When many pregnant people think about what they will need for breastfeeding, they think about breastfeeding products that can be bought. It’s important to remember that while some products can offer support, the essence of breastfeeding lies in the techniques and practices that have nurtured generations. Here, we explore the essentials of breastfeeding, emphasizing that not all products are necessary for everyone, and highlighting how, in certain cases, the use of specific products without clear indications might introduce challenges to this process.
The Core Essentials for Breastfeeding
At its heart, breastfeeding requires very little in the way of equipment. The most vital ingredients are patience, time, trusting your instincts, and support. However, certain situations may call for additional support. Here’s a look at what you might need, underscored by the wisdom that less is often more:
A Good Latch and Positioning: Before delving into any products, the cornerstone of successful breastfeeding is achieving a good latch. The foundation for a good latch is good positioning. This sometimes requires nothing more than guidance and practice but can be aided by lactation consultants if challenges arise.
Comfort and Support: A comfortable, supportive place to sit or lay down and a few good pillows can make a significant difference in the breastfeeding experience. While specialized nursing pillows are available, they are not a necessity for everyone.
Nipple Care: For those experiencing nipple soreness, simple solutions like expressed breast milk or simple coconut oil can offer relief. It’s crucial, however, to understand that severe pain often signifies a latch issue, and professional advice should be sought.
Hydration and Nutrition: The most essential supplies for a breastfeeding mother are a nutrient dense diet and avoiding dehydration. Keeping nutritious snacks and a water bottle within reach can help maintain the energy needed for frequent feeding and milk production. Many people think they need to drink excessive amounts of water for milk production, but this is not true. Simply drinking enough to stay hydrated is enough.
Breast Pumps and Storage Solutions: For mothers who need to be away from their babies, express milk for comfort, or increase milk supply, a breast pump may be necessary. The choice between manual and electric pumps depends on the frequency of use and personal preference. Remember, the need for pumping varies greatly among mothers, and not everyone will require it.
Breastfeeding Attire: While specially designed nursing bras and tops offer convenience, they are not indispensable. Many mothers find ways to comfortably breastfeed with their regular wardrobe.
Support: Last, but not least, you will need support from people who support your goal of breastfeeding. Discuss the importance of human milk with your partner, close relatives, and friends who may not understand. Have your partner do a breastfeeding class with you. Interview pediatricians to find one who is not just tolerant of breastfeeding, but actively encourages and supports breastfeeding. Make sure your OB/GYN or midwife knows about and supports breastfeeding through their obstetric recommendations. Schedule a prenatal consultation with an IBCLC Lactation Consultant so that you have someone available after your baby arrives. Hire a labor and postpartum doula to help you through labor and the first weeks or months after your baby is born.
Proceeding with Caution: When Products Might Introduce Challenges
While breastfeeding aids can offer support, it’s important to use them judy and to recognize when they might be doing more harm than good:
Nipple Shields: Used to help babies latch onto the breast or to protect sore nipples, these should only be used under the guidance of a lactation consultant. Inappropriate or incorrect use can affect milk transfer and supply.
Bottles: While bottles are sometimes necessary for times when a mother and baby must be separated for more than a couple of hours, their introduction and use can result in breastfeeding challenges. Every bottle on the market purports to support breastfeeding on its packaging and marketing, but the research shows this is absolutely false. No bottle supports breastfeeding, but certain bottle-feeding techniques can support breastfeeding. Wait to introduce a bottle after a couple of weeks of confident breastfeeding, if possible. See a lactation consultant for help with bottle-feeding techniques that can support breastfeeding and bottle recommendations.
Excessive Pumping: Pumping too much can lead to an oversupply, which comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding the balance of supply and demand is key. Excessive pumping can also occur with passive silicone pumps like the haakaa.
High-Tech Breastfeeding Products: The vast majority of the high tech wearable breast pumps and products that measure milk production and milk transfer are just not helpful enough or accurate enough to justify the massive price tags. Maybe the technology will get there eventually, but right now it just isn’t.
Baby Tracking Apps: The use of baby tracking apps is widespread and can be helpful for counting feedings and diapers, however, the added features that allow you to compare your data to other’s data is an anxiety black hole where parents start obsessing over minutes and stats that simply don’t matter. If you have questions about efficiency or milk removal, it is best to see a professional that can provide evidence-based information and recommendations that are individualized to your and your baby.
Embracing the Journey with Knowledge and Support
Breastfeeding is a journey unique to each mother and baby, influenced by individual needs, challenges, and circumstances. While certain products can provide support in specific situations, the core of breastfeeding remains your brain, your boobs, and your baby’s mouth. Embracing this journey with knowledge, support, and a mindful approach to the use of products can help ensure a fulfilling breastfeeding experience.
Optimal Nurturing Lactation and Wellness offers a FREE on-demand breastfeeding class at www.optimalnurturing.com/help-now . We also offer baby registry audits - after you build your baby registry, but before your baby shower, we are happy to take a look at your registry to recommend products to remove or add to your registry that can better support your goals to breastfeed.
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