Any Recommendations?

I am having a singleton this time around, and I was unable to stick with breastfeeding my twins due to exhaustion... I really want and need to breast feed this baby because I can't afford both gas for my vehicle AND formula... Products have really changed since they were born in 02. So, here is what I'm looking for:

recommendations for the best brands of breast pumps:
ways to lessen or relieve the pain (do the breast sheilds really work??)
are cloth breast pads worth buying or should I stick with disposables?
What brand of bottles and storage containers should I go with?
Where can I find the best deal on a nursing cover-up?
Which nipple cream is most preferred?


Bottles, I know tend to be based on the babies preference, but I am curious about which bottles are the easiest to clean, are the most efficient at really keeping a baby from getting all gassy, and are cost effective... is there any such thing out there?


Thanks for your help!

 

recommendations for the best brands of breast pumps: There is the Pump in Style, I am now a fan also of Avent pumps!
ways to lessen or relieve the pain (do the breast sheilds really work??) A good lactation consultant. With proper latch and position you should not have pain
are cloth breast pads worth buying or should I stick with disposables? I love cloth! Hemp especially!
What brand of bottles and storage containers should I go with? Avent fan here, also the Lansinosh bags for freezing
Where can I find the best deal on a nursing cover-up? Honestly, get a sling it will give you double duty!
Which nipple cream is most preferred? Pure Lanolin, either Medela or Lansinosh...

 

My opinions:

recommendations for the best brands of breast pumps: I use the Medela PISA. But I also like my Avent hand pump. It really depends on how much you'll be pumping - for a singleton I'm not sure I'd recommend buying an expensive double electric pump ahead of time - unless you know you'll be working and pumping at work - then the double electric is a must.

ways to lessen or relieve the pain (do the breast sheilds really work??): I haven't had much pain BFing, so can't help you here. I did switch to the softfit breast shields for the medela pump, and I find those to be much more comfortable for pumping.

are cloth breast pads worth buying or should I stick with disposables? I think cloth are more comfortable. But they aren't as absorbant and don't look as good under clothes. If you're working, then you probably need disposable, but if you're sticking close to home then cloth are fine.

What brand of bottles and storage containers should I go with? I too have been a big fan of Avent. But with the current BPA news I am getting rid of my Avent bottles. I am switching to the Gerber GentleFlow, which are supposed to be very similar to Avent but safer plastic. For pumping into, I have been using the Medela bottles that came with the pump, and I just bought some more of those. They are also BPA free.

Where can I find the best deal on a nursing cover-up? I don't think you need one. Ditto the comment about a sling. Or a big receiving blanket or a nice scarf. Not something I would spend the money on, especially if you're looking for ways to save.

Which nipple cream is most preferred? Purelan. the hospital gave me tons of little sample packets, so this might be something you don't need to spend $$ on right away.

 

QUOTE(KaseyS2104 @ Apr 21 2008, 11:17 PM) [snapback]732807[/snapback]
recommendations for the best brands of breast pumps: Medela Pump in Style Orig. or advanced
ways to lessen or relieve the pain (do the breast sheilds really work??) Lanelin
are cloth breast pads worth buying or should I stick with disposables? Never used them with the twins
What brand of bottles and storage containers should I go with? I always got gerber bags
Where can I find the best deal on a nursing cover-up? I just wore loose t-shirts.
Bottles, I know tend to be based on the babies preference, but I am curious about which bottles are the easiest to clean, are the most efficient at really keeping a baby from getting all gassy, and are cost effective... is there any such thing out there? I used playtex with drop ins. Nothing to clean really but the nipples.
Thanks for your help!

HTH!

 

I guess I would question why you need any of those items. It shouldn't hurt to breastfeed. If it does that means your little one is not latching properly and if you can't correct it on your own then you need to get help. Breastfeeding is so wonderful because you don't need any thing.

 

You really don't need much "stuff" at all!

Definitely have some lanolin on hand (Lansinoh and Medela PureLan are common brands). But like pps said, it shouldn't be painful. You may feel some prickliness with letdown, but soreness is a sign of a latching/positioning problem. And those things can usually be fixed easily.

I really like the Boppy pillow. It's really comfy for nursing one baby. But of course on a budget, any old pillow will do!

Pumps - it really depends how much you'll be pumping. If you'll be returning to work and pumping for the baby, you'll want a double electric pump, like the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. If you'll only be doing a little occasional pumping, you can get something cheaper.

Bottles - we've been happy with Dr. Brown's bottles. I think they're the best for gas. But they are a major PITA to clean, lots of little parts.

You don't need a special nursing cover, you can just use a receiving blanket or something.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy! And stop by here anytime, we're happy to help!

 

HI! I love all of the Lansinoh products, especially the disposable breast pads. They are so soft and super absorbant.

I never had any pain from breastfeeding, but some discomfort from time to time at the beginning. This was mostly due to engorgment and cracked nipples. But, using the lubricant/ breast milk on you nipples will help. Also, using the breastpump will help with the engorgement. Get help froma lactation consultant and join a breastfeeeding support group ( such as La leche League). My hospital hads a breastfeeding group that meets everyweek and I love it.

I wanted to add that the discomfort from being engorged goes away quickly, as does the cracked nipples.

I am nursing my singleton right now and I love it! It's so much different than nursing twins. Plus, I can't imagine making/cleaning bottles, paying for formula.

You can do it! Congrats on your new baby!

 

Are you asking about reducing the pain of pumping (ie. breast shields) or of nursing (ie. nipple shields)? Either way, take advantage of your free time with the hospital lactation consultant, which usually includes some time after you leave the hospital. They can help with positioning, latching on and making sure you have the best fit on your breast shields.

 

Thank you all so much for the advice!

I am going to look for a lactation specialist in my community for sure - unfortunately, military bases don't always offer the most available specialists and I had a TERRIBLE experience with a LS when I had the twins 6 years ago... The woman was impatient and rude. I was so drugged up on magnesium that I couldn't keep my eyes open during our first "lesson", but she just proceeded to try and latch the girls on while I was passed out. I learned nothing. When I came to, she never came back... the nurses tried to help but it wasn't successful because they had decided to fingerfeed the babies when they were back in the nursery waiting to be bathed and tested. The girls LOVED the fingerfeeding so much they didn't know what to do with my breasts... It was a mess for me, but I am confident that I won't get discouraged this time around. With only one baby to train, I should be good

Thanks again!