8 Must-Haves For Breastfeeding & Pumping Mums

If you’ve chosen to breastfeed you’ve decided that breast milk is best for baby and know that the benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition. With breast milk bursting with all the vitamins and nutrients your baby will require in the first six months of life, nature’s nutritious gift is also power-packed with disease-fighting substances protecting your newborn baby from illness, allergy, infection and respiratory illness. With all of this in mind, we’ve compiled the most popular products designed to assist and support you in your breastfeeding choices. Check it out!

No.1 The nursing bra: The nursing bra is designed specifically with breastfeeding mums in mind. Offering comfort, convenience and a level of privacy that the ordinary bra doesn’t, the  nursing bra provides easy, rapid access to your breasts when baby demands. Stylish, functional and supportive the humble nursing bra is a valuable breastfeeding must-have.

No.2 Breast pads: Say goodbye to milk leakage and wet spots on your shirt with the subtle but so very effective breast pad. Providing security from the embarrassment of milky tell-tale signs, breast pads quickly absorb the breast milk drawing the moisture from your breasts helping to prevent skin irritation while keeping you dry and comfortable.

No.3 Nursing tops: Breastfeeding is at your discretion and your baby’s needs, enabling you to breastfeed in public with minimum fuss, a specifically designed nursing top will allow you to nurse inconspicuously without revealing too much skin. If the budget doesn’t stretch to purposely designed tops a button up shirt is a fine alternative.

No.4 Breast pumps: Whether you plan on returning to work or perhaps you want to re-engage with your social life with the knowledge that you are still providing nutrient-laden breast milk for your little one, the breast pump (choose from electric and manual) will support you in all of these choices and more. Offering convenience, ease of use and the security of a constant supply, you can be reassured regardless of where you are that your baby is receiving your precious breast milk.

No.5 Extra supply of bottles: Be prepared! Ensuring you have an extra supply of bottles for
both storage and when you’re out and about will keep the breast milk on hand at all times. Choose bottles such as Avent that offer high quality, are BPA free with teats shaped to mimic the mother’s breast so that the transition from breast to bottle and back is as seamless as possible.

No.6 Breast milk storage bags: The sterile, secure and hygienic storage of your breastmilk is vital in keeping your little one free from stomach upset and infection, a specifically designed breast milk storage bag will get the job done with ease! Easy to label, simple to use and reassuringly hygienic they are a must have for all expressing mums on the go.

No.7 A cooler bag: Keeping baby’s stomach balanced and free from upset is a priority and when out and about make sure to keep your bottles in a cooler bag designed for the task of keeping breastmilk at the optimal temperature.

No.8 Nipple cream:Nipple cream is an absolute must-have as you begin your breastfeeding journey. Formulated to moisturise and heal cracked and irritated nipples, its gentle lanolin base ensures you don’t have to wash it off before nursing your baby. Acting as a soothing barrier, it allows you to bond with baby as you feed free from discomfort or pain.