I am still a few weeks out from welcoming Baby Cinco (although I have gone in to labor several times already, unfortunately). As a momma who has successfully breastfed four previous children over the last 14 years, I have seen so many products come on an off the market, some helpful, some not.
Breastfeeding is not an easy task. No matter what anyone tells you.
Also, what works for some, may not work for others. But there are a few products that I have discovered and fell in love with. The three products below are items that I received from companies, that I was able to use with friends baby’s over the last few weeks. One, in particular, I have been able to use now, and it has been a lifesaver (which I will tell you more about).
It can be a very rewarding experience, as well as an incredible one to be capable of feeding your baby. But knowing what I know now, I definitely did not feel that way when I first attempted to breastfeed my oldest child fourteen years ago or even my third almost six years ago. There’s a definite learning curve for you and your baby both and the first month or so is without a doubt the hardest.
Lil’ Bud’s Nursing Pads: These breast comfort packs have been a lifesaver the last month. Even though I am not yet nursing, I have had my milk start to come in. My breasts have been extremely sore, and so being able to simply heat these in the mircowave really quick, or stick them in the freezer to cool, has done wonders.
Use lil’buds HOT to help clear clogged ducts, prevent mastitis, maximize your milk output while pumping, or relieve pain associated with infections, pumping, let down, etc. Use lil’buds COLD to help relieve engorgement.
The comfort packs come in a variety of designs and you have the choice of two fillings: flax or flax+lavender. The flax+lavender filled lil’buds have dried lavender buds mixed in with the flax seeds to add a calming scent when heated. There is also an organic option as well.
Willow Wearable Breastpump: I did a full overview of the Willow here. For those mamas who are constantly on the go, or returning to work sometime after birth, this is an important pump to have. It’s a cordless, wireless, breast pump that you insert into your bra, and use as you are on the go. There is a major learning curve with the Willow, so if you plan to use it before you return to work, it’s best to start after your milk supply is established, but far enough in advance, before you start work again.
Nanobebe Bottles: I have been wanting to try these cute bottles from Nanobebe, for the longest! One of the biggest issues I had with breastfeeding my other children was them taking a bottle while I worked or was out of the house for a while. The bottle is shaped like a breast which helps to make the transition from breast to bottle, easier.
Our uniquely designed bottles improve the entire process of feeding breastmilk from a bottle. From pumping through storing and warming, the nanobébé bottle protects your breast milk and gives baby an experience second only to breastfeeding itself.
Some other great resources include setting up an appointment with a lactation consultant at your local hospital before you are discharged. They are able to provide you with tips and advice to help start your journey on a positive note!
Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.
I wish I would have known about these when I was breastfeeding. I was incredibly engorged the first few days will all three of my boys. I would stand in the shower to get relief, but these heating pads would have made it easier!