Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your newborn, providing them with essential nutrients and fostering a strong mother-baby bond. To make your breastfeeding journey smoother and more comfortable, it's important to have the right supplies.
1. Nursing Bras and Tops
Investing in comfortable nursing bras and tops is a must. They provide easy access for breastfeeding and help you feel at ease throughout the day.
2. Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are essential for leakage and keeping your clothing dry. We love reusable options as they are so much kinder on the environment.
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3. Breast Pump
A breast pump is a versatile tool for expressing milk when needed. Electric or manual pumps can help maintain milk supply and allow others to feed the baby too.
4. Milk Storage Bags or Containers
For storing pumped breast milk, you'll need milk storage bags or containers designed to keep your breast milk safe and fresh.
5. Nipple Cream
To prevent or soothe sore or cracked nipples, the right nipple cream can provide relief and promote healing.
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6. Nursing Pillow
A nursing pillow offers support and comfort during feedings, reducing strain on your back and neck. Breastfeeding pillows can also help you to get into preferred feeding positions.
7. Breastfeeding Cover
If you prefer some privacy while breastfeeding, a breastfeeding cover or shawl can provide discretion and comfort. Of course this isn’t an essential item and just based on personal preference.
8. Supplements
All breastfeeding women should consider taking additional vitamin supplements, especially Vitamin D.
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9. Vitamin D drops
It is also recommended that babies who are being breastfed should be given daily Vitamin D drops, regardless as to whether you’re taking supplements yourself. Vitamin D helps babies to regulate calcium and phosphate. This helps to build strong bones however when babies don’t get enough Vitamin D, they could potentially develop rickets (very rarely). This involves softening and weakening of the bones.
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10. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial for milk production, so keep a water bottle handy during nursing sessions and try to drink lots of water.
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Having the right supplies can make the breastfeeding journey more enjoyable. With these breastfeeding essentials, you’ll feel prepared and ready to go!
