Breastfeeding: accessories guide

Last reviewed: July 2012

When you're planning to breastfeed, you might want to consider these extras to make it a more comfortable experience.

Feeding pillows

Bringing your baby up to the right level will help her latch on correctly. It is also helpful for you to be supported and sitting straight when you feed. A couple of pillows on your lap, or behind your back could help. You can buy feeding pillows that are designed for this purpose too. Some sit on your lap to prop up your baby others also fit behind your back to give your shoulders extra support. Inflatable feeding pillows are available and are great when you are out and about. Twin feeding pillows could suit those with more than one baby to feed at a time. As babies are a messy business, look out for a pillow that is washable or has removable covers.

Breast pads

If you're breast feeding, you'll almost certainly need breast pads to protect your clothing from leaking milk, especially when your baby is a newborn. You can choose between machine-washable or disposable pads. Reuseable pads cost more per pad, but are actually more economical if you plan to breastfeed for more than three months. They come with a mesh bag for the washing machine, so they don't get lost.

The disposable pads have waterproof backings so that no liquid can leak through, but this may prevent air getting to your nipples if they are cracked or sore. You can also buy shaped, ultra-slim and healing versions that keep the nipple moist and can help cracked nipples to feel better.

Breast gel packs

Designed to soothe engorged breasts. They can either be cooled or warmed, depending on your needs, and then placed inside your bra. Some people claim cabbage leaves do the same trick.

Breast shells

Small, plastic cup-shaped containers that can be fitted inside your bra. They are designed to collect leaking milk but can also be used to protect sore nipples from rubbing against your clothes.

Nipple protectors

Soft plastic shields which protect your nipples while your baby is feeding. Most breastfeeding experts agree that they should only be used for a few days at a time.

Nipple creams

Non-toxic creams that aid healing in sore or cracked nipples. Lanolin-based creams are popular with many breastfeeding mums and so are those that contain chamomile, as it's very soothing.

Nipple sprays

Antiseptic spray designed to heal sore or cracked nipples.

Breast pumps

The most effective way to express milk for your baby. They抮e great if you want to go out or back to work and need to leave some breastmilk with the person looking after your little one, or if your baby is having trouble latching on. Our story on Buying for breastfeeding can help you to choose the right pump for you.

Breastmilk storage containers

You can store breastmilk in your fridge or freezer. Both reusable and disposable containers are available. Some mothers use bags that expand when milk is added to them. Some bags even have measuring scales on the side and can be fitted with a teat when the milk is needed. Other mothers prefer containers. These come in many shapes and sizes, including specially designed ice cube trays. They can be used later to store baby food.

If you are buying for one time use, it's probably best to go for something that has been sterilised. You may also want to look for containers that are BPA free.

Muslins

Cotton squares that are great for protecting your clothes and wiping away any baby related substances while you抮e feeding your baby.

Milk bracelets

Trying to remember which breast you last fed from, so you can feed from the other one next time, can be hard when you are tired. Some people wear a ring or bracelet, which they swap from side to side to help them remember where they are up to. Bracelets made specifically for this purpose can also be purchased. Along with tracking which breast you last fed from, some also record feeding times, numbers of feeds, nappy changes, and medication times. If only they could make a good cup of tea!

Copyfrom: website - babycenter