Must-Have Breastfeeding Supplies You’ll Want to Have On Hand

When having a baby, besides the usual stuff like clothes, baby bottles, pacifier and some other pieces of must-have equipment, the most crucial things to have for new moms are a breastfeeding pillow and breast pump. The benefits of having them are many, but the most important thing to know is that these two supplies will improve this new journey of yours.

Feeding Pillows

A nursing pillow or also known as a feeding pillow is an ergonomic tool that is designed to improve the breastfeeding process for both the baby and the mother. It can come in different shapes, sizes, filling and density, allowing mums to choose the one that will correspond to their specific needs.

One of the greatest benefits of owning a pillow of this kind is reduced body pain. Only moms who have breastfed their babies holding them in their hands know how difficult it is to do it. The back and neck pain will become your ‘best companion’ which unfortunately can lead to many other problems. Fortunately, feeding pillows eliminate the need for bending or slouching, in order to bring the baby closer to the chest which results in reduced neck and back pain.

Besides reducing pain, these pillows are amazing as they improve the baby’s feeding position as well. Many of them come with a raised platform that is specially designed for the baby’s head in order to reduce reflux action while improving the latching process. Instead of using a regular pillow that is not ergonomic and comfortable for your baby, these nursing pillows are designed to closely snug your body while keeping your baby safe and in a good position. Well, it is this that makes these pillows ideal to be used since day one even for moms that have had a C-section.

These pillows are so versatile, that you can use them as a pregnancy pillow even before the baby is born. You can also use them as the perfect support for tummy time. For those times when your baby needs to be fed by bottle, a nursing pillow can also be a great support. So, if you’re wondering ‘are breastfeeding pillows worth it’, the truth is that they really are. According to experienced parents, these pillows are maybe one of the most used baby supplies. For those of you who want to know can baby sleep on a feeding pillow, the shortest answer is no. It’s not safe as your baby can slide and fall off the pillow. The only way to use the pillow when your baby is sleeping is to place it around it in order not to fall from the bed.

Breast Pumps

Breast pumps have made the life of many moms so easy. The convenience of pumping out breast milk and storing it for later use has allowed new moms to return to their daily chores and work obligations without having to worry about their babies. Now, while a lot of babies can get used to this way of mixed feeding, unfortunately, some babies don’t want anything else but their moms’ breasts.

Either way, having a breast pump in the first few weeks when your milk supply is huge and your baby’s strength to latch and feed is weak, having a pump to reduce that pressure is a must. By pumping a little bit of milk at the beginning of your breastfeeding journey, you will do yourself a favour of not developing mastitis.

While pumping a little bit in order to relieve the pressure is great for keeping mastitis and clogged milk ducts at bay, having a breast pump can help you increase the milk supply. In order to improve it, you should pump right after you have breastfed your baby. Instead of throwing it, you can keep the milk in the freezer and use it whenever needed. By freezing it, the milk will keep all of its nutrients even if it’s kept for around 6 months. And in case you plan on nursing your baby for more than six months, you can use the frozen milk and add it to its solids.

Speaking of stored milk and Covid times, if you are a vaccinated mama who is breastfeeding, you can pump your milk and give it to your other children (if any) as it is believed that you can pass the antibodies through your milk.

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