First time mom looking for breast feeding help!

Question

So I am 38 weeks pregnant and very patiently waiting on the arrival of my baby girl. This is our first baby and I have zero experience with breast feeding (my mom didn’t do it with my siblings or me). So, what are some must haves? What should I buy extra to go with my breast pump. I have the medela pump on style. I got my box yesterday and I’m afraid I’m going to need to bug so much more. Help.

Answer

Definitely some breast pads for leakage, I can’t tell you how many times I leaked thru my shirts without pads in it. 
Also, while I bought lanolin nipple cream, it really didn’t do much for my cracked nipples except make them greasy. Put your own breastmilk on your nipples, it’ll heal it much faster than any nipple cream. 
Also, when pumping, pump one breast at a time, kind of like how baby eats from one breast at a time. It really helps with establishing milk. I was an exclusive pumper and actually ended up with an oversupply.

Answer

If you plan on pumping, do your best to size your nipples so you have the right flange size! Pumps typically come with 24mm and 32mm, but most women are 21 or smaller! Using the wrong size can be incredible painful and cause you not to fully empty the breast! Speaking from some one who exclusively pumped for a year with my first! I’d be happy to help more with this if you need it! 
I’d also suggest a great nipple cream! I loved medela! And breast pads for leaking! Reusable was more comfy for me personally

Answer

This is also the best nursing pillow I had come across. Helps position the perfectly level so you’re not hunching over and killing your back

Answer

This is also the best nipple cream I had used by far!! I kept it in my sweatpants pocket at all times (it also helps to keep it a little warm so that it just slides right onto the nipple, less rubbing)

Answer

My lactation consultant had told me not to start pumping until my milk had become regulated which is usually around 4-6 weeks. It may be different for you if you have to go back to work sooner than that, so I would ask a LC yourself before taking any advice. But this Haakaa is a lifesaver!! It’s not a pump, it’s a suction that collects your letdown from one breast as baby feeds from the other!

First time mom looking for breast feeding help!

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