My breastfeeding journey and essentials

Breastfeeding is a gift that lasts a lifetime

Cleo has been breastfeeding amazingly since around 3 weeks old. Until then I expressed to give myself a ‘break’ while I recovered from the C-section and then recovering from Mastitis and having an infection in my wound. After 3 weeks of expressing I decided to stop pumping and breastfeed Cleo exclusively. The first week was tough and painful but I helped myself by researching and buying some recommended breastfeeding essentials. A few weeks on and breastfeeding feels so easy to do and I am so glad I decided to carry on through the tough times.

Here are my BF essentials:

• A good multi way bra – I looked at nursing bras but I found they were pricey and I would only be able to wear them while I am feeding, When I stop it won’t be needed anymore so for me it just wasn’t worth it. I thought I would try to see if a simple multi way bra would work and it does! It does the same job and is half the price! I got mine from Tesco for £12 but I’m sure most woman’s clothing shops will do similar ones.
• Tommee Tippee pump – I also had a Tommee Tippee manual pump with Elsa and both times it has worked wonders. I brought mine for half price from Mothercare. It’s cheap and does an amazing job.
• Dr Brown’s bottles – We tried other makes for bottles but they seem to cause Cleo to have a lot of wind. As a Dr Brown’s ambassador I was sent bottle to test out. So as part of my test I thought I would change Cleo’s bottle and I’m so glad I did, they helped so much. You can buy Dr Brown’s from most major shops such as Mothercare and Tesco.
• Lansinoh breast therapearl hot and cold therapy cushions –  These were a genuine life saver when I has Mastitis. Stick them in the microwave for around 20 seconds to heat them up then put them in place and they help so much with pain and swelling. You can also use them cold if you put them in the freezer. I got mine for £15 from Morrison’s.
• Aden and Anais 120cm x 120cm Muslims – I have these in the Disney Bambi print and I would honestly say they are my number 1 newborn must have! They come in other gorgeous patterns and I use mine for everything from baby sick to laying Cleo on to change her bum. But my favourite thing to use them for is a breastfeeding cover.

A few other things I recommend are Boots breast pads – I got 3 boxes of 80 pads for £8 when they had their 3 for 2 offers so keep your eyes peeled for when that is on. Bennett’s nipple cream – I also got this from Morrison’s and it was only £3, it works a treat! Boots nipple shields – Those first days are hard and these help so much! I can’t even begin to explain how much they helped me. They are just a thin silicone teat that goes over your nipple while your baby feeds to protect you and helps reduce soreness. They were £4.50 and worth every penny.

These are the items that help me and I hope they give you an idea, if you are breastfeeding of what might help you too.