Are your bags packed for the hospital? Moms tend to read extensively about what they need for labor and delivery, but let's not forget about after the birth. Breastfeeding can be easier if you have a few essentials to help a mama out. So what should you take to the hospital for breastfeeding?
1. Breast Pump
It is not an uncommon occurrence for moms to want or need to pump in the hospital. Perhaps you have an exceptionally sleepy baby, are separated from your baby for health reasons, or have noticed you have flat or inverted nipples and need a little assistance. Taking your breast pump to the hospital is a great way to ensure you have one if you need one. There are limited "floor pumps" and since insurance may not cover the extras, you won't be billed for a personal collection kit if you have your own pump at hand. Make sure you choose a good quality pump such as the Spectra S2 Breast Pump or Spectra Synergy Gold Breast Pump.
2. Nursing Bras
You are going to want both a sleep nursing bra that offers comfort and easy pull down nursing access. You will also want to pack a daytime bra to wear home from the hospital. Choose one with multiple cup sizing because this is the time your breasts will be changing the most. The first week postpartum can see your breasts go from a C cup to an DDD cup in some instances!
3. Nursing Pads
While I love 100% cotton nursing pads for their breath ability and economy, disposable pads are the way to go while you are in the first days after delivery. You will want this convenience while you and your baby are learning to breastfeed. Choose a quality brand such as Ameda or Bamboobies to prevent harboring yeast with inferior products that do not allow air to flow well. Since this is short-term time to use these, don't buy Evenflo or others that my have waterproof plastic liners or other materials.
4. Breast Cream
Baby moon tenderness is not uncommon while you and baby are learning to latch so having a little assistance from a quality breast cream. Our favorite is Motherlove Nipple Cream. It has high quality ingredients that are organic and safe for mom and baby. The lubrication and healing properties in this breast cream is a must have.
5. Burp Pads
While sometimes overlooked, burp pads are essential and versatile. Not only are they great for spit ups while burping, but they can be use to roll up and lift large breasts or to wrap around baby instead of a big receiving blanket. This wrap technique just involves baby arm's so that you can keep little hands our of the way while latching. Great to use instead of a receiving blanket because a newborn will quickly become warm and sleepy under a blanket.
Other items can be helpful for breastfeeding such as a pillow from home. You can also substitute a nighttime nursing bra with a nursing nightgown that has an integrated pull down nursing bra built in such as the Amamante Nursing Nightgown and Nursing Pajamas have.
What is not helpful at this stage is a nursing scarf or nursing cover. There will be plenty of time for those items later on, but at first you need full view of what you are doing to help you both learn to latch well.
Here is to a great start!
Tanya
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