As a first time breastfeeder, What breastfeeding supplies should I buy ahead of time?

Question

I am a second time mom and formula fed my daughter. I want to breastfeed this time but am clueless on what I should buy now so I am prepared when my child comes. Also, what is the best pump to buy without breaking my checkbook?

Answer 1

Lanolin works great for the pain if your nipples get cracked or sore. Also nursing pads are a must, even if breastfeeding doesn't work out you'll leak for a while. I like Lansinoh brand pads (They sell the lanolin cream too).

Another tool I loved the first few weeks as I was getting used to the positioning was a nursing pillow. I hated the Boppy because it was too firm and didn't fit around me that well. I got a different brand called a Cuddle U from WalMart which even fit around my boyfriend so she could sleep in his lap comfortably while he was on the computer!

The only pump I used was the Avent Isis manual and it worked great for me. If you plan on working and pumping a lot, I'd reccomend an electric pump. Avent makes an electric pump now too.

Answer 2

Really, all you need are some good nursing pads like Gerber or Johnson's with the anti-leak linings ( you will leak, especially if you hear ANY baby cry! lol), milk storage bottles/bags, and possibly some cold packs for if/when you become engorged, and at least 2-3 good nursing bras. I use an Evenflo pump. It's inexpensive (about $40) and works great for me, but the best pump out there is a Madela. They make a variety of models, (they also make great nursing bras!) and some are a bit pricey. I believe they run from around $130-$300. The manual hand-pumps are terrible and very slow though, I prefer electric ones.

Answer 3

Hands down an electric pump is the one to buy, evenflow is good but not bad on price, you will also need pads for your bra, so you don't leak through your shirt. You can also find bras for breastfeeding that have cups that unlach. also you should buy some cream for your nipples they will get cracked, sore and even could bleed, there are all different types, choose which you like best they all contain pretty much the same ingredients. Also you will want bottles to store your milk in. I suggest those cheap 4 oz bottles you can get in the baby section at walmart, they also screw on the evenflow pump perfectly. You will not produce much milk at first however the more you pump the more your body will produce you MUST drink LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of water during breastfeeding as well.

Answer 4

before you buy anything, I'd recommend trying breastfeeding first, to make sure it goes well and both you and baby are comfortable, and he/she latches on correctly. Not a lot of woman go very long breastfeeding....trust me, your nipples will get sore and you might get discouraged.... But stick to it if it goes well! I wish you luck! otherwise, you would have bought all these things and may not use them...

now to answer you question, The Medela Pump In Style Advanced is by far one of the best pumps...around $340 but they make hand help pumps to that are much cheaper....but the electric ones work great! Most electric pumps are kinda pricey..
any medela supplies like bags and bottles are good too.

Buy your self a tube of Lanolin - this is great for your nipples when they get sore, at first your gonna need it, and it's ok for baby, so you don't have to rinse it off every time..

Answer 5

I am a mother of 3. I decided to breastfeed my 3rd child. It lasted for 2 days. As guilty as I felt, It just was not for me. However, I had purchased everything in advance. The best breast pump on the market (medala $250.00), nursing pads, breast therapy cream, etc.... My advice to you is not to buy too much too soon. See how it goes first. It is very hard and is not for every baby and every mother. Sometimes it just does not work. Don't spend too much money until you are sure. Good Luck with everything.

Answer 6

Okay, for the nasty perv with the webcam comment EWWW. Second, congratulations on choosing to breastfeed, it's the best gift you can give your child, third, Johnson nursing pads, to help with the leaking nipples, avent naturally breast pump (about $50, but it's easy to use) really, that's about it. Some people will suggest the boppy pillow, I'm completely against that, the damn thing is made in one size, and for me, after giving birth it was too small to go around my stomach (and I started out pre-pregnancy at a size 1-5, so I'm a small person) it does not help to feed the baby.

Answer 7

I had three children and breastfed my last one.
You need plenty of wash cloths actually hand towels are better. I bought a pack of 10 at Sams. I had so much milk leaking all over it would get the baby completely wet. You also need alot of patience. I almost quit a few times. Pumps are expensive. If you really need one get it, if you don't, wait and see if you can keep up with feeding demands. I stayed home and found little time and need to pump, It was easier to just feed the baby myself. It also hurts alot when you don't feed or pump.

Answer 8

Pads lots of pads so you don't leak through. A pump is always handy. By some cream because your nipples might get sore from breast feeding. I dont know the name of the cream but they have it in the baby section at Target. Make sure you have a big enough blanket so when you go out and need to feed you can cover both you and the baby.

Answer 9

i am a mother of 3 i have breastfed all of my kids i went out an buy a pump but that did nt work people will tell u this is the best pump u can buy but really its not the best thing is 2 just let the baby feed off of u

Answer 10

I love the advent pump, but only use in emergency. You need to get a good lanolin cream, it soothes sore nipples for new nursing moms. As well gerber makes breast hot/cold pads that are great for when you milk comes flowing in and clogged milk ducts. Also I did nursing bras w/ my daughter but they always broke!!! and the good ones are soo expensive w/ my son I purchased the cotton light padded demi bra from vicoris secret, i havent had one break and since it is a demi you can get your breast out to feed asily w/ no snaps or straps.