There are so many reasons to choose to nurse your baby. I'm not going to go into that because I'm not an expert and I'm sure you're capable of trolling the internet for that info (the website I linked below is fantastic by the way).
Like many moms-to-be I went to a breastfeeding class which was very informative, but really even though I was 30 weeks pregnant at the time it all seem so far off and foreign to me. What I really wanted was someone to tell me what I really needed to have on hand to make nursing something I would want to continue doing for as long as possible. So here is the advice I wish someone had passed on to me:
Nursing Essentials:
1. Lansinoh Nipple Cream- think chapstick for your nips- apply before/after nursing EVERY TIME to keep things from getting dry and cracking. By the way- its also great for extra dry spots on your own hands and on cradle cap! There are other brands available too. I went with this one. Which every kind you pick get one that you do not need to clean off before nursing.
2. Nursing Cover- you don't "need" this, but it seriously makes nursing in public WAY easy and comfortable. I never leave home with out it and we use it for SO many other things too. It makes a great: car seat cover to shade the baby in the car or while sleeping in the car seat or stroller, blanket, and a shopping cart cover when I've forgotten it. (Hooter Hiders are my favorite brand, but there are other options out there, too. I think those ones are larger though- which is very good when your LO gets bigger and more wiggley.)
3. Good nursing bras for day and night. (Target has some great ones!)
4. Heating pad or one of those rice filled microwavable packs (a warm compress before nursing really helps get things flowing and helps to be sure you fully drain your breast when pumping).
5. Bookmark this website: www.kellymom.net one of the BEST nursing resources I've found.
6. Pick out a good breast pump. I have the Ameda pump and I love it. I also used the Medela pump I rented from the hospital. It was fine too. If you're going to be pumping 3 or more times a day while at work just get a good one. Before I was pumping I thought it was SO odd to get a "used" pump, but now I get it. You could get a used motor and then you buy a fresh kit of the actual part that goes on you (the flange) and fresh tubes. It wouldn't be unsanitary at all. But really, if this is your first child and you're planning on having more kiddos- just get you're own. The investment will be worth it.
7. Nursing pads. There are a bunch of brands- just try a few until you find what you prefer. I like the Lansinoh kid as far as disposable ones go, but I have some washable ones too.
Don't worry if nursing doesn't go perfectly in the hospital. I was so frustrated with it there, but once I got home (and didn't have nurses and people watching my every move) it was WAY easier.
Find a lactation clinic (or visit a consultant if your insurance provides them). It is really helpful to visit the clinic to see how much your baby is getting in a feeding and to be sure his/her latch is correct.
Happy nursing and don't give up if you're having trouble- seek out some support. AND if things really don't work out... don't beat yourself up over it. You're not a terrible mother. The most important thing is that your baby is nourished and loved.
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