Deciding which pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies are essential can be an stressful task, especially for new parents. Purchasing supplies that you later find you did not need is frustrating. Stores carry a multitude of different brands, options and styles of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies. How is a new mom to sort it out? Preparing a list of pregnancy and breastfeeding supplies that doesn't break the bank can be done with a little help. Here are a few pointers to get started.
Choosing a pregnancy pillow that can serve as a nursing pillow after the baby arrives is a great way to save a few dollars. When selecting a nursing pillow, choose one that is machine washable. New babies are messy and the first few breastfeeding sessions can leave both mother and baby drenched in breast milk. Be sure to pick up a couple of slip covers that will fit your nursing pillow snugly. They will come in handy.
Sore nipples can be a problem during pregnancy, but especially during breastfeeding. Keeping a tube of lanolin on hand to apply on a regular basis is a must for breastfeeding mothers. Don't wait for sore nipple to become a painful problem. Prevention is always best. Applying lanolin twice a day will help prevent sore nipples and ensure pain free breastfeeding sessions.
Breastfeeding supplies like a breast pump, breast milk pads, nursing bras and burp cloths are staples in a nursing mother's bag. The most expensive breast pump is not necessarily the best. A manual breast pump is often all that is required and they are less expensive than electric or battery operated pumps. Models like the Advent Isis are ideal. They are gentle on the breast and mimic the suckling action of a baby.
Another necessary item on your list of breastfeeding supplies is the breast milk pad. Sudden letdown can leave you with an embarrassingly wet front. Breast milk pads are designed to catch leaking milk and keep your bra dry. Washable breast milk pads are more cost effective than disposable ones. A cloth or disposable diaper can even serve as milk catcher for the overachiever who produces mass quantities of milk.
One area to spend a little extra is the bra department. A good quality nursing bra can be worn during your pregnancy and will serve you well for months of breastfeeding after the baby arrives. A nursing bra with adjustable cups is an excellent choice to prevent the bra from becoming ill fitting as you lose your pregnancy weight.
Your collection of breastfeeding supplies is not complete without a bag of burp cloths. Breastfeeding can get messy at times, so tucking a burp cloth into the cup of your bra while nursing will help keep you and your baby dry. Cloth diapers with the padded center make the most durable and absorbent burp cloths.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are a natural part of a woman's life. Fancy accessories and expensive gadgets are not necessary for a pleasant pregnancy and breastfeeding experience. A few basic, durable items can save your budget and your sanity during the tumultuous months of pregnancy, breastfeeding and motherhood that lie ahead.
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