Breastfeeding Essentials

Breastfeeding your baby is a wonderful decision that brings many benefits. But it does present a few challenges too, such as tender nipples, sore arms and the need for privacy while nursing. These challenges are easily overcome with a few key purchases. Even after making these purchases, breastfeeding is still far more economical than formula.

Before the baby is even born, invest in a nursing bra, nursing pads and a few nursing shirts. The bra and shirt work together to make breastfeeding an easy access and discreet experience. The nursing bra has a panel that folds down, revealing the nipple. The shirts have inconspicuous slits in the sides, allowing the baby to suckle while keeping you as covered as possible.

Nursing pads are a must have item because breasts can leak at any time, even before the baby is born. You can buy either disposable or cloth pads. Be sure to carry extras in your purse and change frequently. At night, keep a cloth diaper or a wash cloth handy and use as needed to absorb any leaking milk.

A good nursing pillow or a "Boppy" will save your arms. When nursing, wrap the boppy around your belly and place the baby on top, near the breast. This helps position the baby and relieves your arms from bearing all the weight. Don't forget to take the pillow with you to the hospital.

Sore and tender nipples are common in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. To help with healing, use plastic breast shells. These devices have a soft silicone base that slips over the nipple with the nipple poking through a hole in the base. A harder plastic cup with ventilation holes in it goes on top of the base. This ensures that the nipple gets plenty of air circulation and keeps the bra or shirt off of the nipple preventing further irritation.

In addition, breast shells can be used to collect leaking breast milk during nursing. When nursing on one side, wear a sterilized breast shell (without the air holes) on the opposite side. As the milk flows, it is not uncommon for the opposite breast to leak milk. Using a shell to catch the leaks protects your clothing and provides nourishment that you can save and store for later use. Be sure to have a supply of sterilized breast milk storage bags on hand and pour the collected milk into one. Write the date on the bag, seal and freeze. Note: This is for freshly-collected milk only, not milk that has accumulated throughout the day.

Breast pumps are handy for relieving engorged breasts and for pumping and storing milk for later use. If you are separated from the baby for extended periods and still want to maintain breastfeeding, pumping is a must. Not only will it relieve your engorged breasts and provide milk for the baby, it will trigger your body to continue making milk.

Now that you've stored milk, it's time to talk about bottles. To avoid nipple confusion, it's best to avoid giving a bottle too soon. Given too soon, the baby may prefer the faster flow and ease of bottle feeding. At the same time, you don't want to wait too long either because the baby may refuse to even try the bottle. Discuss the timing with your doctor or a breastfeeding professional. Be sure to purchase a bottle system that simulates nursing with nipples as close to the real thing as possible.

The last essential item when breastfeeding is water. Have a water bottle handy at all your favorite nursing spots because you will be surprisingly thirsty each time you nurse.