Bravado Nursing Bras
There are many nursing bras on the market, but the Bravado Nursing Bra is really comfy with no underwire or polyester. It’s pure cotton. It has great snaps and pulls down for easy nursing.
What’s special about the Bravado bra is that in comes in sizes like, small, medium, large, large +, extra large ++, etc., and each of those sizes represents a range. So, for example, it’s not just a 36D it represents a 36 C through a 36DD. What’s great about that is you won’t know what size you’ll be until your milk comes in which won’t be until a few days after your baby is born.
You need a bra for when you go to the hospital for the first few days so the bravado bra is great because it has a lot of flexibility. Don’t worry about spending the money though, because you will use the bra even after the first few weeks. The bra will probably still fit just fine and this is the kind of bra you’ll want to wear around the house, at night and at home if you don’t have any visitors because it is so comfortable.
A nursing mom is never supposed to wear an underwire bra when she’s nursing so the bravado bra is really ideal. It comes in a variety of colors and you might want to get fitted for your first one. Otherwise, if you just plug in your size you’ll probably be fine. Wait until the end of your pregnancy because chances are your size will increase towards the end and then definitely when your milk comes in. You might be a little bit shocked, but the good news is that there is some give and you are really going to love these bras. So, go buy yourself some bravado bras and happy nursing!
Boppy Pillow
The Boppy Pillow is a half moon pillow that you use for nursing your baby. It’s also great for bottle feeding as well because it gives you great support while feeding your baby.
You put the pillow around your waist, place your baby at the level you want and bring the baby to your breast. You may wonder why you need the Boppy and why you can’t just use a regular pillow.
Regular pillows are too soft and won’t support your baby’s head. The Boppy is the perfect weight and firmness.
The Boppy is an amazing shower gift. I used it with all four of my kids and I couldn’t have lived without it. I’ve given it as a gift and I think you’ll really see that it is fabulous.
So, go by yourself a Boppy or buy one for a friend who just had a baby. I think you’ll really see that you love it! Happy nursing!
The Nursing Mother’s Companion
The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins is the book you want to get if you are going to be nursing your baby.
The book is written really well and in an organized manner, and it includes everything you need, such as how to survive the first week and what kind of breast pump you should get.
There are different breast pumps, depending on your situation, so the advice is really helpful if you’re staying at home and pumping once a month vs. a working mom who needs a heavy duty pump, since it will be used more frequently.
The Nursing Mother’s Companion also provides information that is helpful to recognize signs of engorgement, a plugged duct, mastitis, and when you should call your doctor.
At the end of the book, there is an entire section about medicine, and which are safe to take while nursing.
I would definitely recommend that you speak with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant when it comes to medicines. But this is so helpful in cases where it’s 3 a.m., you have a horrible headache, and you want to know which over-the-counter drugs are safe to use.
I got the Nursing Mother’s Companion in 1999 when I was pregnant with my first child. It was a gift from my Godmother.
At this point, the book is pretty beat up, but it has been an invaluable guide for me as I’ve nursed my four children.
Every baby brings new concerns and issues, so I’d urge you to buy a copy of the Nursing Mother’s Companion for yourself.
Lansinoh Lanolin for Nursing Mothers
Lansinoh is an ointment for breastfeeding mothers. The great thing about Lansinoh is that you just need a pea-sized amount.
Just squeeze out a small amount and rub it between your thumb and finger, and then rub it on your breast.
The Lansinoh is a little thick, so it goes on a bit smoother if you rub it with your thumb and finger first.
I recommend that you purchase Lansinoh before you go to the hospital to give birth, and start using it right away.
Many mothers end up with discomfort and cracking when they first breastfeed, an Lansinoh goes a long way towards healing those areas and bringing you comfort.
In addition to providing long-term healing, Lansinoh also brings immediate pain relief.
The La Leche League endorses Lansinoh, and as you may know, they are the leading authority on breastfeeding.
Also, you don’t have to rub off Lansinoh before nursing your baby.
So, use it as often as you like and you should see positive results.
Happy breastfeeding!