Breastfeeding Essentials for First Time Moms
Oh, breastfeeding...
One of the most fulfilling yet draining act a mom will ever get to experience. As moms ourselves, we know how confusing it is to prepare for this journey in your life. And so, we rounded up a checklist of breastfeeding must haves based on our own personal experiences and knowledge shared by moms in our community!
If you just want to go straight to the checklist, it's at the end of this blog entry. Feel free to download and have it printed out for your convenience.
Getting Started
Breastfeeding Class
Possibly one of the best ways to prepare for your breastfeeding journey is to take a class with a breastfeeding expert. Because it will be run by an expert, she would know best the things that you need to learn as you start this journey in your life.
Breastfeeding Wardrobe
Nursing Bras
Shopping for the perfect nursing bra will not only make it easy to have access to your breasts, but it also provides you with full coverage comfort.
Nursing Tops
As with nursing bras, nursing tops were also made to help you breastfeed easily and more conveniently.
Pro tip: You can also use your comfy loose tops as nursing tops!
Nursing Covers
Because feeding time is sometimes unpredictable, you may need to feed the little one during a day out. This is why nursing covers should always be in your go-to mom bag.
Nursing Pads
Disposable or reusable, nursing pads are a necessity to avoid embarrassing leaks and even bra stains!
Healing
Nipple Cream
Because constant breastfeeding will leave your nipples feeling sore and dry, nipple creams come in handy to restore moisture to your nipples.
Hot/Cold Packs
Applying a hot pack to your breasts minutes before breastfeeding will help widen ducts and let milk flow more easily. On the other hand, applying a cold pack after breastfeeding will help lessen swelling.
Daily Essentials
Breastfeeding Pillow
Nursing pillows are especially useful when you are still trying to figure out the best nursing position for you and your little one. It also helps support your back and relieve possible back pain.
Burp Cloths
Babies need to burp after feeding. Because of this, it's always a good idea to keep a few burping cloths on hand at all times.
Healthy Snacks and a Water Bottle
Because breastfeeding will make you hungry, it would be best to always keep a healthy snack and a water bottle near you.
Pumping
Breast Pump
Even if you think that latching is your preferred method of breastfeeding, a breast pump is still a must especially if you're producing too much breastmilk.
Bottles
Bottles to feed your little one when you're not around is always a necessity.
Milk Storage Bags
Of course you'd need something to store your breastmilk in. Look for a storage bag that can stand up on its own and easy to label for your convenience.
Cooler Bag
Breastmilk isn't called liquid gold for nothing. Make sure to always carry a cooler bag when you're out so that your hard pumped milk will not spoil and go to waste.
Extra Pumping Accessories
It's always a good idea to have extra pumping accessories on hand. You never know when you'll be needing them.
Cleaning Supplies
We got you covered on the cleaning supplies!
Bottle Cleaner
Our baby bottle & dish wash does not leave any milk residue and is made with all natural ingredients, which also makes it soft on the hands when you're washing those bottles.
Bottle Brush
If you only want one brush to have throughout your breastfeeding journey, our 2-in-1 bottle and nipple cleaner is the perfect option. A soft-bristled brush that won't scratch your bottles? Check. A built-in nipple cleaner hidden in the handle? Check.
Nipple Brush
We also offer a nipple brush that perfectly fits every nook and cranny of your bottle nipples.
Sterilized Wipes
Wipes would also come in handy when cleaning your breast pumps.
Extras
Long Phone Charger
Because nursing and pumping take time, a long phone charger would come in handy!
Contact Number of a Lactation Expert
For any worry or concern, it would be best to go straight to an expert.
We hope that this checklist would be helpful and that first time moms can use the information we were able to provide to confidently start their breastfeeding journey!
