfeeding in public is not an issue for you, feel free to skip this and it will be one less thing to pack!
7. Water bottle
This is an absolute must-have. Breastfeeding can be very dehydrating for mommy. Breastfeeding will make you thirsty and the water you consume keeps you and your baby hydrated.
8. Breast Pump and accessories
Moms can also choose to feed breastmilk through a bottle using a breast pump. Bottle feeding comes in handy when moms have to go back to work, attend something important, or take their much-needed rest. In mom's absence, dad or caregiver can use these bottles to feed the baby.
We have a BREAST PUMP LIST that details everything you need to know about breast pumps.
We also have a separate list for 'BOTTLE FEEDING LIST if you think about feeding breast milk using bottles or supplementing with formula.