Preparing to BF for the first time

[popat]

Hi ladies, just wanted some of your wisdom whilst I'm preparing for the LO to arrive.

So far on my list of things to buy (or have already) I have:
My breastfriend pillow
Nursing pads - not sure which brand yet
Breast pump - Avent ISIS IQ Duo (bought already but not opened in case I end up not pumping)
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Lansinoh cream
Attending BF class next month, run by the hospital's (where I am delivering) lactation consultant so I'm looking forward to getting to know her.

Not sure what else I will need - should I get some nipple shields and those cooler ring things?

My mum mentioned getting some bottles and formula (just incase) which I wasn't planning to do - what are your thoughts on that?

Thanks!

 

[Celesse]

I ended up needing bottles, formula, steriliser and electric pump. Didn't buy whilst pregnant and managed to get them. I'd say stick to your guns and only get them if you need them, unless you live in the middle of the country side miles and miles from any shops.

I had a c-section and found the U shape pillow vital for helping me support LO whilst my wound was healing.

I'd say one thing to get is a big bottle for you and some good books or other form of entertainment. The early days of breastfeeding can have you glued to your chair, feeding and feeding and very thirsty!

 

[venusrockstar]

That's a good list.

Adding to what Celesse has mentioned about sitting on your arse all day feeding, you might want to make sure you have tons of easy snack foods and things you can munch on throughout the day so you don't have big meals to prepare.

 

[Adela Quested]

I bought nothing and prepared nothing

I was told that it's a good idea to have one bottle and a small container of formula in the house to prevent stress if you have trouble feeding in the middle of the night. Never needed it mind you.

There will still be shops after you give birth so you can always get someone to run out and get something for you if you need it.

Not dissing your ideas at all BTW, we are all different and you have to get organised in the way that makes YOU feel comfortable! Just saying that I have never even needed breast pads, but I am apparently a freak in that regard

 

[Tacey]

Sounds like a good list, but as others have said, you'd be fine to get some things later if you found you needed them. I went for washable breastpads as I was getting through so many of them it was getting ridiculously expensive! I used my cushion for a month or so, but it found other uses after I stopped using it, so I was glad I bought it.

So glad you mentioned The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. I wish I'd read it sooner as it would have made a big difference in the early days! It's got a great bit about the birth and how it affects feeding.

Personally, I'd avoid having formula in. If I'd had some in I think I'd have used it during the low points, and I would have always regretted it, so I guess it depends on your feelings on the virgin gut.

I'd recommend getting the phone number of a good breastfeeding supporter who is around 24 hours a day (My vote goes with La Leche League) and keeping it handy just in case you need some help. Maybe find out about local groups/cafes you could attend too. Having a strong support network is probably more important than all the stuff you can buy.

Really, just the fact that you're getting so organised and thinking about it now is brilliant, and will really help you as you start out. Good luck!

 

[venusrockstar]

Personally, I'd avoid having formula in. If I'd had some in I think I'd have used it during the low points, and I would have always regretted it, so I guess it depends on your feelings on the virgin gut.

I agree with this. If you have formula in the house it makes it easier to give up on BF'ing when you get frustrated. BF'ing can be frustrating for the first 6-8 weeks. Also, if you give formula it can affect your supply.

 

[Dopeyjopey]

I agree with the other ladies - i'd have stopped breastfeeding on day 3 had i gotten formula before-hand.

I wish i'd gone for washable breast pads as i went through tonnes. There's a lady on here, xErinx who makes them - her business is called 'mums know breast' if you're interested in using them.

I wouldn't worry about shields personally - you can always get them if you need them.

Oh, and books and DVDs to get you through the marathon sessions in the early days!

Good luck with everything x

 

[popat]

Thanks ladies. That's exactly what I was thinking about formula, I can get DH to pop out and get some (or anything else I need).

Luckily I have my mum looking after me (so I can deal with the baby) for the first few weeks but after that I'm definitely going to have to make sure I have snacks etc in. Although mum will be probably make lots of stuff and freeze.

I have a Kindle (I'm a reader rather than movie/tv person) - was wondering how easy it would be to read and BF at the same time..?

 

[Dopeyjopey]

Is a Kindle like an e-book reader? It might be tricky to start off with (i found holding A difficult as it was ) but you shouldn't have a problem once you get used to feeding x

 

[aliss]

Frozen meals, a jug of whole milk and an ice water pitcher for your comfy feeding spot! You will get very thirsty + want to drink when you feed. You won't be hungry in the first few days after labour but you'll want some calories so I found whoel milk to be great

If you like books, Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding is good too.