Guide to essential breastfeeding products
Breastfeeding gives your baby the perfect start to life as breast milk contains all the vital nutrients for a healthy development as well as tightening the bond between mother and child.
In this guide to breastfeeding products, we’ll discuss just some of the aids that will make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for mum and baby.
When it comes to expressing milk for your baby’s consumption, a breast pump will make life easier. Breast pumps can be manual or electric and both can be bought with systems that ensure fast and smooth milk ejection that emulates the feel of a baby. Choose a pump that suits your lifestyle.
Some mothers like a small and light pump that will fit easily into a handbag (these can be manual or electric). Many mothers prefer a breast pump kit bag that contains all the necessary equipment for expressing and keeping milk cool once it has been expressed.
Pump in Style Advanced Electric Breastpump
Single breast pumps are great for occasional use but for when milk needs to be expressed on a more regular basis double pumps can be more effective and save time. These can be portable just like the smaller manual breast pumps.
Medela Mini Electric Plus Breastpump
Be careful to use a pump with the correctly sized breast shield. If the shield is the wrong size it can cause friction and damage to the nipples - too small and it will prevent milk flow. Consult the SafeTots team to ensure you buy the right breast pump. Comfort breast shields are also available.
Breast Milk Feeding and Storage
Once you’ve expressed your milk, you’ll need a way of collecting, storing and occasionally freezing it for later use. Medela breast milk storage bottles are suitable for all Medela breast pumps and are made from safe plastics. They are compatible with all the Medela spare teats which come in two flow rates and provide baby with a realistic substitute to Mum’s nipple.
Medela Breast Milk Storage Bottles
Making sure the breastfeeding products you use are clean and sterile is an essential part of baby safety and a range of sterilisers are available that will suit your budget and lifestyle. Designed to kill bacteria without the use of harmful chemicals, steam sterilisers can provide fast sterilisation in a matter of minutes.
Lindam Universal Steam Steriliser
Microwave sterilisers are compact and lightweight making them easy to take with you when out and about with baby; they can also keep bottles and bottle nipples sterile for up to 24 hours. Looking for an even more convenient way of sterilisation? Microwave steriliser bags are reusable up to twenty times - perfect for a short break when room in the suitcase is at a premium.
Bra Pads
Let’s not forget about looking after Mum. Some mothers experience milk leakage from the nipples between breastfeeds which can be both awkward and embarrassing when in public. Bra pads can absorb milk leakage hygienically and come as either reusable washable bra pads or disposable bra pads.
Other available bra pads are made from a transparent silicone meaning you can wear them without a bra or when swimming. Acting like a second skin, they prevent the leaking of milk by applying gentle pressure to the nipple and stick to you, not the bra. These pads avoid the need for bra pad changes and remain invisible under your clothes.
Tags: baby, Bra, Breastfeeding, Milk, Nipple