Dundee Mama

Hi mamas,

Following on the breastfeeding theme and in honour of the World Breastfeeding Week (which at this point was months ago, but alas..), I’ve put together a wee list of breastfeeding essentials I found useful and have been utilising throughout my milky way journey, which has now reached its 9-month mark. I’ve separated them into 3 categories: “things I can’t live without”; “fancy to have things”; “recommended to me but I never used things”.

Things I can’t live without:

I never thought I would have such a list, but alas parenting comes with a lot of lessons, and one of them is expect the unexpected. As a mama, I feel that I constantly have a number of open tabs in my brain, and one of them is dedicated to things I can’t live without, or more accurately: things my baby can’t live without. This list is in no particular order of importance, just items added as I think of them.

1. Nipple Shields

Baby and I had a somewhat tricky start to our breastfeeding journey. Due to the long labour and the painkillers I was given, as well as the size of my breasts and nipples, he struggled to latch. When we were in the ward post birth, I was offered nipple shields. Up until then I was under the impression that they were only meant to protect my nipples. Never did I even consider that they would help with the latch and make breastfeeding easier for baby. Unfortunately, the size I was given in the ward was too small, so I had to order a bigger one, which fortunately arrived as soon as we got home. It’s safe to say that they’ve been an essential part of our journey.

The nipple shields I use are by Medela and can be found on Amazon for £9.99.

Edit: I thought that I will be using the nipple shields the entire time I breastfeed, but as it turns out, my little one had enough and one day just latched while I was looking for them. That was 4 months ago, and since then he’s been feeding without any assistancce. I do think that they were instrumental in helping him learn, though, so would still recommend getting yourself a pair.

2. Nursing bras

I have never been the best at choosing and buying bras. If anything this has historically been one of my least favourite activities. Buying a nursing bra, albeit it came with a lot of excitement, was no different really. I was hoping to try some on in person, but the selection in Dundee was painfully small. I ended up buying a pair from M&S at the beginning of my pregnancy and opting out for an online purchase for my other ones. There a few things I’d focus on when buying a nursing bra: support, stretch, and ease of clip. The bras I wear on a day to day basis are wireless and somewhat resemble a low-impact sports bra. They’re very comfortable and easy to clip and unclip with one hand. They also come in different colours, which is handy.

The nursing bras I use cost £15.66 for a pack of 3 and can be found on Amazon via this link.

3. Nipple Cream

One of the first postpartum items I bought was a nipple cream. I was told I would need to use it. However, so far, I’ve only really used it a handful of times. I feel that using the shields has helped prevent cracked and sore nipples for me. Regardless, I like being prepared and having it handy for the handful of times I felt I needed it has been good.

The nipple cream I have is by Lansinoh and is available pretty much everywhere. I got mine from, you guessed it, Amazon for £9.99 (40g pack).

4. Haakaa Breast Milk Collector

It is inevitable to have a leaky breast while breastfeeding. This is why a Haakaa comes in handy, collecting what otherwise would be wasted on our clothes. For the shape of my breasts I chose the Ladybug shaped pump, although I later purchased the regular one as well. When I breastfeed at home I always have the pump on the other breast.

Here’s a link for each pump, saving you time looking.

Haakaa Ladybug Collector £19.99 for a single 150ml collector | Haakaa Milk Collector with Lid £24.99 for a single 100ml collector

Edit: I haven’t used it for around 3 months now (since starting to wean), as I no longer try to keep a stash of milk in the fridge.

5. Portable Breast Pump

Although I have stopped using it now, my portable breast pump was essential in the first few weeks of navigating breastfeeding, especially while I was waiting on the nipple shields and my partner and I were figuring out a routine. I stopped using it after week 10-11 because my supply was well established and I didn’t want to feed the freezer. There are many pumps out there, and it can be overwhelming deciding which one to get. I did some research and based on other mamas feedback I chose to get the Momcozy M5 breast pump. I ended up buying a double pump second hand on Vinted, which looking back was a great idea, as I was pumping at the same time. I recommend having a look on there and Marketplace, however, just in case here’s a link to it on Amazon retailing at £179.99 for a set of two.

Momcozy M5 Breast Pump set for £179.99 on Amazon

6. Colostrum Collector Kit

As I shared in the previous post, I started colostrum harvesting while I was pregnant, so I can have some expressed milk for my little one just in case. I started off collecting in little 1ml syringes which worked until I was using 5 syringes per breast each time I expressed. So, I bought a little colostrum collector kit. The little collectors could hold up to 7ml each and were reusable, safe to freeze and easy to use. I bought the Nuliie brand ones from Amazon, and I’m linking them here.

Nuliie Colostrum Collector Kit 7ml/12pcs £32.99 for 12pcs

7. Milk Storage Bags

I was initially hoping to use a different storage method for the expressed milk, but alas this was the most affordable and easily storable option. Milk storage bags are available pretty much everywhere. The first ones I bought were these Momcozy ones from Amazon. I have since moved on to buying Asda’s own brand ones, because I have a local shop and enjoy the walk there and back. But regardless which ones you choose to get, they all work pretty much the same and are a useful addition to your pantry.

50PCS Momcozy Breastmilk Storing Bags £14.99

ASDA Maternity 25 Breast Milk Storage Bags £4.00

8. Nursing Chair

Where I come from, a.k.a. Bulgaria, nursing chairs aren’t really a thing. I mean, they exist, but not many people use them, probably because not many women continue breastfeeding for longer than a couple of months. That’s why I was particularly reluctant when I started looking for one. I didn’t want to spend too much money on it, but at the same time wanted one that is comfy and looks good. All the ones with the cool features were upwards of £300 and I just couldn’t justify them.Especially because I thought I wasn’t going to use the chair much. So, after weeks of searching and looking around, I came across this chair on Amazon. I was sceptical at first and meticulously read the comments and reviews before I decided to go for it. I am so glad I did because this chair was affordable and is super comfortable. To make it more complete, style wise, I purchased a foot stool that matched.

The current price for the chair is £199.99, and the stool is £28.99.

DEKKETO Teddy Nursing Rocking Chairs | IBUYKE 13 Inch Small Footstool Ottoman with Storage

9. Night Light

If you don’t have one in your bedroom already, it might be a good shout to get one. We moved into our house a few months before baby was due and still don’t have a proper night light. Our main bedroom has a walk in wardrobe and I use the light from there when I’m breastfeeding. I also have the Tommy Tipper GroEgg2 room thermometer and night light which has been great. When changing diapers I use my phone’s flashlight. I know it sounds bizarre but it’s worked well for us so far, so not planning on changing it. 😀

The Tommee Tippee GroEgg2 is currently 33% off on Amazon and costs £21.99.

Tommee Tippee GroEgg2 – £21.99

Fancy to have but not essential

1. Nipple Pads

I was gifted both single use and reusable nipple pads. I used them maybe a handful of times, and then I stopped. Somehow I stopped caring about milk stains on my clothes and bra and started wearing them with honour and pride.

The reusable pads

2. Silver Nipple Shields

I bought the silver nipple shields as another way to heal my nipples at the beginning. The reviews were very positive and I found them to be quite pleasant. I only used them for about a week, because I ended up misplacing them. ( I think I accidentally binned them after having washed them)

From what I hear, they can help soothe sore nipples and speed up the healing, plus the silver has some cooling properties and feels nicer than just a regular pad. The ones I bought are by Koala Babycare and were very reasonably priced. There are other ones on the market but I opted out for the cheaper option with the best reviews. Here’s a link in case you’d like to get yourself some.

Koala Babycare Silver Nipple Shields £29.75

3. Nursing Tops/ Clothes

I’ve been looking at getting some nursing clothes for as long as I’ve been nursing, basically the last 4 months, and have successfully made it this far without any specific ones. Why? Because I was unable to find things I’d love to wear. I’ve seen some adds for some cute t-shirts, but they were a bit over what I was willing to invest, and I already have a wardrobe filled with clothes. The past 4 months can be separated into two categories when it comes to clothes: what I wear when I leave the house, and what I wear when I don’t. When I leave the house I wear either breastfeeding friendly dresses (that I’ve owned for years), or trousers and a cropped top or t-shirt. When I don’t leave the house, I mostly spend my day in my underwear and socks or at most a T-shirt.

I would say that I absolutely see the benefit of nursing specific clothes and I know that some mamas swear by them. I have just made it work without so far.

4. Nursing Pillow

I bought a nursing pillow as it was recommended by some peers. All in all I’ve used it a handful of times (maybe up to 5) I don’t really think there’s a particular reason for me not using it, just that I’m perfectly comfortable feeding without it. I must admit though, having both of my hands free at the same time as baby was feeding felt good.

The pillow I have is affordable, can be easily cleaned and feels quite sturdy. There’s many similar ones available, and I suppose it just depends on your budget which one you choose.

Labtec Nursing Pillow for Breastfeeding £29.99 from Amazon.

5. Breastfeeding App/ Tracker

If you ask my dad, he’d tell you that this new modern way of tracking everything on your phone is a waste of time. However, personally I found using a tracker really helpful, especially having in mind this is my first child. We’re currently using the Huckleberry App, and I’m paying for the premium subscription. It works perfectly fine without the premium as well, I just like the additional features, such as being able to use it from my watch, and having the timers on my phone’s Lock Screen. It also comes in handy when your health visitor asks you about the number of wet and dirty nappies the little one produces in a day, week, month. Both me and my partner have access to the same account which means I see what he logs and vice versa. It’s also helpful when baby is having difficult time sleeping and keeping track of naps and night wakings.

Again, not essential, but definitely very useful.

Other useful tips and hacks

When we talk about breastfeeding essentials, it’s important to touch on some things we might never need but are good to know.

1. Hydrate

Hydration is incredibly important in general, let along while breastfeeding. As breast milk is 87% water, it should go without saying that dehydration can negatively impact production. So, keep a water bottle or glass on hand whenever you’re breastfeeding, and in fact, wherever you go.

2. Nutrition

Similarly to hydration, nutrition is incredibly important when breastfeeding. Make sure you get plenty of whole foods, vitamins and protein. And just eat! Don’t worry about weight or bouncing back.

3. Cabbage Leaves

Whether you believe in old wives tales or not, when you’re experiencing sore, engorged breasts, you find yourself willing to try anything to soothe them. Cabbage leaves are an incredibly useful natural remedy, which can soothe engorgement, ease pain and inflammation and even help with weaning. They are a gentle, low-cost and clean way to use as a home remedy. Personally, I’ve made use of this home remedy a handful of times, and can absolutely testify to the effectiveness of it. To use, simply wash the leaves (be extra careful with the tiny black bugs), chill in the fridge, and place inside your bra for about 20 minutes.

4. Medela Hydrogel Pads

These pads were recommended in a group chat I’m in. Fortunately, I’ve never had to use them, but know mamas who have. From their feedback I gather those pads are very good and help soothe cracked and bleeding nipples.

They retail at £14.48 on Amazon.

I just asked my partner what other things he can think of as important when it comes to breastfeeding and he said “You need breasts and a baby” which kinda sums up the whole process. Everything else is extra in the grand scheme of things, but extra can often make things much more enjoyable.

I hope the resources here have been useful. Keep going mama, you’re doing great! ❤