It is easy to be a little overwhelmed with everything that you need for a new baby as well as yourself when you become a new mom. Registries, blog posts and magazines show you all of these fancy things that look so darling, but do you really need them?
What do you need to breastfeed a newborn? Breastfeeding as basic as the task is (meaning you really just need boobs and a baby), can also come with a ton of “accessories” so the question is there: do you really need all of this stuff?
How many nursing bras should you have? How many breast pads should you have? What is the best nipple cream?
There are so many brands and products out there, that today I want to simplify it to the basics of what you need for those first few weeks.
What Do You Need to Breastfeed a Newborn
1. Nursing Tanks and/or Bras
Ideally, a few nursing tanks are a must-have! Many new breastfeeding mamas live in these for the first few weeks (or like myself – the first year!).
You can find them everywhere and even Target and Wal-Mart. Purchase one or two in a size larger than normal to ensure that you can fit in it while in the hospital and in the first few weeks.
You can choose to wear them with a nursing bra or without as the shirts have support. When it comes to nursing bras, one good one is suggested to have before baby comes but then once your milk regulates, you may want to get fitted for some more.
2. Nursing Pads
This is a MUST have. Many people like disposable pads simply because they are cheaper at first for a big box and they don’t require laundering. But over time the cost can add up, so you may want to consider investing in some reusable pads. You can find some for sale here or you can even make your own using this tutorial.
3. Nipple Butter
There are SO many brands out there of creams and butters. Many people will rely on Lanolin simply because it’s easily found at big box stores and the hospitals hand out samples of it. However, many mothers choose not to use Lanolin because of the fact that it comes from sheep’s wool that may or may not be treated with pesticides.
Many mamas prefer a natural product consisting of herbs and essential oils. You definitely need something and make sure to use it from the start! Find some natural ones here.
4. Breastfeeding Pillow or Pillow
You don’t need a fancy pillow, they are just amazing though if you can get your hands on one. However, a pillow whether just a regular pillow or breastfeeding pillow, will give extra support for breastfeeding such a tiny little human.
This will help you get comfortable and figure out what works best for the two of you and then eventually you may not need it. However I use them for about a year just because I love my baby resting on it.
5. Support
Aside from breasts and a baby, this is the MAIN thing that you need. Whether it is a supportive partner, mother, breastfeeding book or support group — support is what helps you to keep going. It is especially helpful if that support has experience with breastfeeding.
6. A good diet.
Make sure to eat lots of healthy food but also lots of food in general as you’ll be hungry and need the extra calories. Keep up your water intake and never let yourself become thirsty, but also don’t force water just because.
7. Patience, Faith and Perseverance.
It’s important to realize that problems will arise and breastfeeding may be hard for those first weeks or even first couple of months. Set small daily or weekly goals for yourself and have patience and know that it will get easier.
Every beginning to every breastfeeding journey is usually pretty rough – don’t get discouraged! You CAN do this, Mama! Use our site to help you and engage with us on Facebook! Contact your local hospital lactation consultants of LLL and find the support you need!
What else is there?
So is there anything that you may need for breastfeeding a newborn? Well, there’s not much else that you “need” when it comes to breastfeeding but there are some more things that can be helpful.
- Whether it is an electric breast pump or hand pump, a pump can help you to relieve full and engorged breasts. It can also help you begin a freezer stash of milk.
- A nursing cover can be extremely helpful for when company arrives and you don’t want to miss a feeding or miss your company.
- Several companies make soothing gel pads for your nipples to help heal cracked and sore nipples in those early days — these were a life saver for my second daughter.
- Pumped milk trackers and milk storage is great for the mother who plans to start building a freezer stash or for the exclusively pumping mama.
- Lastly, an app to track nursing sessions or amount of milk pumped and which breast you started with last is super helpful! If an app is out of the question, use a notebook!
(Note: I did not include bottles because ideally you should wait before giving baby a bottle. However a breast friendly bottle is the way to go when choose one)
So what do you need to breastfeed a newborn? Hopefully we just helped you! These are just the good ole’ basics of what you may need and want for those first few weeks. Don’t fret about what you don’t have, just focus on what you do. With a healthy baby and some determination, you can likely overcome any obstacle thrown your way!
Speak Your Mind