All moms want the best for their babies and breastfeeding gives babies the best start in their life. Breast feeding is indeed best for your baby and also for your health.
Being a first time mother myself I know that sometimes especially in the first few weeks breastfeeding might not be that easy and can cause a lot of discomfort for both the baby and mom. You can also read the unpleasant experiences of breastfeeding no mom would love to tell.
10 Breastfeeding Accessories for a Comfortable and Happy Breastfeeding Experience:
However there are plenty of breastfeeding accessories available in the market to help you with breastfeeding by making it a more comfortable experience.
Here are 10 breastfeeding accessories or breastfeeding essentials which might be useful for breastfeeding mums like me and you.
#1. Breast pumps:
Breast pumps are the most effective way to express milk for your baby. They are great whenever you are out and need to leave some breast milk with the person looking after your little one.
There are two types of breast pumps available: motorized (battery-operated or electric) and manual(hand) breast pump.
Many women find electric breast pumps quicker and more efficient than hand pumps or manual ones. Though I personally used the hand operated pump as it seemed less complicated to me.
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#2. Breast milk storage containers and freezer bags:
Breast milk storage containers and freezer bags are needed for the convenient and hygienic storage of your breast milk.
The freezer bags have clips for sealing and also labels so that you can write the date on them.
The storage containers/bottles can be fitted with a teat when the milk is needed. They come with measuring scales on the side for your convenience of keeping the track on the quantity of your milk stored or consumed by your baby.
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#3. Nursing pillows:
Nursing pillows are needed to get your baby to the correct position while you’re breastfeeding them.
There are different shapes and sizes of pillows available. Pick the one you think will help you better.
I personally used the horse-shoe shaped pillow while feeding my daughter and it did help a lot. I just kept the pillow on my lap to prop my daughter up or at times behind my shoulders for the support and comfort.
#4. Nursing bras:
Nursing bras are essential if you are breastfeeding, it just makes the process much easier.
Invest in quality nursing bras that are comfortable, give good support and have flaps that open easily for breastfeeding. Cotton nursing bras that can be undone single-handed are usually comfortable and convenient.
There are many brands which specialize in these types of bra.
Whenever buying nursing bra make sure that you buy it from an experienced salesperson as breast size is the main issue when you are nursing.
#5. Breast pads:
It’s normal for your breast to leak while you are nursing. So it’s crucial to have breast pads to keep your nursing bras and clothes protected.
You can choose between reusable or disposable pads. I preferred reusable pads when at home and while travelling I used disposable pads as washing is a pain while travelling.
When buying breast pads, ensure that they fit you well, stay in place and do not bunch up when you place it inside your bra as that may cause discomfort.
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#6. Breast gel packs:
Breastfeeding can lead to swollen or sore nipples.
To get relief from swollen and sore nipples you can use breast gel packs. They can either be cooled or warmed depending on your needs and then placed inside your bra for that much needed relief.
#7. Nipple protectors or nipple shields:
Nipple protectors are soft plastic shields which protect your nipples while your baby is feeding. It is mostly recommended if a woman has severely cracked nipples.
Nipple protectors act as shield between your nipples and your baby’s mouth. However, they are meant to be used for a limited amount of time.
#8. Nipple creams:
A nipple cream can also help in healing sore or cracked nipples. However, you must be careful while buying these as you should always buy a non-toxic and all natural nipple cream.
You don’t want your baby to consume any toxins from the nipple cream while breastfeeding.
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#9. Nursing cover or baby sling:
Nursing covers or baby slings are great if you have to breastfeed your baby in public. It also functions as a burping cover.
The cover has a V-neck opening to assist with latch-on. It also allows your baby to be partially covered (a lot of babies do not like to be fully covered) while still providing you privacy.
So next time you go out with your little one, don’t forget your baby sling
#10. Milk saver cups:
These milk saver cups are amazing as it ensures that not even a drop of your breast milk gets wasted.
As the name suggests it collects your leaking breast milk while you are nursing allowing you to store some extra breast milk with each feeding.
All you have to do is slip the milk saver cup into your bra on the non-nursing side before you breastfeed and relax. When the milk has collected in the cup you can store this extra milk and use it as and when needed.
So next time you have difficulty breastfeeding your baby try these cool breastfeeding accessories for a comfortable, tension free and a happy breastfeeding experience
Hope you liked this article on breastfeeding accessories you can invest in for a comfortable breastfeeding experience.
Share with me which all breastfeeding accessories you used and which one you felt like a total wastage of money after buying?
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