Breastfeeding is a natural process that can provide both the mother and the baby with unmatched benefits. Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to provide your baby with the needed nutrition whenever you want and wherever you are. Studies have shown that babies who are breastfed have reduced risks of asthma, type diabetes 1, asthma, severe lower respiratory diseases, lower risks of ear infections, sudden infant death syndrome, diarrhoea, vomiting, etc. On the other hand, breastfeeding can lower the mother's risk of type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and high blood pressure.
Given the fact that breastfeeding gives babies a fresh start in life, it isn't strange seeing moms doing everything they can to ease this process and make it as normal as possible. This mainly goes in the beginning when everything is new and overwhelming. During this time, moms are in need of the most basic breastfeeding essentials which can ease the process and make it as easy as possible.
Breastfeeding Must-Have Essentials
Breast Pump
Breast pumps are one of those essentials that are a must throughout the whole breastfeeding process and not just in the beginning. They're much-needed breastfeeding essentials that can be of vital importance, especially during the first two months when new moms need to create a normal milk flow and enough breast milk for their newborns. During the first month, you'll need to improve your milk supply by pumping in between breastfeeding sessions in order to help your breasts produce more milk. Breast pumps can also be useful in those times when breasts feel full and uncomfortable and in times when at work or going away for a certain period of time. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. There are two types of breast pumps and both of them are designed to mimic your baby's sucking action. One of these pumps is manual and the other is an electric breast pump, so you should consider both of these options before making any final decision.
As the name implies manual breast pumps should be used manually by squeezing on the pump to express milk. Even though they're quite good at their work, they cannot be compared to the electric ones which do everything on their own. All it takes is placing the bump on your breast and pressing the button. This means that electric pumps are easier to use and they express milk way faster than doing it manually with manual breast pumps. The only downside is the price, electric breast pumps are more expensive than manual pumps, however, they are way better than manual breast pumps.
Nursing Pads
Nursing pads or also known as breast pads are designed to absorb leaking breast milk and are a real-life saviour especially when going out. These pads have a circle shape and are designed to be placed directly on the nipple in order to prevent bra/top stains and marks. Given the fact that they're designed to absorb breast milk, the milk itself can provide a healing effect on sore and raw nipples. These disposable pads are quite affordable especially when sold in larger packs.
Breastfeeding Pillow/Cushion
Breastfeeding cushions can be quite helpful during the entire breastfeeding process since their purpose is to help both the moms and babies stay in a comfortable position. These cushions may look huge and bulky, but they're a real-life saviour, especially for the mom. With its use, you won't have to feel hand numbness because of the weight of your baby nor you'll have to feel uncomfortable when holding him.
Nipple Shields
Usually made from silicone, nipple shields are thin barriers that are designed to help ease the breastfeeding process especially when dealing with sore and raw nipples. Usually, they're used until the nipples are fully healed. However, at the beginning of the breastfeeding process, nipple shields can also be used to help the baby get better suction.
Nipple Cream
Nipple cream is another essential you should have in hand, especially during the first few months when everything is new and a bit painful in some cases – nipple-wise. Since your little one will be feeding quite often during the first few months, applying a nipple cream (usually pure lanolin) is essential to reduce tenderness and dryness. This is paramount for preventing nipple cracking and even bleeding.
Nursing Bras
As the name implies, nursing bras are designed entirely for nursing. They have flaps and snaps (rarely zippers) which will allow you to easily access the nipples and feed your baby whenever you need.
Lactation Products
The last but not least thing you'll need is a lactation tea or cookies which can help you increase your milk supply. These products are mainly used during the first few months but also later on when he starts with solids. The use of lactation products is optional because some moms can produce enough breast milk without the use of any lactation teas and cookies.
