Essentials for the Nursing and Breastfeeding Mother!
The first essential item that may come to mind are nursing bras. Nursing bras are an incredible invention that were created to make life ever so easy for the breastfeeding mother. With one hand, you can expose your breast for feeding in as little as a second. By wearing a nursing bra, you can count on being able to quickly and easily breastfeed your baby no matter where you are.
Chances are, you will more than likely need breast pads also. Breast pads are thin, soft inserts that you place inside the cup of your bra between the fabric and your breast. The purpose of the pad is to keep milk expelled, due to letdown, from leaking through your bra and blouse. The breast pads absorb any milk and keeps your breast dry. You can elect to purchase the disposable breast pads, or can use the washable ones, which will last throughout your breastfeeding days.
Another breastfeeding “essential” is breast cream. When you breast feed, your nipples can become inflamed, sore and even cracked. Though painful, breast creams can help you heal rather quickly and many can offer immediate relief from pain and discomfort.
Nursing pillows have become increasingly popular with the relatively newly developed Boppys. You do not necessarily have to purchase the Boppy brand, rest assured that there are several other wonderful nursing pillows out there. So why do you need a nursing pillow? Well, nursing pillows allow you to add height to your lap and bring baby closer to the breast. Nursing pillows normally conform gently to the shape of your stomach and may wrap around you in a sense. These pillows create a quite cushy resting place for your baby while he or she nurses, and you will enjoy the support you get with one.
Nursing blouses will greatly benefit the nursing mother. Many of these tops were designed in a manner that make it nearly impossible to fathom that they are a part of nursing attire! They are very trendy and quite fashionable. There are also wonderful shawls that you purchase to private a bit of privacy for you and your nursing child. Simply wrap the shawl around you to create a comforting and private feeding environment for your baby.
If you are using a breast pump often, be sure to stock up on extra storage bottles for your breast pump as well. Remember to keep extra batteries handy if you are using a battery-operated model, and change them often to ensure your pump is always ready when you are!
Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to nourish and care for your child. By purchasing some of these wonderful tools, you may find that they can make breastfeeding even more pleasurable.
