Nursing babies (breastfeeding) has been successful throughout human history without using nursing pillows and other nursing accessories. The only things needed for a successful breastfeeding session are the mother’s breast and, of course, the baby. Sometimes, you need some baby nursing accessories along the way. Although our bodies and our children’s bodies have been made to make nursing more comfortable, some baby nursing accessories can still make a nursing mother’s life simple and rewarding.
Below is a list showing some of the essential baby nursing accessories and their uses.
A nursing pillow can help support your baby by lifting them to the level of your breast. Nursing pillows may be beneficial for moms with larger breasts, moms recovering from C-sections, or moms nursing twins. Nursing pillows are also helpful when attempting new and more comfortable breastfeeding positions. They also reduce strain on your back, neck, shoulders, and arms to make nursing more comfortable for you. When buying a nursing pillow, go for one that isn’t too hard or too soft. Make sure it’s of a material that can accommodate different breastfeeding positions. My Best Friend Original Pillow is of the best breastfeeding pillows you can buy at a moderate price.
When nursing a baby, the breast often feels plump or full, especially during the first few weeks after the child’s birth. A right nursing bra provides support and comfort. Nursing bras come with front flaps that allow you to access your breast when needed. These front flaps can be detached with one hand (while the other supports the baby) and pulled open for nursing. When shopping for a nursing bra, make sure to go for one that isn’t too tight or constricting and make sure the material is comfortable. Some clothings designed for nursing provides openings for the baby to access the breast and is a good idea for mothers concerned about nursing discreetly in public. Women’s Full Cup Nursing Bra is one of the best nursing bras available at a moderate price.
These are absorbent disc-like pads placed inside the bra to soak up any milk that leaks from the nipple. Note that not all women leak but not leaking doesn’t mean you aren’t producing enough milk. Breast pads are essential because leaking can happen anywhere and can be abundant and messy. When going for nursing pads, go for those made of comfortable material and should be highly absorbent. Please make sure they are either disposable or reusable. Avoid those made of plastic liners that impede the flow of air around the nipples and hold the moisture in; this can irritate the nipples. Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads are very much available to buy at moderate prices.
As a nursing mother, when you’re out with your child, you would want to make breastfeeding easily accessible; that’s the use of nursing clothes. Clothes designed for nursing mothers are indispensable. Nursing tank tops, blouses, and dresses designed for breastfeeding women have flaps or slits in the front so that you can breastfeed without having to pull up or remove anything. Breastfeeding clothes are of numerous varieties ranging from casual to professional, based on the mother’s preference. To purchase nursing clothes, opt for those made of soft, comfortable material. Women’s Nursing Tank Top Cami Maternity Bra Breastfeeding Shirtsare available for purchase at moderate prices.
Breast pumps are used to accumulate breast milk from your breast, relieve engorgement, manage an overabundant milk supply, or increase your milk supply. The collected breast milk can be used to feed your baby in your absence. There are different breast pumps you can use depending on your preference. If you plan to pump occasionally, you should go for a manual pump operated by squeezing a lever. For regular pumping, you should opt for Double Electric Breast Pumps.
Storage bags and containers are specifically and specially made to collect and store breast milk. They are necessities for those who plan to pump milk in advance or for storage. Storage bags and containers are designed to overcome freezing and thawing and safely store milk for a long time. Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags are good storage bags you should try.
Nipples are bound to feel sore from time to time. Nipple creams are good creams you can use to moisturize, soothe, and heal sore nipples. There are many varieties of nipple creams around, and it might be hard to choose one. Always go for lanolin-based nipple creams. They are the favorites of mums everywhere. Other mums go for something more natural. You may need to try out a few varieties to see what works best for you. Sore nipples are most common in the early days of breastfeeding, so it helps to purchase at least one nipple cream before the birth of your baby.
These are lightweight circular discs worn inside a mother’s bra between feedings. They are versatile in terms of use. You can use them to correct flat or inverted nipples, and they provide a barrier to protect sore nipples from rubbing against your clothes. Some have been made to collect any leaked breast milk after feeding. Philips Avent Comfort Breast Shells are good options you can buy.
Not all nursing mothers opt for nipple shields, but if you do, it has to be under the supervision of a doctor or lactation specialist. Sometimes, nipple shields can aid breastfeeding, especially when the baby has problems latching. Medela Contact Nipple Shields are good options available at moderate prices.
Other important items are:
These are some of the most significant nursing accessories that aid nursing mothers after childbirth.
