Here's a rundown of some of the more common breastfeeding-related
items...
| Item |
Who might need this? |
Alternatives |
| Breastfeeding Books |
Helpful for most, but not necessary.
See How
can I find breastfeeding help?
Book
Reviews
Recommended
books |
- Public Library
- Breastfeeding support groups
- Lactation Consultants
- Friends and relatives who were successful at nursing
- Websites
|
| Nursing bra |
Convenient for most, but not necessary.
See Choosing
a Nursing Bra |
|
| Nursing clothing |
Convenient for some, but not necessary. |
- Regular, non-nursing clothing. Many moms prefer to wear
a loose shirt that can be pulled up for nursing.
- Make
your own
|
| Nursing pads |
Convenient for some, but not necessary. Some moms don't leak. |
- Nothing
- Folded handkerchief or washcloth
- Make
your own from scrap cloth
- Apply pressure to nipple (straight in toward chest) to
stop leaking. In public, you can do this by crossing your
arms and pressing in (like you might do when you're cold).
|
| Nursing pillow |
Helpful for some, but not necessary. |
- Nothing
- Bed pillows
- Throw pillow(s) (or other small pillow)
- Make
your own
|
| Nursing stool |
Helpful for some, but not necessary. |
- Nothing
- Footstool
- Plastic stool from discount store
- Stack of books
- Low table
- Bottom rung of chair
|
| Purified lanolin nipple ointment |
Helpful for some, but not necessary. |
|
| Sling |
A great parenting tool, but not necessary. See Slings. |
|
| Nursing shawl |
Convenient for some, but not necessary. |
- Nothing
- Sling
- Baby blanket, scarf or shawl over your shoulder, or tuck
cloth under your arm and drape it around baby's body (rather
than over your shoulder)
- Practice nursing in front of a mirror or supportive friend.
With a little practice you'll find you can nurse
in public very discreetly - without covering baby &
mom with a blanket or shawl.
|
| Pacifier |
Convenient for some, particularly when mom and baby are separated.
Not necessary, and may cause problems at times.
See What
should I know about giving my breastfed baby a pacifier?
|
- Breastfeeding
- If mom is not available, caregiver can use other
comfort measures.
- Baby may suck fingers or thumb.
|
| Breastpump |
Helpful when
baby can't/won't nurse, when mom needs to increase
supply, or when mom and baby are separated. |
See Do
all breastfeeding mothers need a pump? |
| Bottles and accessories |
Helpful when mom & baby are separated, or when supplements
are needed (and parents prefer using a bottle). |
|
| Breast shells |
May be helpful for moms who have sore nipples. |
No need to get these unless you need them, as many moms never
use them. |
| Nipple shields |
Helpful for specific situations. See Nipple
shields. |
Should only be used under the direction of a lactation consultant.
|
