There are more breastfeeding products currently on the market than ever before. I learn about a new product almost every week. It can be really overwhelming especially for first time parents. As part of our prenatal lactation consultation, I discuss what is actually necessary to buy before the baby arrives. I measure the pregnant parent’s nipples to determine proper flange size to order for their pump. We then pretend to breastfeed with a very life-like doll to try out using the My Brest Friend and determine which nursing positions are ideal for the lactating parent’s unique anatomy. In addition to our hour-long visit, parents have access to the Client Resource page which includes an entire on demand breastfeeding class with really helpful learning videos and the entire Balanced Breastfeeding Client manual.
What to buy
- My Brest Friend rather than (or in addition to) a boppy
- Nipple Cream: Lanolin based (if you’re not allergic to wool) and a lanolin free option
- Breast Cooling packs: Lansinoh Therapearls
- Flanges (correctly sized), ideally hard plastic not the silicone inserts
- Medela harmony hand pump with correct sized flange
- Double electric breast pump, not a wearable pump. Spectra S1 is still my favorite.
- 3 nursing bras, none with underwire
- Pumping bra
- Airplane neck pillow to rest your head on while nursing.
- Footstool to rest your feet on and encourage a more relaxed body position while nursing
How to prepare
- Establish care with an IBCLC before the baby arrives so you are guaranteed timely access to care postpartum. Ideally, you are first seen by your lactation consultant 5-7 days after your baby is born.
- Explain to your breastfeeding support person exactly how they can help you. Plan for them to complete tasks of the household including meal prep and dishes, burping, changing, and settling the baby. The lactating parent is only responsible for self care and breastfeeding.
- Practice hand expression, but there is no need to collect and store colostrum. Nipple stimulation can cause contractions. If you are earlier than 38 weeks and you get a contraction, stop hand expressing, rest, and drink water and wait for the contractions to subside. If you are full term, 38 weeks or later, it is ok for you to have some contractions with your practice hand expression.
- Clean and assemble all pump parts and pieces. Familiarize yourself with how to use the pump.
Understand the first two weeks of breastfeeding
The first two weeks of breastfeeding are uniquely difficult. The more breastfeeding parents can learn about what to expect in these weeks ahead of time, the more confident they will feel.
The main four components to learn about are how to get a deep latch, expected diaper output on each day of life, expected weight loss and gain, and how to know when your milk is in.
Take our free Prenatal Workshop and schedule a consultation to learn more.
