Breastfeeding

Useful Tools for Women Who Want to Breastfeed

Although breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your baby, it doesn’t always go as planned. Or maybe you’re looking for something to make it a little easier. There are many tools for this, and we’ve listed some of them here for you, including an explanation of what they are and honest advice.

Breast Pump

A breast pump is incredibly handy for expressing milk when your baby isn’t around, if breastfeeding isn’t going smoothly, or if you need to stimulate milk production. There are many types of breast pumps available, both manual and electric, single and double. Your choice depends on whether you plan to pump occasionally or every day. Are you pumping full-time? Then read our previous blog about it!

Breastfeeding Bracelet

Did you need to feed on the right or left side? If you don’t feed your baby with both breasts at each feeding, a breastfeeding bracelet can help you remember which breast is next. They range from simple to gold jewelry. Plenty of choices! Just remember if you wear the bracelet on the breast that’s due next or the one that was just used…

Cup Feeder or Baby Cup

The cup feeder, or baby cup, is a small cup made of soft material with a pre-formed spout. You can use it when supplementing or if your baby temporarily cannot nurse directly.

Finger Feeder

The finger feeder is also made of soft material, usually silicone. It’s a small spout for giving tiny amounts of breast milk or medication. This is useful if your baby struggles with breastfeeding or loses too much weight. By having your baby suck on your finger first and then using the finger feeder to deliver milk, you mimic breastfeeding. This helps prevent your baby from getting used to a bottle and refusing to breastfeed later.

Gel Compress

Gel compresses or hydrogel pads are soft pads that relieve sore nipples or sensitive breasts. They also function as wound dressings, promoting faster healing of nipple cracks.

Milk Collection Shells

Milk collection shells are worn inside your bra on the breast that’s not being used for feeding to collect breast milk. They can also be worn between feedings. However, it’s best not to give the collected milk to your baby since it has remained at body temperature, which can promote bacterial growth.

Nipple Cream

A good nipple cream can be used for sore nipples or cracked nipples. Be careful with the type of cream you choose, as some contain ingredients that your baby shouldn’t ingest. If that’s the case, wash the cream off before breastfeeding. A hypoallergenic lanolin-based nipple cream is safe to use.

Nipple Shields

Nipple shields used to be widely recommended, but we’re now more cautious with them. They can be very helpful when used under professional guidance, so we advise using nipple shields only on the recommendation of a lactation consultant.

Nursing Bra

A nursing bra is extremely convenient when breastfeeding. It saves a lot of hassle when you can easily unclasp a cup to feed your baby quickly. Ensure the clasp can be opened and closed with one hand. Don’t buy too many in advance, as your cup size may increase by one or two sizes during breastfeeding.

Nursing Pillow

A nursing pillow can be very helpful during breastfeeding. They come in various shapes and sizes, so find one that suits you. Alternatively, you can arrange regular pillows around you. As your baby grows, you might not need a nursing pillow anymore.

Nursing Pads or Nipple Protectors

A nursing pad or nipple protector is worn inside your bra between feedings. A nipple protector is a half-dome of silicone with ventilation holes. It prevents your nipples from rubbing against clothing or nursing pads, which can be soothing for irritated skin. However, it stimulates milk flow, so it’s not ideal if you already produce a lot of milk. A nursing pad absorbs leaking milk between feedings to prevent stains on your clothes.

Questions About Breastfeeding? Visit the Amsterdam Zuid Midwives!

There are even more tools than the ones we mentioned above. Do you have questions about any of these or other breastfeeding tools? Or about breastfeeding itself? Ask one of the midwives at our practice in Amsterdam Zuid. You can also join the breastfeeding course we organize monthly for our clients. Want to know more? Contact us!