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Breastfeeding essentials

Planning to breastfeed but not sure what you’ll need? Here is a list of our first-time breastfeeding tips to help you prepare.

2 mins to read Nov 6, 2020
  • Buy nipple cream. It will help with those first tender feeds.
  • Stock up on nursing pads. Be prepared to buy in bulk.
  • Buy several nursing bras.
  • Buy nursing covers or nursing tops if they make feeding more comfortable.
  • Consider sticking up on cabbages! Apparently, putting chilled cabbage leaves on your breasts may help to relieve tenderness.
  • Talk to friends and family who have breastfed before for advice.
  • Consider taking an antenatal class about breastfeeding, and read our Breastfeeding for beginners’ guide.
  • Find out about local lactation experts or breastfeeding support services in case you don’t get the hang of breastfeeding straightaway.
  • Find out about local breastfeeding cafes with experts and other moms.
  • Research the best foods to eat while breastfeeding. There are plenty here:
  • Look into healthy snacks that could keep up your energy while breastfeeding. Find out what to eat when you’re breastfeeding here.
  • Take a daily supplement containing 10mcg of Vitamin D.
  • Cut down your caffeine intake if you need to—there’s a recommended limit of 200-300mg a day.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Consider buying a breast pump so others can help with feeds at some point.
  • Buy a breastfeeding pillow to make feeding comfier.
  • Buy burping cloths (sometimes called muslins). Breastfeeding on demand can mean a lot of leakage.

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