Having a baby, or babies, can be such an exciting time! Your body is going through a big change, and you're planning ahead and thinking about all of the things you're going to need. Picture yourself loading up your Amazon cart or registry. Checking out Baby list. Going to Target with an older family member who says "back in my day, we didn't have any of this stuff." You may find that you get a lot of gifts that look practical, but really, you may never use them.
Maybe you're not sure yet about breastfeeding and you're on the fence about whether or not to bottle feed. When you go looking at bottles, you realize there's 20+ different ones. Then you see 20+ different kinds of pacifiers. Bottle warmers, formula mixers, blenders, containers, "sterilizers" and the list goes on... It can be overwhelming. Unless you're 100% set on exclusively pumping breast milk and have decided you will not have baby nurse directly on your body, my suggestion would be to try and wait to purchase bottles. In some instances, babies can be supplemented (breast milk or formula) at the breast through a supplemental nursing system (again, a SNS is not necessarily something you need to go out and buy ahead of time). Nipple shields can be another item to wait to purchase until we have evaluated if and why you may need one.
Another item that has been advertised a lot in the past year or two are massage type devices, aka "vibrators". Prophylactically purchasing one to apply to the breast tissue in anticipation you're going to get a clogged duct may not be the right mindset you want going into your nursing journey. Plus, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) has had a revision to treatment of mastitis protocol in 2022 which essentially states to avoid these types of vibratory devices because you may actually cause more trauma to the breast tissue. You may mean well by using these devices, but using them on engorged breasts can complicate things more. Bottom line is hold off on purchasing massage devices or whipping out that electric toothbrush for breast engorgement/lumps/clogged ducts/mastitis.
Proactively buying herbal supplements and every lactation cookie on the market... Again, how do you know you're going to potentially need products like this? Did you have low supply with your last little one? If so, we should explore the reasons why.
Here are some things that I found helpful and recommend in my private practice for new parents:
Breastfeeding bras and shirts (snap down cups for easy access) or nursing nightgowns. Anticipate being topless... a lot
My Brest Friend breastfeeding pillow. The best (In my opinion). Sturdy. not flimsy. I will post more on this soon
Some extra pillows (standard pillows you would use in the bed) for repositioning, supporting your body such as your elbows
A notepad and pen or app for tracking some important info those first couple of weeks postpartum (pee diapers, poopie diapers, how often baby fed or for how long, etc.).
A way to make a cool compress or ice pack
Water bottle and snacks
Plenty of diapers and wipes
Organic coconut oil or olive oil or nipple ointment (not a big fan of Lanolin here)
A supportive partner, friend, or family member. Support system is so important!
I will end with this tonight. I would like to pose these questions:
When loading up your baby registry, ask yourself, How do I envision feeding my baby? What is my goal? Do you plan to give direct feeding a try and have the infant latch on your body? What is holding you back? What stories have you heard or did you have a negative or traumatic experience in the past that has led you to avoid trying again? These are questions we can explore together in a consult to find out what your comfort levels are, and how to best work around your concerns and meet your goals. Again, no judgement here. You have to do what is best for you. We can explore any hesitancies you may have and see what will work best. In the mean time, load up that baby registry with plenty of fun things (Carseats, strollers, baby carriers / slings, adorable clothing, diapers galore, bows, lovey's, that cute side/co sleeper) and enjoy this time!
Comentarios