I breast fed my son and I did it anywhere I had to. I tried to keep my boob covered so I wouldn’t freak out any passers by. The one thing that drove me crazy was when I lifted my shirt and my not-so-flat stomach would be showing. I wish I had Milkstars! These are genius shirts that make it easier to nurse your baby without having to figure out what you are going to do with your top. There are lots of fun colors and styles to chose from. They also make great gifts for new mommies everywhere.
These colorful covers by Bebe au Lait make it easy to nurse your child anywhere.
Breast Pumps
Believe me – you want to use the best breast pump available to you. Everyone I know has used Medela’s Pump in Style or Pump in Style Advanced. Another option is to talk to your doctor about renting a hospital grade pump.
You can quickly pick up Medela’s Pump in Style pumps from Amazon
Nursing Pads
Not a single friend gave me any warning about leaky boobs. I had no idea that ‘motherhood’ and ‘wet t-shirt night’ would become synonymous terms. There are these silly little pads you stick in your bra that save you from all the embarrassment and simply make you feel much more comfortable. Stock up now!
Breast Milk Alcohol Detection
If you decide to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, here is a simple 2 minute test that detects alcohol in breast milk so you don’t have to resort to the guilt of pumping and dumping.
Milkscreen by UpSpring Baby – also available at Amazon
Feeding Schedules – Online Tracking
Some parents like to track every ounce of food their child ingests and like to be sure they are being fed on a rigorous schedule. In some instances your doctor may require you monitor and track your baby’s feeding schedule. Luckily – you can do it all online.
Trixie Tracker – This fantastic online tool helps you track your infant’s eating schedule as well as sleep schedules, diaper changes and a whole lot more. It even works with your iPhone!
Lactation Consultants
When you first start to breastfeed your newborn, do what feels comfortable and natural, and hopefully (cross your fingers) everything will kick into gear. If you need help, the best thing you can do is find a lactation consultant who will watch you feed your child and will provide you with advice on how you can squeeze your boob a little different or angle your baby a little better to help ensure your baby is able to get your milk. Start by asking your pediatrician – she should be able to help you find a lactation consultant in your area.
The best advice my lactation consultant gave me was to stop trying to do laundry and feed my son at the same time. Her advice actually worked! So much for multi-tasking…
For more information about breast feeding and to search for a lactation consultant in your area – check out Kellymom
If you do decide that you want to read up a little before the big day, here are a few books
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