Feeding essentials

1. When choosing a breastpump - the benefits of the manual pump are that it’s economical, doesn’t need a power supply, and is efficient and simple to use. An electric pump is more relaxing to use - you can relax once the pump is going. Many mums find that helps with milk flow and can make expressing more productive.
2. The newer style storage systems that include bases and screw on lids have 2 great advantages over the old-style bag method of storing breastmilk. The containers are less likely to be knocked over or get damaged in the freezer - thus saving your precious milk. Also it’s simple and quick to attach a teat straight to the container to feed to your baby.
3. Check out the range of breastfeeding accessories on offer before your baby is born. Ideally you’ll need nothing more than breast pads and some soothing nipple cream, but it’s good to know what’s available in case you need extra help.
4. Nipple protectors are a temporary relief in case you have sore nipples. Always get help to correct the problem as sore nipples are nearly always caused by a baby feeding incorrectly. Nipple protectors can also be useful if a mum is struggling to latch her baby onto the breast. Again, help from an experienced breastfeeding advisor is really important too.
5. Breast shells can be used to collect breastmilk from one breast as you feed from the other. They’re also great to wear between feeds if your nipples are a little sore as you get started - apply some nipple cream and wear the shells to protect your nipples and allow air to circulate.
6. There is a choice of both disposable and washable breast pads. Some mums use a combination of both. The washable pads come with a little laundry bag and can be washed with your baby’s clothes.
7. Be sure to have in stock at home the next size of teats for your baby’s bottle. The pack gives a guide to when to move up a size, but be guided by your baby. Try the next size up if you feel your baby can cope with, and will appreciate a faster flow of milk. If the milk spills out as he feeds, try again in a week or two. Breastfed babies are used to a fast milk flow so may need a faster flow teat sooner than a formula fed baby.
8. A bottle insulator is really handy for safely transporting a bottle of expressed milk if you are out & about. It will keep a chilled bottle of milk at a safe temperature for four hours.
9. If you are breastfeeding and giving your baby the odd bottle of expressed milk you’ll need no more than a couple of bottles. The most you’ll need is 6-8 of the 9oz bottles for a baby who is fully bottle fed.
10. A variable flow teat is the perfect choice if you are having to feed your baby with a thickened formula milk. The specially designed teat has a ‘slit’ rather than holes to allow the milk to flow properly. This teat shouldn’t be used with normal formula milk or breastmilk.