11 breast-feeding must-haves
September 18, 2015
When I gave birth earlier this year I was keen to breastfeed, but was prepared that it might not happen. I’d had a reduction in 2011 and feared it might have compromised the milk ducts, and there was really nothing I could do about it.
As it happened, my supply was a little low, and Phoebe had a minor lip tie (which meant she was ‘lazy on the boob’) so after about a month I stopped stressing and started combination feeding, which worked really well for us. I felt a little self-conscious giving her a bottle when other mums undid their nursing bras, but I concentrated on feeling confident that my baby was getting enough milk, and that peace of mind helped me get over my insecurities.
There is no answer that suits everybody – some are lucky enough to have minimal problems breastfeeding, while other mums have such a miserable pregnancy that they choose formula so they feel ‘normal’ again (this is what happened to my mum, who suffered from morning sickness up until the day I was born – sorry mum).
By the way, I found I was so hungry when I was breastfeeding (craving jam sandwiches and Weetabix) that I didn’t lose a pound, so the ‘breastfeeding is great for losing weight’ promise was a myth for me. Sigh.
Whatever method you choose, stand by your choices. Happy mum = happy baby.
I wrote the below for the lovely team at Sassy Mama just before I returned to work.
1. Patience
Breastfeeding is not easy. Yes, it’s the most ‘natural’ way to feed your baby, but it doesn’t always come naturally, and far too much pressure is put on new mums to get it straight away – pressure from themselves, healthcare professionals, other mums and just about everyone you can think of. The fact is, some mums don’t enjoy it and/or find it painful, some babies don’t take to it and sometimes it’s better to try other methods of feeding. Remember, stress does not help milk production. If you’re having problems and are determined to breastfeed, enlist the help of a reputable lactation consultant (such as Dr Delphine at Health Bay Polyclinic), who can advise on potential obstacles, such as tongue ties and low supply.
2. A breast pump
Once you get past the oh so hilarious dairy jokes (and the noise) a breastpump will help boost production and reassure you that your baby is getting enough milk. Handheld, electric and hospital grade pumps are available, and Medela is well-loved and widely available, along with different sized attachments, storage bags and bottles. Babyshop has a broad choice of brands. I bought the Medela Electric Swing, which comes with a handy belt hook for expressing on the go. I’ve yet to meet anyone who has actually done this.
3. A nursing bra (and tops)
Forget underwiring, a softer bra won’t inhibit supply and those clever clasps will let you get your breasts out wherever you need to. Try stretchy fabric bras from Mothercare or prettier lingerie from Blush and Bloom and TKD. I bought a couple from the brand Hot Milk, mainly because the name made me laugh and the fact that they don’t look like something your maiden aunt would wear. Nursing vests are great too, with built-in support and clasps. Try H&M’s Mama range, where they sell packs of two cotton vests from Dhs99.
4. Pillows
Yes, you can buy a proper breastfeeding pillow with all the bells and whistles (and pockets); I bought one that I could strap around me from Baby Souk and used it for the first few weeks, but have ended up using a long squidgy pillow instead. If you express and feed using a bottle you’ll need even more pillows to prop up your arm – babies can take a looooong time to drink up.
5. Water and snacks
Keep your energy and fluids up. The more water you drink, the better your production. And don’t be surprised if you wake up in the night starving. Take half a sandwich to bed with you for those 3am feeds, or have a box of snacks nearby – dried fruit and nuts will do the trick.
6. Supplements
If, like me, you struggle with supply, try supplements. Motherlove capsules (from Amazon and sometimes Blush & Bloom) contain key herbs such as goat’s rue to give you a boost. Fenugreek is also known for its milk producing properties and can be bought at at most pharmacies. Do note that it does smell a bit.
7. Nipple cream
Lanolin is the best, and is also the most effective lip balm you’ll ever find. Ever. Lansinoh is fantastic, but hard to find in the UAE (Mumz World is your best bet), so get all those visiting family members to stock up before they descend to see the new addition. You don’t need to remove it before breastfeeding, which is great when there’s a screaming baby wanting food NOW.
8. Breast pads
You will leak. And it will probably happen somewhere inconvenient, such as when you take the baby into your office, or on your first night out since giving birth. Most brands are fairly similar (just choose between disposable or washable pads) and remember to stash them everywhere. Your baby bag, the car, pockets of your husband’s suits…
9. A cover-up
If you’re out and about a cover-up is essential. The best one I found was from Dubai-based Love by JO, which is made from soft jersey cotton and has a bamboo strip built into the top so you can peer down to check on your baby’s latch.
10. Entertainment
Like I said, babies take their time when it comes to feeding, and 10 minutes at 2am can feel like hours. Load up books on your Kindle (useful as they only require one hand), get Netflix on your iPad and prepare to spend far too long reading crazy mum forums at stupid o’clock on your phone.
11. Get apply
An app is a must have – ‘What To Expect’ is the one I use, but they are all pretty much the same. And essential when you can’t remember which boob the sprog had last!
Top tip
When eating out with your baby it might be wise to order dishes you can eat one-handed with a fork. Penne pasta? Yes. Rib-eye? Not so much.
The Breastfeeding Central app is great, it was created by a lactation consultant … it’s like you have an expert on speed dial to help you. And Parents Magazine rated it a ‘best breastfeeding app’. https://itunes.apple.com/app/breastfeeding-central/id878663742?mt=8