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Products to Help with Breastfeeding
- Lanolin. Lanolin is a wax that locks in moisture to help prevent dryness and cracks on the nipple when breastfeeding. It is recommended by most lactation consultants and doctors. I used lanolin when I was pregnant to keep from being itchy, and used it after beginning breastfeeding to help to prevent dryness. It worked okay, but didn't help too much with pain or discomfort.
- Tender Care Hydrogel Pads. These are made specifically by Medela. I have to give these a shout-out because I had never heard of them before getting them at the hospital from the lactation consultant. These pads stick to your nipple, can be reused, and helped me way more than lanolin. They sped up the healing process of my cracked nipple, kept me hydrated, and I hardly felt any discomfort when starting breastfeeding. You can find them here.
- Nipple Shields. Nipple shields can be used to protect a hurt nipple during the healing process or to help a baby that cannot latch properly onto the nipple. I have heard good and bad things about nipple shields, but I have never personally used them. However, I know moms that have used them to help get their baby used to their nipple when they used a bottle previously and for a preemie baby that couldn't stay latched by himself. Nipple shields should be used temporarily and as more of a weaning process.
- Nipple Shells. Nipple shells are slightly different from shields because they are not used for feedings. They go on the breast, around the nipple, inside clothing to protect from chafing and irritation. They are like domes that protect you while your nipples are still sensitive or hurt.
- Hot/Cold Packs. Hot/cold packs are filled with gel and are shaped to go around the nipple. These can be used to help ease milk out, soothe the pain of engorgement, and breakup clogs. The most popular hot/cold pack is made by Lansinoh and can be found here.
- Nursing Pads. Nursing pads are essential for breastfeeding mommies. They can even be necessary while still pregnant. Nursing pads absorb any milk leaks so that they don't absorb into your clothing and come through your shirt. During the beginning of breastfeeding, your milk will be fighting to come out, so these are very important.
- Nursing Pillows. Nursing pillows are like big neck pillows that can help hold the baby for an easy position. This can allow the baby to have a better latch and allow you to rest your arm and shoulder. The most popular one is the Boppy.
- Nursing Bras & Shirts. There are tons of kinds of nursing bras and shirts. It's a lot easier to nurse when you can simply move over the fabric to reveal your nipple rather than folding or unhooking anything that isn't made to. They're are lots of shirts, blouses, hoodies, tank-tops, and dresses made for nursing, making it easier at home and in public. I usually just do the two-shirt method: my shirt or blouse with a tank-top underneath that I can pull down with my nursing bra.
- Nursing Covers. If you want to cover up in public or while someone is visiting, you can use a nursing cover. There are also several different kinds and styles of covers as well. It may be easier to get the hang of covering with one of these rather than a blanket. I personally use a recieving blanket to cover with.
- Breast Pumps. Breast pumps are an obvious product for breastfeeding mommies. Pumps allow you to easily get the milk out of your breasts and can help to elliviate engorgement pain, suck out clogs, stock up for emergencies, or exclusively pump to feed your baby. There are tons of brands and models, whether it's a manual, single-electric, or double-electric. I use this one and absolutely love it!
- Milk Storage Bags. It's basically impossible to store milk that's been collected and pumped without having bags. These are specially designed for preserving breast milk and make it easier to prepare the milk for your baby.
- Milk Collectors. A lot of breastfeeding mommies don't know too much about collectors. These go onto the opposite breast that you are nursing on to collect the milk that potentially leaks and gets wasted during the letdown. I usually get around two or three ounces in mine! I use the Haakaa which is also considered a manual pump, but I find it better as a collector.
These are most of the products used to help with breastfeeding. Some of these are a must-have, such as nursing pads, breast pumps, and milk storage bags, but some of them can be replaced with regular things you already have, such as using a regular pillow to support your arm and your baby, or covering with a blanket. Hopefully some of these can help you with your breastfeeding journey and make it easier on you and your baby!
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