Breastfeeding help is needed!

Question

if i am planning on nursing what are some things i need? i am planning on staying home while nursing ( not working ) so i wont need a expansive pump.. just a manual pump i can use once in awhile will be perfect.. any brand suggestions? also if i was to pump and save breast milk in the breastmilk bag and keep it in the refrigerator do i use milk warmer to warm it up just like how i would warm up regular formula milk? oh and what are brands of breastpad do you reccommend?

Answer 1

I have the Medela Pump in Style Advanced.  While it's probably more than you need, I've never heard anything negative about the Medela pumps.

As far as bags, the Lansinoh ones are great.  The double-zipper is very nice and have saved me from a spill or two.

For full-time and long-term nursing, washable pads are a must.  The Dr Brown's ones are fantastic, but the Medela ones are OK, also.  I bought a pack of disposable ones for travel, but the crinkly, sticky mess that they can become over the course of a day is not something I liked.

We bought a mini crock pot - one designed to put dips and small things in - and used it occasionally for warming a bottle.  If you are storing milk in the freezer and you know that one will be needed the next day, you can defrost it overnight in the fridge.  You don't need an official bottle warmer - as long as you avoid the microwave, you're OK.

Surround yourself with people who applaud your choice.  Having supportive friends and family is wonderful, too.  Good luck - it's worth every bit of effort.

Answer 2

medela is a good pump brand, just dont get the mini electric, its manual and electric and works ok but its really loud

thaw yur breastmilk in the fridge or the sink under running waterm, NOT the microwave, it can leave hot spots and ruin the milk

i used gerber breast pads they have dif absorb levels and werent super thick

hope that helps a bit

Answer 3

You'll need lots and lots of support...from your significant other and your families.  If they aren't supportive of your choice to breastfeed, you'll be more inclined to give up and give a bottle.  

I'd make sure you get some Lansinoh Nipple Cream or something like it.  If it's your first time nursing, it will hurt and your nipples will need conditioned. (Toughened up from the baby nursing.)  You can get any brand nursing pads.  I always used disposables but I've also heard wonderful things about the reusable.  

If you are going with a pump for any reason, I would always recommend the Medela.  I had a double pump that I used for all three of my kids and LOVED it.  It was the only pump I could get a substantial amount of milk and let down using.

You can pump and freeze breastmilk.  Or follow these guidelines for pumped breastmilk-from Medela

4 hours at room temp

24 hours in a cooler with three ice packs

5-7 days in a refridgerator at 32-39 degrees F

3-4 Months in a Refridgerator based Freezer

6-12 Months in a Deep Freezer

To thaw breastmilk-Never microwave.  It is best to put the milk in warm water to let thaw.  A crock pot of hot water works as well (you see this alot in day care centers.)

Good luck!  You are truly awesome for choosing the best for your new baby!!

Answer 4

The avent one didn't work for me or my friend who borrowed it, so I wouldn't get that.  Some lactation consultants will give you one if you go in when the baby is a couple of days old.  I like the medela one, its the one I ended up with.  I would honestly wait until the baby is here and until you are breast feeding to get one because you never know whats going to happen with that, also a lot of insurances will cover a rental for 30 days all you have to do is ask.

The other things you need

The gerber medicated patches

The reusable heating or cooling patches

A couple of the leak pads, I like the thins ones but its all personal  

Answer 5

u keep it in the reg. n when u give it to the baby put it in da micowave warm up 20 or 10 sec.

Answer 6

Never put anything in the microwave, it'll burn their mouth.  Just heat up some water and sit it in there and check it till it's about room temp-warm.  The medela single elec pump is what I used (my son had too many allergies to keep bfing).  It was very efficient, and less than $100.00.  Milk only stays fresh in the fridge for a week, freshly pumped milk can stay at room temp, without ever being refrigerated for four hours.  You'll want to freeze the milk, if you get a stash too big to use in a week.  Make sure to mark your bag as you'll not want to feed your baby expired milk.  You'll need a nursing pillow (I have my breast friend pillow, was great).  Get two or three different kinds of bottles (when you eventually introduce the bottle) as babies are picky.