Breastfeeding supplies?

I am due in about 2weeks and I plan on BF. I don't have anything though and after taking a BF course really want to give it a shot. I know it will be tough but I will try and stick it out.
I am delivering at Winthrop..can you rent a pump? If not is there a decent handheld to buy that anyone can recommend????
What other supplies do I need for BF? I bought 2 nursing bras and I have a couple of nursing pads and now I am stuck with so many BF questions...
Any help or advice you can throw my way I would appreciate it!
Thanks so much!!

Re: Breastfeeding supplies?

I get the lansinoh cream for your nipples.. You will be soar and cracked and this will help.

Call the hospital and find out, that way hopefully youll have right away. I didnt deliver at winthrop and didnt rent so not sure how it works.

But defiantly get the cream if you didnt already.

Re: Breastfeeding supplies?

PLEASE line up a lactation consultant that you can call if you need help/support. I swear that my LC was a lifesaver. I used this site to find my LC: Lactation Consultants

Also, rather than dealing with a handheld pump- get a Medela Advanced. I swear that pump is an amazing invention. I also had a handheld for emergencies (I once left my electric pump at WORK-duh) and there is no WAY I would have stuck to BFing it that was all I used to pump.

Good luck- I absolutely loved BFing my daughter and am looking forward to BFing my next baby!

Re: Breastfeeding supplies?

I bought the Avent Isis handheld pump because it was cheap (around $50) & I knew I wouldn't be using it that much.

You need nurding pads (I liked Lansinoh the best) because you will leak alot in the beginning. I don't know if you have a big chest or not but I was fine in a reg tank top with a shelf bra & just pulled down one side if I needed to nurse. It was more comfy than a nursing bra if I wasn't going anywhere.

That's about it, I didn't need much. Good luck & definitely ask to have a lc speak to you while you're still at the hospital. Also, hot showers in the morning will help alot with engorgement

Re: Breastfeeding supplies?

Definately the nursing pads are a great idea!!!! Nipple cream. (Even nursing 3 kids each time I needed this!) Someone in the hospital to show you a correct latch would be fantastic!! Lots of patience. Good luck!

Re: Breastfeeding supplies?

I loved my Medela pump! I picked it up after knowing my milk supply was in and all was okay with DD latching. Definately get in touch w/a lactation consultant because questions will arise about everything, from what you can eat to timing, etc.

Good luck, it's an amazing thing.

Re: Breastfeeding supplies?

I started off with the lansinoh nipple cream, a couple nursing tanks, a sleep bra & breast pads. I started off by renting a hospital grade pump as I wanted to make sure it was going to work out before investing in an expensive electric pump. I don't know if Winthrop rents as I am in NJ, but a lot of hospitals do and so do some medical supply stores or pharmacies. I would call Winthrop, you could just ask the operator to transfer you to the mother&baby floor, they should be able to answer. Don't be afraid to ask for help in the hospital, I did and it was a lifesaver----I was also able to meet with a LC in the hospital and she gave me a number to call with any questions once I went home. I would highly suggest having a LC you can either call or will come out to the house to see if you have questions or problems. I had so many questions in the beginning. I also had the Nursing Mothers Companion book, which I referenced a lot in the beginning. Good luck!

Re: Breastfeeding supplies?

The ONLY thing I purchased was a single nursing bra. The hospital supplied the nipple cream, and friend had given me nursing pads. After DD was home & we knew BFing was working, I went and bought a pump.

Re: Breastfeeding supplies?

Winthrop does not rent pumps.

Tell ALL the nurses that DC will be BF only. Unless you want DC to be supplemented.

Ask the nurse to talk to a LC on staff. They will help you but you need to ask. They will give you a list of LC and were to rent a pump. They will have nipple cream (sample size).

Bring breast pads. I needed more than a couple. I was a huge "leaker" and Lansinoh was the most absorbing for me.

One of the Wintrhop nurse gave me a manual Medela single pump. Make sure to ask for it. It's worth $30-35 but it's handy if you need it.

ETA: I waited 4.5 weeks before I bought a pump. I bought a Medela PIS advanced.

Message edited 6/2/2008 12:29:50 PM.

Re: Breastfeeding supplies?

Hi there!!! Glad to hear eveything is goign well for you!

I have been BF for the last 14 weeks. I work for a healthcare company and they have a program that provides a LC and a new Medala pump. I BF the baby and didn't use the electric pump until week 6. I don't think you will need a pump until then. I would just use a manual for stimulation.

Everyone else gave the right advise - you need a couple of bras, the nursing pads and the lanshioh cream.

Re: Breastfeeding supplies?

As others have said, a few nursing bras and nursing pads (I like bravado for both...try nurturedfamily.com), loose shirts or nursing tops, one set nursing pjs, lansinoh nipple cream, and a comfy place to nurse with a foot stool or ottoman. Boppy or Brestfriend is helpful, too. Also, stock up on bottles of water and small snacks...you will be ravenous!

Also, I bought and sterilized my pump and bottles in advance and am so glad I did. DD had to spend some extra time in the hospital and I was sent home...would have been in pain the night my milk came in without these supplies and it would have been too late at night to buy a pump at a store.

I have loved nursing my baby and wish you the same joy. Congratulations to you and enjoy these last few weeks!