I have searched and searched the internet for a breastfeeding checklist and can not seem to find one anywhere! What can I buy to be prepared for breastfeeding my newborn when he arrives? Is there a checklist I can use to make sure I have all the needed essentials so I am prepared? I will also be pumping since I work full time so I know I will need alot of items! Please help!”
We’re happy to help! If you’re going to be pumping at work, the first thing you need, of course, is a pump. You’ll want one that lets you collect milk from both sides — which will be twice as fast — and that is reasonably lightweight with a carrying case. Some top-of-the-line pump sets come with insulated milk storage compartments and cold packs, handy if you don’t want to store your milk in the office fridge. A battery pack can also be helpful to have should you get stuck pumping somewhere without an electrical outlet. You’ll also need:
| Item | Description | How many you’ll need |
|---|---|---|
| Breast pads | Breast pads are like sanitary napkins for leaky nipples. In fact, you can cut sanitary napkins in two and stick them inside your bra, but round disposable or washable pads will look more natural. | one box and/or at least two pairs of washable pads. |
| Breastfeeding pillow | You can use a couple of bed bed pillows, but breastfeeding pillows are ones designed specifically to help boost the baby’s mouth up to nipple level, giving your arms a break. Check product reviews to find a model rated highly by nursing moms. | At least one with a washable cover. |
| Breast pump | They come in one- and -two horned versions, the double will help you pump twice as fast. | At least one. It’s fine to re-use a used one, just replace tubing and the parts that touch milk. Pumps can also be rented from hospitals, and used to stimulate nipples to make contractions more regular. Be sure to bring home any tubing or horns (also called flanges, or honky parts) from the hospital, hospitals can’t re-use them. |
| Bottles, rings, nipples and caps | For storing and feeding pumped milk. | 3-6, at first |
| Nursing bras | A nursing bra has a special “trapdoor” to expose your nipple. Buy the size you’d usually wear pre-pregnancy. | at least 2-3 |
| Nursing shirts and/or tanks | Nursing shirts have special panels, flaps and drapes that, when used with a nursing bra, will let you feed baby with little to no nipple exposure. Motherwear is a great brand. Nursing tanks will let you convert any shirt to a nursing shirt when worn underneath, by doubling as a nursing bra and belly cover. | At least a few shirts and tanks. Nursing dresses, bathing suits and nightgowns are also available. It’s worthwhile to check thrift shops and ask moms for hand-me-downs. |
| Breast milk storage | If you plan to pump milk after you go back to work, you’ll want a storage bags and a cooler to keep milk fresh until you get home. Pumping and storing will also let you leave the house without the baby (someday). | Usually breast pumps will come with a few storage bags, buy more as needed. |
| Nipple cream | You really only need to buy nipple cream if you have rough or irritated nipples. If you do have nipple pain, cracking or bleeding, talk to your OB or midwife or a lactation consultant to rule out thrush or latch-on issues. | Optional |
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