By Neha Divan
The beginning of motherhood is full of challenges. New mums need all the help they can get, especially if it is your first time. After giving birth, breastfeeding your newborn becomes the most crucial aspect of the early stages of motherhood. The initial euphoria of the baby latching on soon gives way to anxiety and doubts. You may find yourself wondering about the quantity of milk supply and if the baby is feeding enough. It can get overwhelming.
But with the right mindset and preparation, you can find the proper routine that suits you and the baby and succeed at breastfeeding. Here is a list of breastfeeding essentials that every new mum need through the breastfeeding journey.
1. Nursing Pads
Leaking milk is a common problem in the first few months of breastfeeding. It can end up staining your bra or shirt, causing discomfort and even embarrassment. Nursing pads, also known as maternity breast pads, are absorbent, circular pads that you can place inside your bra cup to soak up any excess milk that leaks from your breasts.
2. Breastfeeding Nightwear
Newborns may need feeding at anytime of the day or night. Choose comfortable clothes that allow you to access your breasts especially at night, easily. Wear a nighttime nursing bra that keeps your breast pads in place, with front-buttoned nightdresses or night suits.
3. Breastfeeding Pillow
Breastfeeding pillows support your baby by lifting them to the level of your breast. Breastfeeding pillows are beneficial for women with large breasts, women recovering from c-sections, and women who want to feed the baby lying on the side.
4. Breast Pump
Breast pumps help extract milk from your breasts. It is a valuable breastfeeding tool for working mothers who need to be away from their babies for a few hours; it helps manage an overabundant milk supply and increase milk supply if needed.
5. Nipple Creams, Ointments & Lotions
Nipple soreness is a common problem among breastfeeding moms. You may find your nipples dry, cracked, or tender. Talk to your doctor about a suitable nipple cream or ointment to soothe and moisturize your nipples. Lanolin-based creams and natural creams are most popular among new mothers.
6. A Notebook & Pen
It is good to keep note of your baby’s feeding times, durations, and the side from which you fed them last. This practice helps you remember the next feeding time and monitor feeding quantity until you both slowly fall into a routine.
7. Nursing Bras
Keep at least one comfortable nursing bra handy before you give birth. Nursing bras should be supportive and help keep your nipple pads in place. Lingerie brands offer underwired and cotton varieties for day and nighttime uses.
8. Breastmilk Storage Bags
Pumping breastmilk means you will also need to store the milk somewhere until your baby is ready for it. There is a wide variety of breastmilk storage bags available in the market to help you keep your breastmilk in the freezer.
9. Burp Rags
Many babies are in the habit of spitting up when they burp. Needless to say, getting spit up all over your clothes is not pleasant! Keep a burping rag handy every time you feed or burp your baby.
10. Nursing Cover
There are bound to be instances when you are at a public place like a park or while travelling, and you need to breastfeed. A nursing cover or nursing apron is instrumental in such situations. A nursing cover can make breastfeeding convenient and comfortable in public places.
Even though breastfeeding is one of the most satisfying experiences of motherhood, it can be an intense and eventful journey. Keep off the stress by choosing the right tools and preparing yourself beforehand. What items you choose from the above list depends on your budget, convenience, and baby. If you are facing any issues with breastfeeding, check out our page for common nursing tips and help.
Neha Divan is a toddler-mom who works as part of the content team at SuperBottoms, a baby product brand that develops innovative and sustainable products, like the No.1 best-selling reusable cloth diaper in India. She is passionate about empowering parents with her content to help make parenting a little easier and a lot more fun. She often writes from the first-hand experience and has a knack for presenting her ideas clearly which lets her readers connect with her content.
