Breastfeeding Accessories

Science has laid out all the possible benefits of breastfeeding. However, some mothers find breastfeeding a very daunting task. Fortunately, there are breastfeeding accessories that make life a little easier for nursing moms.

The market is full of products that claim to make breastfeeding less complicated than most of us think. There are nursing pillows, creams, nursing scarves, hot and cold packs for the breasts, nursing bibs, breast pads, tote bags, nursing veils, breast shields, nursing canopies, carryalls, nipple enhancers, milk-leak inhibitor, breast pumps, nursing bras, and so much more.

Even though these breast feeding accessories promise to ease the difficulties that come with breastfeeding, you never really know if you need them unless you have tried breastfeeding. Thus, before you take out these items from their shelves, make sure that you have gotten a head start on breastfeeding. After you have experienced the joys and hardships, have a talk with your doctor or lactation consultant regarding your breastfeeding issues. Other mothers may also be able to help you decide which among the breastfeeding accessories will be of use to you.

You don’t exactly have to have a whole new wardrobe if you intend to breastfeed. But, choose to wear clothes that will make pumping and/or breastfeeding easily doable Opt for two-piece clothes instead of dresses or jumpers. Nursing bras, and nursing clothes which feature small openings on the breasts are widely available but you don’t necessarily have to give an arm to have them. Disposable or reusable breast pads are important to prevent milk from soaking your shirt. Also, you may use a breastfeeding blanket to cover your chest while you are breastfeeding in public.

Pumps are necessary breastfeeding accessories. They can either be manual or automatic. Manual pumps, or those which require you to squeeze to pump the breast milk are less the less expensive type. The automatic pumps are those that are either run by battery or electric current which imitate the natural sucking of babies. These are known to pump more milk than the manual type, but are a lot more expensive too. Breastfeeding pump accessories are also available. Some allow you to pump both breasts at the same time. There are also discreet pump cases that make traveling with a pump more convenient and less awkward.

Nursing pillows are breastfeeding accessories that make the experience so much more comfortable for both the mother and her baby. These are available in various shapes and designs, and is used to keep your baby in the right position while breastfeeding. Thus, nursing pillows should have a good fit.

Breast shells and breast shields are the breastfeeding accessories that would need the approval of a lactation specialist before you can use them. Breast shells work to bring out inverted, retracted, or flat nipples. Breast shields are tiny silicone, rubber, or latex nipples that are placed over the mother’s natural nipples to help the baby latch on properly to the breast. Mother should be careful when using these products as improper use can result in the loss of milk supply.

Breastfeeding accessories that are not necessary for use in normally nursing babies include electronic scales. If for some reason you are concerned about weight loss in your baby, visit your doctor so he can discuss the proper use of the electronic scales with you.

Most mothers may encounter dry or cracked nipples while breastfeeding. There are products containing lanolin that may be used to ease the problem. However, your health care provider should be the one to choose which products are safe to use while breastfeeding. The breast milk can after all, be used to moisturize the nipples.

Breastfeeding your baby may be a huge sacrifice. But the rewards should definitely be well worth it.