In honor of
World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 - 7, 2010) I thought I would share some of my breastfeeding must haves.
These are not in any particular order.
1)
Dr. Sears Breastfeeding Book - I loved this book! I found it to be the most informative breastfeeding book on the market, and I read just about all of them. I read it cover to cover before Benjamin was born and reread certain chapters over and over while breastfeeding.
2)
Target nursing tank top - A nursing tank top is very handy. I could layer it under non-nursing tops so that my post-pregnancy stomach wasn't exposed while nursing. There was just enough fabric to be supportive but not in the way. Other, more expensive, brands did not fit as well.
3)
Sling - I nursed Benjamin many many times while out in public and no one was the wiser. He was tucked in his
sling so most people just assumed he was sleeping. I even nursed him in the sling at home when he was going through growth spurts and wanted to be attatched to me nonstop.
4) A supportive husband - There can be a learning curve to breastfeeding. In the beginning it seems like it takes 3 hands to get the baby correctly latched on. There were also times that I was tired and felt like giving up and needed someone to remind me that I could do this.
5)
Mother's Milk tea - This tea is full of baby-safe herbs that help stimulate milk production. I sipped this during growth spurts to help me keep up with demand.
There are also a few things I personally wouldn't buy again.
1) Nursing pillow - Honestly any pillow will help support the baby. It was a hassle to move the boppy around so I just used whatever pillow was nearby.
2) Breast pump - In theory this was a great idea. For the first 4 months it was helpful. I could pump and leave Ben a bottle while getting out for awhile. After three months though, Ben wouldn't take a bottle. Without the bottle the pump was pretty worthless. This could be helpful if you don't have a stubborn baby.)
3) Nursing cover - Nursing covers just seem to draw attention to a nursing baby. The few times I used a blanket to cover up were the times I received rude comments. I never had any second glances when I just discreetly positioned my shirt or used the sling.
What did you find helpful (or totally worthless) when nursing?
** These are my own opinions. I was not compensated in any way for these reviews.
2 comments:
I agree with most of your must-have list although I don't use the tea. Prenatal supplements are still a must for me though. The Dr. Sears books is good. I also used a La Leche League book: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. And I have found the local LLL chapter a great support.
I disagree that the pillow is worthless! I still use the boppy (that you gave me)...Justine has worn it out. I don't need it at this point for nursing comfort, but I think it is a sleep cue for her (she's 13 months).
See, I love the nursing cover. Mine doesn't ever leave my diaper bag! I think you are right, it does scream 'nursing mom!', but I like that I am still covered when Jack pops off suddenly and I also think it reduces distractions when nursing in public.
I agree with pp about the boppy, only because it has so many other uses beyond breast feeding. I had a 'my breast friend' pillow and it was definitely wasted $.
And fenugreek! That was a must-have for me during growth spurts. For me, the tea didn't have a big enough impact on my supply.
As for the breast pump, I think if you know you will be pumping daily like for work or something, it's definitely worth the hefty price tag, but I am with you. I never use mine because my kids won't take bottles after a while, and I just hate pumping. I bought a hand pump that has been a life saver, and it's so much smaller and doesn't require an outlet.
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