Did you know that it’s World Breastfeeding Week? To help celebrate, we invited Amanda Cole, of Yummy Mummy, to provide you all with her favorite breastfeeding products.
The most common phrase I hear from expectant moms at Yummy Mummy is: “This is a whole new world for me! I have no idea what I need.” Although the number of options may feel overwhelming to some expectant and new moms, ultimately most of the breastfeeding products on the market serve one important purpose: easing your transition into breastfeeding and helping keep you and baby as comfortable as can be.
As a breastfeeding mom, breastfeeding store owner and lactation educator, there are a slew of different products that I love and recommend. Below, I’ve listed five of our most popular.
Top 5 Breastfeeding Products and 1 Very Important Service
1) Nursing Bras: Regular bras can actually become quite cumbersome when nursing a baby. Bras designed specifically for breastfeeding moms—made with cups that drop down or push to the side easily to expose the breast—allow for much easier access for babies to nurse. And don’t fret, just because you’re wearing a nursing bra doesn’t mean you can’t feel and look sexy. These days, breastfeeding bras come in all shapes and sizes, including frilly and lace.
2) Nursing Wear: Whether you’re receiving visitors at the hospital, lounging at home alone with hubby and baby or going out for a quick Sunday brunch, a stylish nursing gown, shirt or dress keeps moms covered while feeding. Nursing clothes have become so fashionable and discreet that no one would know they’re designed for breastfeeding. (We’ve even had a number of non-nursing moms as well as women who are not mothers buy nursing clothes for themselves at Yummy Mummy!)
3) Hands-Free Pumping Bra: If you’re planning to pump, a hands-free nursing bra is a must-have item. It enables you to free your hands while pumping so that you can eat ice cream, write a thank you note, flip through the channels or whatever. Many of our moms call this item a “life saver!”
4) Nursing Pillow: Correct positioning is key to successful breastfeeding. And a good nursing pillow not only allows your baby to get comfortable, but also helps prop up tired backs. There are a ton of different nursing pillows on the market these days—from leading brands like Brest Friend and Boppy to pillows made especially for twins, to an angled nursing pillow for babies with reflux
5) Breast Pads and a Good Nipple Cream: It is not unusual for a new mom to have sore nipples during the first week or two of breastfeeding, and a good nipple cream can do wonders to soothe nipples in between feeds. Likewise, leaking breasts are quite common for nursing moms. Invest in a trusted pair of reusable breast pads (or a box of disposables) to protect your shirt from embarrassing leaks.
6) Support Group: No, not a product, but an invaluable service offered throughout the country that is sure to enhance your breastfeeding experience, especially if you’re a first-time mom. Before you’re discharged, ask your postpartum nurse or lactation consultant about a local breastfeeding support group or simply google “breastfeeding support” along with your zip code.
Comments
shelly
thanks for the post. another wonderful addition to this list is the ” mamatini” breast feeding beverage.
it is herbal infusion designed to meet the needs of nursing moms. it”s really wonderful.
http://drinkmamatini.com/
my best to all moms breastfeeding… it is truly a wonderful experience!!!
Trina Smithson
Breastfeeding my kids were the best decision I have made in my life ever. And it’s great that there are a whole lot of new products now that help make breastfeeding an easier task for new moms.
jeannie martirez
There’s a long list of benefits when you breastfeed your babies. I just hope the time will come when nobody would sneer or show discomfort over seeing breastfeeding moms in public. I hope time will come when breastfeeding will be viewed as the most natural thing in the world to do.
hyacinth
You are right. A lot of people see breastfeeding moms and think of this as a primitive action instead of something natural. Well, I understand. I used to get uncomfortable, too, when I was younger and child-less and I’d see women breastfeed. It was only when I was doing it myself that I understood.