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Baby Feeding » Checklist of Breastfeeding Basics |
| Although breastfeeding is a very cheap way to feed your baby you may find the list of items below can make the experience more pleasurable. |
Nursing Bras |
| It is recommended that a mother buy the bras when she is 7 months pregnant. If buying at this stage, get a bra that has a little space in the cup since your breasts will be fuller once you are feeding. When pregnant your ribcage expands slightly and this will return to normal after the birth so make sure there is room to tighten the back strap. It is more comfortable to buy bras with natural fibres in a tropical climate like ours. Invest in at least three pairs and have them all properly fitted. |
Breast Pads |
| Available in either disposable or washable types, they are designed to stop leaks and embarrassing wet patches between feeds. Simply slip them into the cups of your bra to absorb breast milk triggered by the letdown reflex. |
Nipple Creams |
| They are mainly used to treat sore, cracked or bleeding nipples. |
Nipple Shields |
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The aim of using a nipple shield is to protect the nipple and minimise pain when feeding. Once the problem has been resolved you can stop using the shields. Situations that may warrant the use of a nipple shield include: sore and cracked nipples inverted or flat nipples some sucking problems Nipple shields can prevent adequate stimulation of the breast. This can result in a reduction of your milk supply. If your baby is not gaining weight or you suspect a problem, try to wean him off the nipple shields. |
Breast Pumps |
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Breast pumps are used to establish milk supply, maintain the supply, and clear blocked ducts. A variety of breast pumps are available - manual breast pumps (piston pumps rubber-horn or bulb type pumps and lever pumps), battery-operated breast pumps, and electric pumps Situations when breast pumps might be needed include: when a baby is unable to breastfeed because of sickness or prematurity - when a mother and baby are separated when a mother is too ill to feed to relieve engorged breasts to assist in the emptying or breasts and to collect breast milk to draw out an inverted nipple before a feed |
Milk Bags |
| If you are a working mother who can't feed on demand you can express your breast milk by hand or with a breast pump and store the milk in disposable, pre-sterilised bottle bags. The milk can then be kept in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours or can be put in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can thaw frozen breast milk by placing it in a bowl of warm water. Don't use a microwave as it heats the milk unevenly and can scald your baby's mouth. It is important that all the containers that the milk is placed in are sterilised. |
Niplette |
| A new device for mothers with inverted nipples. It is important to use this in consultation with a lactation consultant before the delivery of the baby. |
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