What do I need for breastfeeding?

Question

I plan on exclusively breastfeeding our daughter... What are things that I should purchase ahead of time?

I already have:
Earth mama angel baby nipple cream
2 nursing bras (without wire)
Lansisoh disposal nursing pads

Do I need nursing tops? If so what brand would you recommend? In case this extra bit of info helps, I'm currently a 38DD

Answer

You literally just need boobs. Coconut oil for damaged nipples until you get the hang of latching correctly. Also expressed breastmilk on your nipples and left to air dry works wonders. I do not own any nursing bras or tanks, I just use the two shirt method in public (a tank top with a shelf bra underneath and a tshirt or other shirt on top) lift the top shirt lower the bottom shirt everything is covered. No back or belly showing and covers your boob too. Although I do love my boppy nursing pillow- definitely not necessity.

Answer

A pump to help build supply or in case a issue comes up with breastfeeding. No one in my family talks about breastfeeding. I thought it would be the easiest most natural thing in the world. Apparently everyone has some sort of issue with breastfeeding

Answer

I really like the lansinoh "thera pearl" 3-1 breast therapy pads. You can heat or cool them and put them on your breast while pumping. 
A hands free pumping bra but after I bought one I realized I could have made my own from an old sports bra.
Nursing tanks are convenient- I looked on Pinterest and made some from the cheap forever 21 camis
Honestly tho, I wanted to exclusively breast feed too and ended up supplementing early on. Kudos to those moms who do it because it is hard work! Just stay determined and be gentle with yourself. It's not for the weak!

Answer

I got a Medela breastfeeding storage system. Comes with 2 bottles, storage bags, storage bottles (they look like test tubes with # of Oz on the side, some nipples for the bottles and I think that's all. Probably a must have if you plan on breastfeeding for as long as possible

Answer

Find an IBCLC! The first few weeks/months are so extremely difficult. But it's very common and you will not be alone. A great IBCLC will help you through the challenges.

Answer

Be prepared for bottle feeding as well. Actually, just be prepared to feed baby. I was dead set on breastfeeding, come to find out my LO had severe reactions to BM. Im allergic to everything so there was no way to narrow it down without me only eating green beans and rice. Sometimes things don't go as planned so have a back up ready. Best of luck! I hope you're able to EBF for as long as you want!!! ❤️

Answer

If you're planning on pumping and bottle feeding at all (of you have to go back to work) I would definitely recommend the Kiinde Twist system. Pump directly into the bags and then freeze, warm, and feed using the bags. No transferring of milk necessary. And my LO latched easily with their nipples.

Other things I love having:
-Boppy feeding pillow
-re-usable breast pads
-nursing bras (I got one with an underwire to make my boobs look as good as possible when I need to be dressed nice- just make sure it fits well)
- nursing tanks (I do the 2 shirt method someone else described but it's so much easier with a nursing tank)
-burp cloths 
-nipple shield (I have flat nipples so it was necessary at first and now we're starting to ween off of it at 8 weeks)
-

Answer

If you don't want to invest in a mega pump, I would pick up a hand pump and a few bottles. They change their feeding schedule overtime and the changes can lead to engorgement if you don't express when you need to. You always sync up eventually, but it can be really uncomfortable at first.

What do I need for breastfeeding?

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