First time breastfeeding? It can take a bit of time getting used to and sometimes come with a lot of effort (not to mention discomfort). Whilst your midwife might have shown you how to breastfeed, did they tell you about some tools to help make it easier or soothe pain? Keep reading if you’re curious to know about some innovative essentials that we swear by when it comes to breastfeeding.
How to breastfeed?
Your midwife will show you how to breastfeed, but it can take a bit of getting used to. The key is to approach it as calmly and patiently as possible. To breastfeed, position your baby on their side with their nose opposite your nipple. Ensure your baby opens their mouth wide and guide them to attach to your breast well down over the areola. When you’re in the hospital, make sure to practice with the midwife as much as possible, or speak to a lactation consultant if you’re still struggling – it can take time!
How often do you need to breastfeed?
Newborns need to feed seven to eight times a day! This equates to roughly every three hours when they’re first born. If you’re unable to get them to latch during a feed, the most important thing is fed so it’s a good idea to have some formula milk on hand, so they never go hungry.
7 Breastfeeding Essentials in 2022
These are the things that make breastfeeding that little bit more comfy and enjoyable. From innovative tools to practical staples, here’s 7 essentials all breastfeeding mums should consider investing in.
1. Medela Electric Breast Pump
Are you planning on breastfeeding full time and sharing the feeds with your partner? Or alternatively, are you planning on heading back to work and you want to continue to breastfeed? The Medela pump could be just what you need to make these things easier. Also known as the ‘holy grail of breast pumps’, this is a professional electric device that allows you to express quickly and efficiently.
Features of Medela Pump:
- Lightweight
- Electric pump
- Small enough to fit in your handbag
- Various levels of pumping vacuum
2. Haakaa Breast Pump
If you’re going to invest in a breast pump choose from either option #1 or the Haakaa Breast Pump. Haakaa’s pumps are manual which is the key difference here so they take longer to express compared to the Medela. However, they’re a great option if you’re looking for a super economical and no-fuss pump. They’re incredibly easy to use since there’s no cords or wires involved and thanks to being 100% manual, they don’t make noise either.
Features of Haakaa Pump:
- Manual pump
- Soundless
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- 100% eco-friendly
- Made from 100% food-grade silicone
- BPA, PVC and phthalate-free
3. Breastfeeding Pillow
Who says breastfeeding has to be any more uncomfortable than necessary? Settle in with a practical and ultra comfy breastfeeding pillow. We love the body support pillow from Growbright that can also be used during pregnancy as well as when you’re breastfeeding. It is full body length and feels lightweight, breathable, plush, and durable to lie on.
Features of Growbright Pillow:
- Lightweight
- Full-length pillow
- Made from 95% tencel and 5% spandex
4. Nipple Shield Breastfeeding
We don’t want to sound like total downers, but the reality is that at some stage you’re going to experience dry, cracked, sore nipples. It’s super painful and made worse if you don’t have tools on hand to help you through it (or prevent it from happening in the first place!) We like the Haakaa Nipple Shields which suction onto your breast, giving you a hands free breastfeeding experience and helping mums unable to breastfeed due to sore nipples get through it.
Features of Haakaa Nipple Shields:
- BPA, PVC and phthalate-free
- Three teats to choose from
- Dishwasher and microwave sterilizer safe
5. Reusable breast milk storage bags
If you’re going to invest in a breast pump, then reusable storage bags are an absolute must-have. The reason? They allow you to save every last drop of the milk you’re expressing and portion it out for later in the day/week. We like the Junobie breast milk bags as an eco-friendly option. Made with 100% FDA Approved Silicone plus BPA, BPS, Phthalates, and Lead free. They’re safe to store in the fridge or freezer too! To reuse them, just make sure to sterilise first.
Features of Junobie Bags:
- Reusable eco-friendly option
- Made from 100% FDA approved silicone
- BPA, BPS, Phthalates and lead-free
- Freezer safe
6. Bamboo Basix Breast Pads
After giving birth, your breast milk might come in straight away or it might take a few days. Once you start breastfeeding, even just hearing the cry from a baby (not even your own) can be enough to set your milk off. Keep your bras clean and wet-free, with some absorbent breast pads like these ones from Bamboo Basix. They’re soft, absorbent and even have a waterproof protective barrier between the breast pad and your clothes to help stop any leaks.
Features of breast pads:
- Reusable
- Eco-friendly option
- Made from bamboo rayon, microfibre and PUL
7. Franjos Lactation Cookies
If you’re looking to stay nourished and ensure you’re producing optimum milk, why not try the Franjos lactation cookies? Designed by a naturopath, they will help to energise your tired body and support a healthy milk supply while you’re breastfeeding. Choose from fig & almond flavour or choc chip.
Features of lactation cookies:
- Available in two flavours
- Dairy and egg-free
- Free from refined sugar
- Naturopath and nutritionist formulated
Feeling a little bit more empowered to start your breastfeeding journey? Discover more essential tools for breastfeeding now at the memo.
Breast feeding can be hard. I am glad to see people posting tipss
Breastfeeding is one of the tough jobs of being a mother, but everything is worth it when you see your child happy and healthy. Thanks for sharing this information.
It is wonderful that you shared these resources to help with breastfeeding. I enjoyed the experience of breastfeeding my children. This article will help other mothers enjoy the experience more.