The period of breastfeeding is the most challenging for new mums. To make sure you enjoy breastfeeding your baby, you should supply yourself with essential accessories that will make your life easier. With the help of these tools, you will become better equipped and more knowledgeable about the unique benefits associated with each one of them.
In this article, we are going to explore the key essentials every new mum should consider before embarking on the incredible journey of motherhood. Keep reading to learn more about each of these tools, so you can support yourself and empower new mums to have a successful breastfeeding experience.
Choose the Right Nursing Pads
To make their breastfeeding journey more comfortable and enjoyable many women supply themselves with the right nursing pads. These tools are placed inside the bra with the primary purpose of catching unexpected milk leaks between feeding schedules. The nursing pads as essential breast feeding accessories come in different shapes, and styles, providing different levels of absorbency. To select the right design you should consider aspects such as your breast shape, bra size and adjustable features.
For example, many nursing pads feature adhesive straps that allow you to customize the fit and prevent shifting. They usually come in contoured or cupped shape that allows you to pick the design that most closely resembles your breast shape. Beyond considering these aspects, you should also pay attention to the type of materials they are made from and the thickness they offer.
For instance, nursing pads for daytime use are often made from thinner materials compared to those for nighttime which are much thicker and provide better absorbency. Bamboo, cotton, microfiber and wool are usually preferred choices as these materials are known for their exceptional breathability and antibacterial properties.
In addition to these features, most breastfeeding pads are made to be either disposable or reusable. The disposable pads as their name suggests are designed mostly for single-use and are often made from a combination of different materials, such as paper, pulp, and super absorbent polymers suitable for daytime use.
Compared to them, the reusable ones are designed to be washed and used more times. They usually feature ticker, moisture-resistant layers that provide excellent absorbency. Most of them can feature multiple layers of different materials, such as bamboo, cotton and waterproof fabric which make them more suitable for repeated use and for handling heavier leaks.
Invest in a Comfortable Nursing Pillow
Beyond choosing the right pads, you should consider other important accessories that will make your breastfeeding journey more comfortable. One such breastfeeding accessory that many women opt for is the nursing pillow which is specifically designed to provide optimal support during breastfeeding sessions.
These tools can make your breastfeeding experience more enjoyable for you and your baby, as they are designed to reduce the discomfort often associated with long hours of breastfeeding. To choose the right design, pay attention to the shape, materials and the overall comfort and support they provide.
Most nursing pads come in either a C u or U-shaped design that can accommodate different nursing positions. The C shape is designed to wrap around the mother’s waist and provides support only on one side. Compared to it, the U-shaped pillow offers more space and provides support on both sides that enables feeding your baby in different nursing positions. These designs are also mostly chosen by mothers of twins who find them especially beneficial.
In addition to choosing the right shape, make sure the material you choose provides a comfortable and gentle surface for your baby’s little head. Most nursing pillows are made from materials such as polyester, and memory foam, that offer different firmness levels. These breast feeding accessories also feature a protective cover, which allows you to remove and wash them to maintain the optimal level of cleanliness, which is crucial for your baby’s health and overall comfort.
Explore the Benefits of Breast Pump
Beyond choosing the right type of nursing pillow, many mums decide to supply themselves with breast pumps to introduce more flexibility in their breastfeeding routine. These tools allow you to remove the excess milk, and boost milk production while providing relief from the issue of breast engorgement which is common among mothers who decide to breastfeed.
The breast pump will also allow you to share the responsibility of breastfeeding with your partner or another caregiver who wants to participate in the feeding while offering you the freedom to manage other tasks more effectively.
For example, mums who need to go back to work after their maternity leave can still feed their babies with breast milk. With the help of a breast pump, they can extract milk and store it in the fridge for certain hours so their baby can enjoy the nutritious benefits of breast milk even in their absence.
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