The 7 essentials for breastfeeding.

September 20, 2022

What are the essentials for peaceful breastfeeding?

Source: Charline Born and hatching together - Perinatal and parenting support

1 - The nursing pillow

While you can use the pillows you have at home, you'll likely need to use multiple pillows to keep your arms, back, and baby comfortable. A nursing pillow will allow you to sit comfortably and avoid tension in your back and arms.

What is the nursing pillow used for?

Sleeping during your pregnancy
To breastfeed
It can be used as a baby bouncer

The Mumade brand offers you practical nursing pillows: as they are inflatable, they do not collapse and are transportable !

inflatable nursing pillow

2 - Breastfeeding shells:

This medical device helps protect nipples . Breast milk helps heal cracks . By placing your nursing shells on your nipples, your breast milk will naturally create a bandage to help them heal. The Baby Shell brand offers you a pretty pair of nursing shells . Mermaid effect guaranteed!

3 - Nursing pads

There are two kinds:

Single-use disposable
Made of machine-washable fabrics .

For the latter , it is advisable to wash them at 60 °C.

This is a must-have for leaks!

4 - A lanolin balm

Breast milk will always be your best ally to prevent, repair, and heal cracked nipples. You can, however, use lanolin, which is a wax made from sheep's wool grease.

It acts as a real restorative balm when applied to the nipples . It helps relieve pain associated with breastfeeding and heal cracked nipples .

5 - A breast pump:

A breast pump can be useful if you have to be away or return to work. Good to know: You don't have to buy your own breast pump! You can rent one. Renting a breast pump is is even reimbursed by social security ! For this you must have a prescription from your doctor (or pediatrician)

Several models will be offered to you, some are more portable than others, it's up to you to see how useful they will be to you.

How to rent your breast pump?

you need a prescription (to be renewed as many times as necessary)
contact a breast pump rental company

Several organizations offer a catalog of breast pumps. You choose the one that suits you and have it delivered to your home (or to a collection point).

6 - An appointment with a lactation consultant:

This is not really an accessory but certainly one of the most important points! Breastfeeding is natural but not innate ! It is normal not to know everything about this subject and it is normal to have some difficulties. We can only advise you to have an appointment before the baby arrives with your partner in order to clear up all the questions. Then, an appointment once the baby is here can also be very useful, because each baby has its own language; an IBCLC lactation consultant can help you to fully and serenely experience breastfeeding . You will find here a list (not exhaustive) of IBCLC certified lactation consultants:

https://www.consultants-lactation.org/les-ibclc/

When to consult an IBCLC consultant?

Preparing for future breastfeeding
Solving Latching Problems
In case of cracks , pain
Insufficient baby weight gain
Breastfeeding twins
Know the different breastfeeding positions
When baby has a medical problem (like GERD )
In case of personal problems that may impact breastfeeding
Weaning
Expressing and storing milk
Maintaining breastfeeding when returning to work
Continuing breastfeeding when introducing solid foods
In case of mastitis or blocked ducts
etc

Some reading:

For those who still have a little time to immerse themselves in a book, or those who are preparing for it before the baby arrives, Carole Hervé offers a complete book on breastfeeding “ My tailor-made breastfeeding ”

7 - Nursing clothes: essentials for breastfeeding with style, comfort and freedom

Breastfeeding is an intimate, powerful, and sometimes challenging choice. At LIMKY, we know that breastfeeding should never force you to give up your style or comfort. That's why we've created elegant, well-cut, and made-in-Portugal nursing clothes . Tops with invisible but ultra-sturdy zippers , designed to open easily with one hand , even with baby in the other. Perfectly positioned openings , for quick, discreet access, without ever exposing what you don't want to show. Natural, breathable, and ultra-soft materials that you'll enjoy putting on every morning. And above all, truly flattering cuts that delicately follow your curves and enhance your body as it is today. Each piece is designed to accompany you in your daily life as a mother, without compromise. You can breastfeed anywhere, freely, with confidence — without having to lock yourself into a style that doesn't suit you. Because breastfeeding is already a superpower. Feeling beautiful and good during this time? It's the foundation.