Everything You Need To Breastfeed Successfully

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For women, raising a child is filled with challenges even before the baby is born. Right from the early days of pregnancy, women have to battle the effects of hormonal change – nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness, to name a few. The challenges are more so towards the last trimester of pregnancy when the fetus grows in size and the expecting mother has to bear the weight of her child. And finally, the moment of childbirth, which is one of the most painful experiences. Many would presume that it’s smooth sailing for the mother after the child is delivered. However, there lie many other challenges that mothers will have to face even after their child is born. One of these challenges is breastfeeding and nursing the infant.

The common belief is that breastfeeding comes naturally to the mother and the child. While it does in certain cases, mother and child do have to get used to it and that can take some time. That’s where certain accessories and gadgets can be of great assistance. After all, we have to use the benefits of living in a modern age. In this article, we have compiled a list of amazing products that would assist you during breastfeeding and make it convenient and easy for you. So, let’s dive in:

Breastfeeding Pillow

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Nursing pillows are specially designed keeping in mind the needs of feeding mothers. A good nursing pillow will allow you to hold your baby in just the right position for the baby to feed comfortably. It could be a life-saver for moms who are nursing twins or who are trying new feeding positions. A breastfeeding pillow also works wonders for mothers who are recovering from a cesarean delivery. If you’re struggling with neck, back, and shoulder pain while feeding your little one, a breastfeeding pillow can provide adequate relief and support. You can also have a look at breastfeeding pillows made from memory foam. The amazing thing about memory foam is that they retain their shape even when you remove the pressure. So when you pick it up again, you won’t have to squeeze it to get that perfect position, it will already be there. So, go ahead and make that purchase. You deserve it!

Nursing Bra

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A supportive nursing bra is your best companion when you’re breastfeeding. Nursing mothers have heavy and full breasts, which can take a toll on their back. A good nursing bra renders support to keep your breasts in place. It also prevents straining your shoulders and back from inadequate breast support. Another great thing about nursing bras is that the cups can be unhooked and pulled down for easy access when it’s time to feed your baby. If you’re a working woman who has a busy schedule to manage, a nursing bra would be a very convenient and practical option for you.

Breastfeeding Clothes

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When you’re breastfeeding, you want to be in the most comfortable clothing, and removing your clothes entirely while breastfeeding is not practical. But you don’t have to do that because there are specific clothes designed to make the process easier. Clothes that have slits or flaps in front of them and can be opened easily when it’s time to nurse your child make breastfeeding simple and effortless. That way, if you’re wearing a dress, you don’t have to remove it completely, or if you’re wearing a top, you don’t have to pull it up to feed your baby.

Breast Pump

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Breast pumps have become quite popular in the recent past. These devices are saving graces for working mothers who have to be away from their little ones after their maternity leave ends. It allows you to pump out milk at regular intervals and store it. They also work great for mothers who have an oversupply of milk and can even be used for increasing your milk supply. Invest in a good-quality breast pump to suit your nursing needs. So fill those tiny bottles with your precious milk and the next time you’re away from your baby, you won’t have to worry about them not getting their proper nutrition.

Creams, Ointments, Lotions

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If you’ve never needed any ointments, lotions, or creams for your cracking nipples, it must be great to be God’s favorite. Mothers who breastfeed experience sore nipples at least once, and creams can help ease the pain. You could get your nipple ointments from over the counter, or you can consult your doctor to recommend which cream works best for you. It helps moisturize, heal and soothe dry and cracked nipples, which may give breastfeeding moms some respite. Another great option is nipple butter. It is all the rage right now and is great at keeping dryness and soreness of nipples at bay.

Storage Bags And Containers

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If you plan to pump milk, you will definitely need some storage containers and bags to store the breast milk safely. These containers are compact and portable. They are designed to maintain temperatures suitable to store breast milk. Ensure they are made with materials that are safe and cause no harm to your baby’s food. Storing your milk in a systematic way and in the right condition will make your and your baby’s life easier.

Breast Shells

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Another breastfeeding must-have are breast shells. They are basically circular discs that a nursing mother wears inside her bra between feedings to prevent breast milk leaks. Breast shells also protect sore nipples and keep them from rubbing against your clothes. It is lightweight and may be helpful to correct inverted or flat nipples too (1). Breast shells are amazing and very useful when you’re out and don’t want your dress to get wet circles from the milk.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful process. It helps you bond with your baby and gives your baby all those good nutritional benefits. But it doesn’t come easy to every mother. So, if you’re struggling with breastfeeding your little one for personal or health-related reasons, don’t worry. You can consult a lactation expert and get some help through the process. With time and practice, you’ll be feeding your baby in no time. You can also make the experience better for you by investing in the items mentioned above so both you and your baby can have a pleasant feeding experience. Which of the items from our list helped you the most while breastfeeding? Let us know in the comments below!

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