What is my MUST have item for your baby registry to help with breastfeeding? What is the MOST USELESS thing I've ever seen created to help with breastfeeding? Keep reading to find out.
My #1 baby and breastfeeding gear MUST HAVE? A baby carrier!
There are so many different types, which may warrant a different email, but I'll go ahead and tell you my favorites and how to get the most bang for your buck.
Most people put those stretchy wraps like Moby or Boba on their registries, which is fine, but the thing is you probably won't be able to use those past the newborn phase. They are great for newborns and super comfortable, but become unmanageable when the baby gets over 12+ pounds. So I prefer getting a woven wrap, which is just a long piece of fabric and it definitely has a learning curve, but you can use them from newborn all the way to toddler and preschool ages!If you don't want to bother with the learning curve and want something simple, I suggest a soft structured carrier, like Tula or Ergo.
Why do I consider a baby carrier breastfeeding gear? Well keeping baby close is INTEGRAL to the breastfeeding relationship. And it's another tool to soothe and comfort baby without a boob, while keeping your hands free. You can even master feeding while in a carrier and be totally good to go!
It can be overwhelming and expensive choosing a carrier- seek babywearing groups in your area or join the babywearing BST group on Facebook. They have baby carriers for a deeply discounted price.
Okay now on to the WORST and MOST BULLSHIT breastfeeding gear I've ever seen.....These little "test strips" to check your milk for alcohol after drinking. Spoiler alert: totally unnecessary. You can drink and breastfeed. You don't need to check your milk. Have a couple of drinks and breastfeed as normally. It's fine.
The main problem with drinking and breastfeeding is you don't want to be taking care of a baby while wasted, which is irresponsible and dangerous especially if you're cosleeping.
But if you have childcare and want to go all out- do it. Pump and dump if it makes you feel better- but you really don't have to. If you're getting drunk all the time while breastfeeding you have bigger problems..... I follow the rule "if I'm okay to drive I'm okay to breastfeed and take care of my baby".
Last thing- check out my video on Instagram about making an emergency kit during pregnancy in case your baby doesn't latch.
Why would you need this?
Most people go straight to bottles when baby doesn't latch after birth, but it has the potential to interfere with breastfeeding if baby takes a bottle in the early days instead of a breast (not guaranteed but possible).
Having these few inexpensive supplies at home just in case can ease stress if your baby has trouble latching until you can get to a lactation professional for help!
Check out my FREE "Bottles and Pacifiers for breastfed babies" guide!
Join me on Instagram where all the juicy stuff happens!!
Comments