Breast Feeding - Registry Help

DH and I went to BRU yesterday and started our registry. Everything was great until we got to the breast feeding section. Staring at the wall full of stuff I realized i have NO IDEA what i need! There are creams, lotions, ice packs... so may things! I just registered for some random stuff figuring I would need it... but can someone please help me figure out what i should be looking for? Thanks!

Breast Feeding - Registry Help

I'm probably as clueless as you are, but a lot of people recommend the my breast friend pillow

Breast Feeding - Registry Help

The answer is probably not much of it. You will need a nursing bra/tank, some kind of a nursing pillow, and possibly a pump (and with that, storage things, like bottles, bags, ice packs, hands free bra). If you will be pumping only infrequently, imo, a hand pump (like the medela harmony) is probably sufficient. If more frequently, get a good electric double pump. As far as lotions, etc., I never needed anything more than what the hospital gave. When you are at the hospital, get several packs of lanolin and the a few packs of the gel pads. These have lasted me 10+ months of nursing. GL!

Re: Breast Feeding - Registry Help

Re: Breast Feeding - Registry Help

In addition to the above suggestions:

The gel soothing pads were really helpful and something I'd never even heard of before I was in the hospital. I think they're good for a few days once opened and you keep them in the fridge between uses so they're cool.

The medela parts wipes are really handy if you'll be pumping at all, as is a steam sterilizer bag for the microwave (they can be used 20 times each so you don't need a lot at first).

Bottles to pump into are necessary if you're going to be pumping right away, but the pump usually comes with one or two so you can see what you'll use or need. I liked the playtex drop-ins and the attachment for medela to pump right into them. I didn't have a lot of practical time BF because I never got a supply, but I tried for 6 weeks and used all of the above. I loved my boppy pillow. Burp cloths too (the Aden & Anais ones).

Re: Breast Feeding - Registry Help

The great thing about breastfeeding is how little you need. I didn't use a special pillow, had a hand me down boppy that I hated. I did use lanolin for the first 2 months and nursing pads. I had a pump, but rarely used it, totally wish I had gotten a manual pump. I plan on getting a cheap manual for this baby (I am a SAHM). You really don't need much! I did have 4 good nursing bras that I rotated in the first 6 months, but after DD got better head control and I nursed less I could use my regular bras.

Re: Breast Feeding - Registry Help

things I wish I had right away -

those lanisoh gel pads that pp mentioned. They really helped the soreness, especially when you chill them in the refrigerator. Just one is enough. I only needed them for the first week.

My brest friend pillow. DH went and got it the second week I was home and it made things SOOO much easier! It's hard getting a good position when they are so little and floppy and this made a world of a difference. I had a boppy but I didn't use it until dd was bigger. now i just nurse lying down (DD is 4 months).

also wish I had packed nursing bras for the hospital. completely under estimated how often i'd be nursing.

nursing pads

My insurance covered the pump in style but i registered for the medela gift set (had bottles, storage bags, etc) which was great.