Top Products For the Breastfeeding Mom (Guest Post)

Post by Maria Palma
BabyChicBlog.com

So, you've decided that you're going to breastfeed your baby, or perhaps you're looking for holiday gift ideas for the breastfeeding mom in your life. There are a few products that moms have used to make breastfeeding more convenient and that can actually serve to enhance rather than get in the way of the breastfeeding relationship. Here are the top products every breastfeeding mom needs:

A good nursing bra - A supportive and comfortable nursing bra is very useful for a breastfeeding mom in order to avoid problems with plugged ducts - especially if she is well-endowed. A nursing bra should be stretchy and very soft to accommodate a mother's changing breast size throughout the day. It should also make nursing convenient, with one handed access and ease of use. It is recommended that a soft cup versus underwire cups be used. The Bravado bra is one very popular style. This bra features a no-roll band and different levels of support for women of all cup sizes. A few days after giving birth, most women find that their breasts increase by one cup size when their milk supply increases, but then levels off within a few weeks.

A good breast pump - Many mothers nurse their babies without ever using a pump. But for some moms, owning an effective pump means they will make exclusive breast milk feeding a success and avoid formula. When looking for a good breast pump, make sure to assess your needs. If you'll only need a pump for occasional use (such as a mom's night out), a manual pump like the Avent Isis is all you need. If you'll be going back to work full time or have a premature baby who you will need to pump for frequently, invest in a good hospital quality, electric double pump like the ones made by Medela. In general, breast pumps made by companies that also market infant formula are to be avoided. They tend to be poor quality and cause pain.

A baby sling - While not exactly a breastfeeding product, a baby sling has proven to be a lifesaver for many nursing moms. Life with a new baby in the house can be stressful. A baby sling can make things much easier. It allows mom to hold her infant, reducing crying (crying babies have a harder time nursing and often suffer with more gas due to swallowing a lot of air) while allowing her to get things done. A baby sling is also helpful for newborns whose limbs flail around and get in the way of a good breastfeeding latch. Many sling styles allow mom to breastfeed easily and discreetly which is very nice when mom is out in public.

A product that I personally like that is similar to a baby sling is the Baby Brella nursing poncho. Baby Brella is actually a multi-purpose product. It can be used for discreet nursing as well as a baby carrier or stroller cover after the baby has been fed.

A good breastfeeding book - Having an informative book on breastfeeding empowers a mom - especially if this is her first baby. She can read it before the baby arrives to learn good breastfeeding technique and management, and refer to it if she faces any challenges with breastfeeding. Some great ones for a mom's library are: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International and Breastfeeding, Keep it Simple by Amy Spangler.

Are there any good breastfeeding products that you would add to the list?

Maria Palma recently launched a new baby blog called Baby Chic. Baby Chic is dedicated to sharing tips, news, and resources for new mothers and mothers-to-be. You can find out more about the site by visiting: http://www.babychicblog.com.