While it is very possible to have a successful feeding relationship with your baby without any accessories, these items can really help to enhance your experience and make it more comfortable for you and baby.
Kindred Bravely Organic Washable Breast Pads (8 Pack)
Leaky breasts are just part of the deal when you bodyfeed (or even if you don’t and you’re trying to dry up your supply) having comfortable, safe pads on hand is a must. We love these relative organic pads because they’re washable, comfortable, and absorbent. They’re made from bamboo which is more absorbent than cotton and they’re hypoallergenic to boot! These 8 packs also come with a nice carrying bag which makes them easy to keep clean and on hand and they also make a great gift.
Feeding the breasts and breasts hardly gets a break especially in the first year of the baby. But they deserve a moment of self-care just like the rest of your hard-working body! These breast masks from Frida are a mini spa session for your breasts. They come in three different styles for your specific needs:
“For Hydration” helps nourish + soothe tired breasts with aloe vera, cucumber, honey + tea tree oil
“For Lactation” supports milk production during dry spells with fenugreek + fennel
“For Engorgement” helps slow the flow when weaning or overproducing with cabbage, jasmine + sage
Having a good quality pump is important for families who want to exclusively pump or build up a supply for a mixture of bottle and body feeding. It is not necessary for those who want to exclusively breastfeed but can still be used for milk production, blocked ducts, and hand milk emergencies for bottle feeding. Here is the link to a website that will help you find a good quality pump that is covered by your insurance so you can learn more about your options before ordering one. Most insurance companies fully cover your breast pump, so even if you’re planning on exclusively breastfeeding, it still doesn’t hurt to have one.
Whenever we come to our clients and ask what they should use for bodyfeeding, it’s almost always the Haakaa pump. This really awesome pump needs no additional parts, no power, it just works on suction. Just place it over your nipple to get a good suction and once the milk starts flowing it will work for you. Using this while you nurse on the other side helps collect the overflow of milk that comes from your unused side and ensures that none of your milk goes to waste!
It is very important to make sure you are fueling your body with the proper nutrients to help your milk production and energy levels. we love Mark for lactation bites, boosters, and powders. They have original chocolate bites and flavors as well as they always come out with fun limited flavors.
We know this seems pretty obvious, but there are actually a lot of people who struggle to get enough water intake for the day. And breastfeeding parents need all the water they can get to help with their milk production. We are links you to an article that lists some pretty cool high tech water bottles which reminds you when you need to drink more water. Some of them light up, sound alarms, or even connect to apps. If those are too complicated for you, any simple large bottle will do, just remember to drink!
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Feeding pillows is definitely not necessary for a successful or even comfortable feeding relationship but it sure helps! Of course you can use a normal pillow or whatever you have around the house but many people find custom shaped feeding pillows helpful. Here is the link to a Baby List article of the top-rated nursing pillows for 2021. The list helps you narrow down the best pillow for you whether it’s for versatility, style, organic, or even the best pillow for feeding twins .
You might think that having a little one clinging to your chest at all hours of the day and night can wreak some havoc on your nipples. This nipple cream from Earth Mama Organics is a good choice for babies and parents. It’s vegan and cruelty-free made with all the available organic ingredients they can find. It added Verified Non-GMO Project. So no need to wash it off before breastfeeding!
One of the worst ailments you can experience on your body feeding journey is a blocked duct which can also lead to mastitis if left untreated. This Organic Sunflower Lecithin from Legendairy Milk can help to relieve a blocked duct or it can be taken regularly to help with daily maintenance. Organic Sunflower Lecithin is a natural fat emulsifier that helps to reduce the “stickiness” of milk and prevent fats from sticking together. It can also loosen existing fatty blockages and improve milk flow.
Lactation Support
If there’s only one thing you take away from this list, it should be professional breastfeeding support! Lactation support is recommended for all new families if breastfeeding is part of your feeding plan. At Doulas of Capitol Hill we provide both a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to help manage any issues that may arise. Our lactation specialists will come to your home for an initial assessment to get a chance to get to know you, listen to your birth story, and help you establish a feeding plan that promotes growth for your baby as well as your milk supply. Our specialists’ goal is to help you find a nutritional balance that works for your family; this may or may not include breastfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding. The help you receive can be done in as little as 1-2 appointments, or as a package that provides more long-term support. Click here to learn more and set up your appointment today!
