The Baby Files {Breastfeeding: The Gear}

When it comes to breastfeeding, it doesn’t seem like you need much gear, right?  It’s free and mama-made.  Having breasts seems to be enough; as it turns out there are things designed to make life as a breastfeeding mama easier.  I thought that I wouldn’t need half of the stuff that’s out there but after 12 weeks of breastfeeding, here’s what I love to use.

Baby ESP

This was the first thing that we used to help with breastfeeding.  It tracked Caroline’s feedings and would remind me when she needed to eat again as well as which side to feed from first.  During the first few exhausting weeks it was absolutely essential.

Lanolin

It takes a couple of weeks for your body to adjust to breastfeeding.  Lanolin helps make the transition easier when applied after each feeding.  I used it so often, I kept a tube in the nursery and in our room!

Nursing Bras and Tank Tops {sleeping and regular}

I thought that having clothing designed specifically for breastfeeding would be a bit silly, but wow, it makes everything so much more convenient!  Nursing bras don’t really need an explanation.  I guessed how big I would be once my milk came in and bought one bra before Caroline was born.  Before we left the hospital one of the lactation consultants measured me and I bought one from her and then I bought two more from Target once my milk came in.   Before I came home from the hospital I asked my mom to pick up a couple of sleeping nursing bras for me at Target.  They are great—supportive and easy for middle of the night feedings. 

I thought that clothes designed for nursing would be frumpy and not fashionable, so I was surprised when I was able to work nursing tank tops easily into my wardrobe.  They make it so much easier to feed Caroline when we’re out and about.  I had one to bring to the hospital and once we realized that Caroline would continue breastfeeding I ran to Target and bought four more. 

Breast Pads

Until your supply stabilizes, you never know if or when you’ll spring a leak.  I use both these disposable pads as well as the washable pads.  I’m at the point where I only use them at night but I do keep some in my bag when we’re out and about just in case.

Breastfeeding Cover

I never thought I would be a mother that would breastfeed in public, mainly because of my own discomfort.  I learned though that when Caroline wants to eat, she wants to eat, no matter where we are.  After a couple of instances when I had to make do with a blanket {and cleared a sitting area in a bookstore in about 2.5 seconds}, I bought this nursing cover.  Now wherever we are I can feed Caroline in public but with privacy–I don’t need to go hide in the bathroom.  It also allows me to feed Caroline with friends and family around—she can eat and I don’t have to miss anything!

Breast Pump

I have the Medela Freestyle pump, which I love. I’ll admit, when I first saw this apparatus I was afraid of it. I was supposed to put it where and do what?? No thanks.  But, as with most things, it was not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.  In fact, it was easy!  I pump in the morning after Caroline’s first feeding when my supply is at its peak and it has allowed me to build up a pretty good stash.  We introduced a bottle to Caroline at 6 weeks and she took it like a champ.  It seems that Caroline doesn’t really care how she eats as long as she’s eating   Once I go back to work I’ll have to pump more frequently to keep my supply up, especially since I’ll be away from Caroline for the majority of the day. {I really can’t think about this yet—thank God I still have 10 weeks of maternity leave!} 

Breast Milk Storage Bags

I didn’t really think about just how many of these bags I would need.  I use at least two per day and they are not reusable.  They’re great because I am able to write the date and amount on the top and store them in the freezer, but the cost adds up!  Unfortunately, I haven’t found an alternative.  It makes me think I should buy stock in Medela

My Brest Friend

I’ve mentioned this before, but I love using this pillow to feed Caroline.  I didn’t use it in the beginning because she was so little, but as she grew, my arms started to get tired!  Now I use it for every feeding when we’re at home.  It provides comfortable support for me and Caroline.

So there you have it, all of the products that I have used over the past 12 weeks for breastfeeding.  Breastfeeding is considered “free” and technically the milk is, but once you factor in the costs of some of the essential accoutrements it adds up.

What do you think is essential for breastfeeding? Have you had any strange experience while breastfeeding in public? Or do you have any money-saving tips for breastfeeding mamas? Share in the comments!

FYI, I wasn’t paid or perked to talk about any of these products, I’m endorsing them because I’ve used them and like them!

Tagged as: baby, breastfeeding