10 Breastfeeding Essentials

When breastfeeding for the first time, there’s a lot of learning happening – for you and your baby. The last thing you need is discomfort and stress at this time. We selected these essentials because they remove some of the stress of breastfeeding, allowing you focus on what is most important – getting baby the nutrition she needs.

1. Supportive Nursing Bra

Nursing bras have cups that can be unhooked and pushed down, making it simpler to reach your breasts when breastfeeding. A decent nursing bra will give you support and comfort throughout the day. It’s not uncommon for mothers to feel like their breasts are heavy or full while breastfeeding, but this usually subsides after a few weeks as your milk starts to produce.

Choosing a properly supportive nursing bra that is not overly constricting will assist in minimizing pressure on your shoulders and back while supporting your breasts. Too-tight nursing bras can cause mastitis or blocked ducts, according to research published in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine in 2012.

2. Breastfeeding Pillow

Support your infant with a comfortable nursing pillow that raises them to your breast level. Nursing pillows are super handy. There are useful for moms who have larger cup sizes, are recovering from C-sections, or are nursing twins. Nursing cushions can also assist you while you explore other breastfeeding postures, such as the side-lying position, which is a lifesaver for exhausted new mothers!

A nursing cushion should help relieve tension in your back, neck, shoulders, and arms – making feeding time a more pleasant experience for you.

3. Nursing Pads

Breast pads, commonly known as nursing pads, are soft, disc-shaped pieces of material that may be inserted into your bra to collect any milk that leaks out of your breasts. Leaking is fairly common during the first few months as your milk supply adjusts to baby’s needs. If you don’t leak, that’s okay – it does not imply you aren’t producing enough milk.

Breastfeeding is an important part of life and nothing to be embarrassed about, but accidents happen. And we know that leaks can lead to awkward situations and conversations. Avoid all that by getting some nursing pads. Really, it’s just one less thing to worry about.

4. Breastfeeding Clothes

When you’re on the go with your baby, you want nursing to be as easy as possible. In addition to a nursing cover, specialized clothing for breastfeeding can make all the difference. Breastfeeding tanks, blouses and dresses have flaps or openings in the front that keep your breasts easily accessible to your little one.

There have been great advances in the style and functionality of breastfeeding apparel in the last few years. Not only has breastfeeding apparel become more discreet, but it can also be very trendy. You can now find nursing attire in a style that fits any occasion, from formal to professional to casual events.

5. Milk Bags and Storage Containers

At some point many moms will need to pump and store milk. Whether its because of a long trip, preparing to go back to work, or just making it easier for your partner to feed baby while you get a good night’s sleep. Breast milk needs to be collected and stored in specially manufactured storage containers. These containers are constructed to endure repeated freezing and thawing and will keep your milk stash safe and accessible.

Depending on your storage demands, you may use breast milk trays, bags, plastic bottles, food-safe glass containers. Look for BPA-free plastic bags or other containers specifically designed with breast milk storage in mind when choosing storage solutions.

6. Breast Pump

A breast pump is used to extract breast milk from your breasts. They are designed to help extract and collect milk for storage, but speak to any mom who has lots of experience and you will find that there is a lot more to the lowly breast pump. They are used for a range of home remedies – to reduce engorgement, manage excessive milk production, or even boost your milk supply.

You’ll need a good breast pump if you want to return to work. In general, pumping allows you to provide your child the milk they need while they are away from you.

A manual pump may work well for you if you only need to pump occasionally. If you’re returning to work or intend to pump more often, an electric twin breast pump would be a better investment.

7. Nipple Creams, Lotions, and Ointments

Aching nipples are common among breastfeeding moms. Ointments and creams for your nipples may help to soothe, moisturize, and heal cracked, dry, or irritated nipples.

Nipple creams are a bit of an enigma. Several varieties are available, making it tough to decide which one to choose. Many new moms find that lotion with lanolin as its primary component is soothing. Some parents favor natural breast lotions. You may need to test many different ways to determine which works best for you.

8. Nipple Shields

Nipple shields are useful for breastfeeding babies with a weak suck (for example preemies), if you have flat or inverted nipples, or if you are having difficulty getting baby correctly latched.

Nipple shields come in a variety of sizes and need to be correctly fitted.

9. Breast Shells

Breast shells are circular discs that mothers wear between feedings inside their bras. They may be utilized for a variety of reasons. They can be used to improve and correct inverted or flat nipples.

Not to mention, breast shells can also prevent itchy nipples from coming into contact with your clothing. If you’re worried about leaking between feedings, there’s no need to fret; invest in some breast milk collecting shells.

10. Quick-drying wipes and steam cleaning bags for breast pumps

Keeping the breast pump and its parts clean takes a lot of work. Quick wipes allow you to clean the components without using soap or water, which is especially useful when you’re on the go. Steam bags are an easy way to disinfect your pump parts in a few minutes in the microwave.

Conclusion

Having a new baby is an amazing adventure, and breastfeeding can be a significant part of that journey for many mothers. However, it’s not always easy. Difficulties are very common in the early stages of breastfeeding. This can cause anxiety for some mothers who want to do everything they can to be prepared. One way you can prepare is by gathering supplies that can help support and ease your breastfeeding experience.

To give yourself and your baby the best chance for a breastfeeding relationship, take a prenatal breastfeeding class, consult with a lactation specialist pre-birth, and have all your tools and supplies ready to go. Aside from that, try not to worry too much. Every mom can achieve their nursing goals with appropriate care and tools, despite the difficulties they may face.

The post 10 Breastfeeding Essentials For New Moms appeared first on Breastfeeding Confidential.

A pacifier can provide several benefits for both you and your child. You know your baby won’t start crying, and disturbing other people can give you peace of mind when out in public. The pacifier can also help soothe your child during long car rides or bedtime, making it easier for them—and you—to get some rest.

In this blog post, we went through the best pacifier for a breastfed baby, as well as how to pick the best pacifier for a breastfed baby.

What to Take Into Account When Choosing Pacifiers For Breastfed Babies

We’ve compiled a list of the top ten pacifiers for every baby, whether breast- or formula-fed. When picking a pacifier for a nursing infant, there are just a few things to consider.

If you are breastfeeding, for example, finding the perfect pacifier may be a bit more complicated because of the risk of nipple confusion. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind as you transition baby to using a pacifier.

• Wait at least four weeks before using a pacifier: it is advisable to wait until your baby is approximately four weeks old. You should first ensure they know how to feed before providing them with another alternative or method of soothing them. Even though some babies may be given pacifiers earlier than this and still nurse successfully, I would stick with this recommendation unless there is a major reason to go a different path.

• Consider pacifier materials: When choosing pacifiers, the material and size are the most important features. The majority of pacifiers are made of silicone or latex. 20 years ago, we would view either of these options as fine, but keep in mind that latex allergies are a lot more common these days. Keep a close watch for any signs of a Latex allergy, or just go with Silicone if you’re unsure. You should also ensure that your pacifier is BPA-free.

• Don’t sweat it: If your infant is resistant to using a pacifier, don’t worry–this is completely normal. Just explore your options and find the right one for your breastfeeding child. It will be worth it in the end!

Based on my experience and research, I’ve compiled a list of 7 of great pacifiers for breastfeeding babies. Babies frequently reject pacifiers that aren’t comfortable, so we’re providing you with a list of the top 7 – feel free to experiment.

7 Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby

Different babies prefer different types of pacifiers, so it’s important to experiment until you find one your baby likes. That being said, I have drawn on my experience and read tons of review (as I’m sure you also will) to suggest seven of great pacifiers for a breastfed baby.

All of these are Silicone based and advertised as BPA free.

1. WubbaNub Infant Pacifier

We’ve been using the Wubbanub as our baby pacifier for a while now. Wubbanub was one of the first companies to combine a plush toy and a pacifier. It was a huuuge hit, and is likely to be a hit with your baby too. Moms rave about it – it has a 4.8/5.0 rating on Amazon from over 2 thousand reviews. WabbaNub is 100% silicone – so its latex and BPA free. The attached plush animal is also great because it keeps hands from touching the pacifier directly.

Wubbanub is undoubtedly a more expensive pacifier options out there, so keep reading for more options.

WubbaNub Infant Pacifier - Baby Yellow Duck

• WubbaNub Brand- The Original Pacifier/Plush Animal combination
• Durable one piece construction is both functional and stylish. Patented design makes it easy for baby to grasp
• Distributed in hospitals, NICU and well-baby units nationwide
• Made with 100% silicone pacifier. Latex free, BPA, PVC and Phthalate free
• Recommended for newborns through six months. (Not suggested for babies with teeth or in teething stage)

$16.95

Buy on Amazon

2. Philips Avent Soothie

I recommend the Philips Avent because its one of the most commonly used in hospitals. It is known for its durability and comes in different shapes colours and sizes. It also has great ratings online 4.8/5.0 from close to 50 thousand ratings is no small feat.

Its silicone based, dishwasher safe, and can safely be sterilized. One cool feature is that it includes a small gap so you can hold it with a finger and keep baby close by. Be sure to keep a close eye on this though – I’ve seen a few gather dust and other particles in that opening.

The Philips Avent is kind of the no-brainer option if you don’t want to think too long about a pacifier brand.

Philips AVENT Soothie Snuggle Pacifier Holder with Detachable Pacifier, 0m+, Giraffe, SCF347/01-1 Count (Pack of 1)

• Comes with the 0-3 month Soothie pacifier used by doctors and nurses to calm newborns
• Pacifier and stuffed animal detach for easy cleaning
• Stuffed animal makes the pacifier easy for parents and babies to find
• Stuffed animal keeps the pacifier close to baby
• Stuffed animal has a second attachment point for pacifiers with ring handles

$14.95

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3. Medela Baby Pacifier

Medela is known for its excellent breast pumps, of course. However, the firm provides a whole range of other breastfeeding supplies to moms and babies – including their range of pacifiers. The Medela Baby Pacifier’s orthodontic form was designed to help infants fall into their natural feeding rhythm while soothing them.

Something I value highly is how easy this pacifier is to clean. It comes with a self-sterilizing case– all you need to do is add water and microwave the pacifier for three minutes.

Medela Baby Pacifier | 0-6 Months | Includes Sterilizing Case | 2-Pack | Soft Silicone | BPA-Free | Supports Natural Suckling | Blue and Clear

• DESIGNED TO SUPPORT NATURAL SUCKLING: The flat symmetric orthodontic shape is designed to support the natural movement of the mouth muscles; inspired by Medela's 60 years of expertise on the natural suckling behavior of breastfed babies
• SHAPED FOR COMFORT: Our one-piece, BPA-free pacifier is ergonomically designed to allow the baby to smell mom’s comforting scent
• GENTLE ON SKIN: Our pacifiers come with SensoPearls features to maximize airflow and comfort for babies on their skin
• EASY TO CLEAN: Comes with self-cleaning case. Just add water and put in the microwave for 3 minutes to steam-clean
• PRODUCT DETAILS: 2-Count BPA-Free 0-6 months Pacifiers with Sterilizing Pacifier Holder; Made in Switzerland, Blue and Clear

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4. The Pop Pacifier

Made by Doodle & Co, the ‘Pop’ has a cool feature where it pops back in and closes up if (when!) the pacifier falls to the ground. This helps keep the pacifier clean. It also means that baby gets to experience a realistic “pop back” sensation when the nipple is withdrawn. The Pop is also 100% silicone and BPA free, and dishwasher safe. It’s a great choice.

Doddle & Co. Pop Pacifier, Built-in Pacifier Case, Pops When it Drops Version, 2-Pack - Stage 1 for Baby (Grey/Blush)

• POPS WHEN IT DROPS: When this baby pacifier takes a tumble, the nipple pops back into its built-in protective silicone bubble- reducing unwanted surface contact.
• BUILT-IN CASE: Pinch to tuck the nipple away when you’re on the go. Simply throw in your bag or tuck in a pocket and the nipple stays protected.
• RECOMMENDED AGE: Recommended for babies 0 to 6 months. Once when baby starts to put objects in their mouth themselves, or they begin teething we recommend switching from the Pop to the all-new Pop & Go pacifier.
• MADE FROM NATURAL AND SAFE MATERIALS: The modern, colorful pacifier is made with 100% high grade silicone and is one, solid piece. All made without lead, PVC, BPA, latex, or phthalates.
• EASY CARE AND EASY TO CLEAN: Unlike conventional pacifiers, minimal washing is needed with the Pop pacifier. For a more thorough wash, the pacifier is dishwasher safe when cleaned on the top rack.

Buy on Amazon

5. Flexy Pacifier

The Flexy is made by Nanobebe. This pacifier’s soft flexible silicone design aims to feel skin-like and to curve with baby’s chin and nose. This is to feel as close to an actual breast as possible and thereby to reduce the risk of nipple confusion. The pacifier’s nipple is flexible, and the whole thing comfortably fits baby’s mouth.

Nanobebe Baby Pacifiers 0-3 Month - Orthodontic, Curves Comfortably with Face Contour, Award Winning for Breastfeeding Babies, 100% Silicone - BPA Free. Perfect Baby Registry Gift 2pk,Pink

• THE MOST COMFORTABLE FIT: 100% silicone provides mom like softness. The ergonomic shape curves comfortably around your baby’s face, nose and chin. Rests snugly on baby’s face to stay perfectly in place.
• ONE-PIECE BABY SAFE SILICONE: Seamless, one-piece silicone design recommended by pediatricians. Adheres to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for safe pacifiers. BPA and Phthalate-free.
• AWARD-WINNING BEST PACIFIER FOR BREASTFED BABIES: Ultra-soft silicone, skin-like feel eliminates nipple confusion to calm and soothe your breastfeeding little one with ease. Loved by newborns from the very first moment.
• EASY TO CLEAN: Sterilizer and dishwasher safe. One-piece construction makes cleaning a breeze.
• NEW! STAGE 2 ACTIVE OPTION AVAILABLE: The Flexy Pacifier has a brand new STAGE 2 FLEXY ACTIVE PACIFIER variation that features open side vents to provide additional air flow and an ultra-lightweight construction for infants on the move (from crawling to walking and more)

$5.49

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6. The First Years Gumdrop Newborn

This is yet another popular pacifier option. It’s used in some hospitals and is also designed to resemble a mother’s nipple. I don’t have as much experience with this one and will update this article once I get more first hand information. The amazon reviews suggest getting the right colors might be a bit like spinning a wheel! Keep this in mind if the colour you want is an important consideration.

The First Years Gumdrop Newborn Pacifier, Pink/Purple

• Trusted by hospitals
• Unique silicone design stays clear of baby’s button nose
• Easily works with most pacifier attaches
• Convenient two-pack so you’ll have a clean spare
• BPA free, latex free, phthalate free

Buy on Amazon

7. MAM Glow in the Dark Pacifier

Many parents would tell you that the most important thing there care about in a pacifier is that it is there when its needed. These things disappear like bobby pins … or socks. MAM was brilliant because they made theirs glow-in-the-dark. It also comes with a sterilizing storage case for easy sterilisation – just add water and microwave for 3 minutes.

MAM Night Pacifiers 0-6 Months, Best for Breastfed Babies, Glow in the Dark, Baby Boy, 2 Count

• GLOWS IN THE DARK: These night pacifiers for baby glow in the dark, making it easy for you to locate quickly at night without any stumbling and searching, so your baby can sleep better.
• SYMMETRICAL DESIGN: The breastfeed pacifier for babies is fun and functional. The curved shield with wide openings are always right-side up and prevent skin irritation with maximum airflow.
• SILICONE NIPPLE: The BPA-free silicone boy and girl pacifier has the signature MAM design, with silky SkinSoft material and a symmetrical shape that's ideal for jaw and teeth development.
• SELF - STERILIZING CASE: Add water and pop into the microwave to sterilize MAM silicone pacifiers 0-6 months in just 3 minutes and store in case for at home and travel to protect the pacifiers.
• HIGH QUALITY: Approved by 94% of babies*, our 100% BPA & BPS free silicone pacifiers meet or exceed US safety standards and are extremely durable while being soft and flexible for your baby's comfort.

$7.99

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion

I hope this post gives you a few ideas as you think about what kind of pacifier is best for you and for baby. Each of the seven pacifiers we’ve featured has unique qualities that can make them a great choice for your little one. Ultimately, it is important to find what works best for you and your child and stick with it.

The post The Best Pacifier For Breastfed Baby: Top 7 appeared first on Breastfeeding Confidential.

Whether you are currently breastfeeding exclusively, formula feeding, or a mix of the two, you most definitely need a bottle at some point. This may be because you’re splitting night time feeds, getting back to work, or moving to formula feeding. Whatever the case, successfully introducing a bottle is key.

We’ve collected a list of the best baby bottles available today and answer some frequently asked questions about bottle feeding. Hopefully this is helpful for your bottle feeding journey..

Best Breastfeeding Bottles For Newborns

With so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which baby bottle is best for your child. However, some top-selling bottles are worth trying out. These include the best breastfeeding bottles or have a breast-like design to help with latching for breastfed infants, as well as anti-colic and self-sterilizing devices.

Chicco NaturalFeeling Bottle

First on our list of top breastfeeding bottles, is the Chicco NaturalFeeling Bottle. These bottles have a soft, nipple-like teat that gives your baby an exceptionally gentle flow. They are ideal for breastfeeding moms who want to make the transition to bottle feeding easier on their babies.

The Chicco SIP introduces another sophisticated feeding solution with a unique design. This bottle has a nipple on the side rather than in the middle, which Chicco claims increases comfort and ease of feeding while also emulating how a baby naturally feeds.

Sale

Chicco Natural Feeling Bottle Glass 0Mesi + 250ml

$24.71

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MAM Easy Start 260ml

The MAM self-sterilizing bottles are a game-changer because they make life simpler while traveling since your bottle is ready for anything. It just takes three minutes in the microwave to heat.

These reputable, anti-colic bottles are excellent – they include ventilation holes and are marketed as helping to reduce baby’s chances of developing colic by ensuring that your baby isn’t taking in too much air.

MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle, Baby Essentials, Medium Flow Bottles with Silicone Nipple, Unisex Baby Bottles, Designs May Vary, 9 oz (3-Count),

• ANTI-COLIC - Our vented base design releases liquid slowly, reducing colic symptoms in 80%* of babies by eliminating bubbles that cause gas and aggravate colic & reflux symptoms
• BREASTFED BABIES - The elongated nipple shape of our anti colic baby bottles feels just like mom so parents and newborns can easily switch between breastfeeding and bottle feeding
• EASY CLEAN - No need for a separate bottle sterilizer: MAM bottles self-sterilize in the microwave in 3 minutes, meaning fewer baby items to take on the go
• PRODUCT DETAILS - MAM Easy Start Anti Colic Baby Bottles 9 oz (3-Pack), 3 Baby Bottles with 3 Medium Flow Silicone Nipple, Newborn Essentials, Unisex

$21.99

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Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle

The Comotomo Natural Baby Bottle will address all current problems with regular baby bottles and have a beautiful design. It imitates breastfeeding and is simple for tiny hands to grasp, which benefits newborns suffering from bottle rejection and nipple confusion. The leak-free bottle reduces colic since it allows milk to flow gently. It is not as expensive as other things on this list.

Sale

Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle, Pink, 5 Oz (Pack of 1)

• Comotomo baby bottles are deisgned to most closely mimic breastfeeding to reduce bottle rejection
• Ultra wide neck design allows easy cleaning by hand without a brush. Unisex
• Safe in microwave, boiling water, dishwashers and sterilizers ; Nipple: Slow Flow 0-3 months, Medium flow 3-6 months
• Nipple and body is made of 100% safe hygienic medical grade silicone
• Dual anti colic vents prevent unwanted air intake and reduce colic

$12.99

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Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Feeding Bottles

The Tommee Tippee bottles are a top seller on Amazon from a respected manufacturer, so if your baby is having trouble latching, they’re an excellent choice to try. It is an excellent choice for breastfed babies because it has a teat that resembles a breast for an easy latch and a soft, natural feel. The anti-colic valves on the teat, which include a venting system that prevents excessive airflow while your baby eats, are notable features of these natural bottles.

Sale

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Anti-Colic Baby Bottle, 9oz, Slow-Flow Breast-Like Nipple for a Natural Latch, Anti-Colic Valve, Pack of 4

• Anti-colic: Closer to Nature nipples feature an innovative anti-colic valve which prevents excessive air from getting into your baby’s milk, helping to reduce the symptoms of colic
• Natural latch: Our bottle nipples are made from soft silicone and have a special breast-like shape that encourages a natural latch and prevents nipple confusion when switching between breast, bottle and back again
• Natural pace: The soft silicone nipple flexes and stretches like mom and allows your baby to feed comfortably at their own pace
• Most recommended baby bottle*: 95% of moms would recommend Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles**
• 100% leakproof: When the screw ring, nipple and cap are all secured, your baby bottle is completely mess-free and leakproof, even if it’s turned upside down or shaken

$19.43

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Nuby Natural Touch Newborn Starter Set

The set includes four bottles, a soother, bottle brush, chewable teether, bib and more for those first few days you’re presenting your baby to the bottle. The refinements are very nice, and the pricing is reasonable. The Easy Latch teats in bottles replicate the form, feel, and organic flex of your breasts to make it easier for your baby to attach.

Nuby Natural Touch 3 Pack Bottles with Slow Flow Nipple & Bonus Ortho Pacifier- Boy

• Nuby’s Natural Touch 3 Pack Bottles with Slow Flow Soft Flex Nipples prepares parents for feeding new little ones. The bottles hold 6 oz/180 ml and are graduated in ounces and milliliters for easy measuring and mixing formula.
• Soft Flex nipple mimics mom’s natural breast shape. It’s designed to move and flex like a real nipple, encouraging latch on and making the transition between breastfeeding and bottle feeding easier on mom and baby.
• The slow-flow nipple is perfect for new babies, allowing them to drink at a slower pace that fits their needs. Built with valves on the nipple to help reduce air ingestion, which may cause colic.
• Our bottles are curved to fit easily in parent’s hand. Each bottle has grips to give parents a better hold for those half asleep, late-night feedings.
• Included ortho pacifier is made to fit baby's mouth. Its design helps to reduce issues when transitioning from breast to pacifier.

$14.99

Buy on Amazon

Medela Breastmilk Bottles

Themed bottles combine fun and function. They’re perfect for newborns who don’t take a bottle well because they allow you to use any Medela breast pump, as long as it uses the same type of caps or teats. The easy-to-read (no matter how exhausted you may be), microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe metric, and imperial measurements on the side are also pretty handy in a pinch.

Medela Breastmilk Bottle Set - 5 oz - 3 ct

• Medela Breastmilk Bottle Set - 5 oz - 3 ct by Medela

$23.99

Buy on Amazon

What To Look For In A Bottle For Breastfed Babies

After you’ve decided on the bottle you want, go through one more list to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Bottle Teat Design

A slow-flow teat is generally better since it mirrors how milk naturally flows from the breast. This will be more comfortable for your baby. If your infant has trouble wrapping their lips around a wide-neck nipple teat, then a narrow-neck nipple with a gentle slope might do the trick.

Material

Glass and plastic baby bottles are popular choices. Plastic bottles are less expensive, more readily available, and simpler to hold for your baby than glass ones, especially because they are lighter. If you want to use plastic, be sure it’s BPA-free.

Glass bottles are considerably more environmentally friendly than plastic bottles, and the heavier weight and occasionally higher cost make them more appealing. Plastic does not get stained or absorb odors as readily as glass. Furthermore, it is more long-lasting and simple to maintain.

Compatible Pumps

We’re all for convenience when it comes to bottles that can be linked straight to your breast pump because you won’t have to worry about transferring your milk.

Tips For Buying Bottles

Here are some guidelines you should abide by when purchasing your infant’s first bottle to ensure you don’t make a costly error.

Avoid Buying In Bulk

It would be a shame to purchase 20 bottles only to find out your kid hates them, so buy two or three types of viable candidates instead, and then decide which is best for your infant.

Consider Purchasing The Largest Size

The beautiful 4-ounce bottle is the perfect size for a newborn. On the other hand, the baby will grow fast and will be drinking 6 ounces of milk instead of 4 within a few weeks. Purchase the biggest size accessible; you may always use a set of slow-flow nipples with them until your kid is ready for faster-flow nipples.

Consider Your Breast Pump Brand

Being compatible is often a lifesaver – especially for busy mothers. You can save time using bottles that are compatible with your breast pump so that you can pump directly into them. Who wouldn’t want to save both time and effort?

If You Have A Second Child, Buy Fresh Bottles

I understand that it’s difficult shelling out more money, but if you’re still using bottles from when you had your first child, they might not be safe now. This is especially true if they contain the harmful chemical BPA.

Conclusion

We hope this article helped guide you to the best breastfeeding bottles for your newborn. Remember, it is important to do your research and to find a bottle that both you and your baby are comfortable with. Have fun trying out different bottles and finding the perfect one for you!

The post 7 Top Rated Breastfeeding Bottles For Newborns appeared first on Breastfeeding Confidential.

When a woman has a baby, she gets a lot of gifts. Baby clothes and accessories are the most popular presents that new moms receive. If you research the best gifts for nursing moms you will get suggestions for nursing pillows, bra pads, and nursing clothes.

New mothers are excited about their new baby and appreciate any gifts they receive. But, if you really want to make a new mom happy, you will give her something that makes her feel pampered.

She is so busy taking care of her little one that she doesn’t have time to focus on herself. Giving her a present that is all about her will make her day.

Check out these great ideas for gifts to pamper new moms who are breastfeeding. The key to unique gifts to pamper mom while nursing is choosing something that has nothing to do with the baby or breastfeeding.

I guarantee these things will make that special new mom feel pampered, appreciated, and will make you one of her favorite people.

One of the best gifts for nursing moms is a new mom pamper box. This is a collection of items that will allow her to indulge in a little “me time.” It is the perfect idea if a group of people wants to put together a gift that has that wow factor but is affordable for everyone who contributes.

These are some common items to include, but you can include anything you think she will enjoy. 

• Hand cream. Moms are constantly washing their hands when they have a new baby. A luxurious hand cream like L’Occitane Butter Hand Cream will help keep her hands soft and moisturized. The price point makes this very affordable yet it feels luxurious.

• Scented candles just seem to help create a relaxed environment. The message printed on this one makes it perfect for a new mama.

• Caffeine-free herbal tea with a beautiful cup to drink it from. The Tea Forte Kati Cup Cherry Blossoms will make a simple cup of tea feel extra special.

• Something for the bath:
  • Bath salts
  • Bath bombs
  • Bubble bath
• A shower steamer will make her feel pampered even when she doesn’t have time for a bath. Body Restore has steamers that can energize or calm.
• Hydrating Sheet Face Masks. A good face mask can help a sleep-deprived mama look more awake than she actually is. The name of these masks is sure to make her laugh.

• Aromatherapy kit with essential oils and a diffuser. Essential oils not only smell good, but they can also energize her or relax her.

The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser has an insane number of ratings on Amazon for a 4.5 star rating.

I like Plant Therapy Essential Oils. If this is a group gift, one person could buy the diffuser and another could buy some essential oils.

• Handmade soaps will make the often repeated task of handwashing more enjoyable.
• Cozy slippers will keep her feet warm and pampered when she has to get up for those middle of the night feedings. Shoelocker Women’s Cozy Memory Foam Slippers are an affordable option. For a higher end pair check out the recommendation below in the Splurge category.

Any of the Pamper Box items could be given individually for a budget-friendly choice. These are some additional ideas.

• A pedicure – While a mani is nice, it’s harder to keep nails looking nice. A good pedicure will. Look good for weeks.
• Bring her lunch or her favorite coffee and pastry. A pampering gift doesn’t have to be elaborate. 

Treat the new mom to a Spa Day for a fantastic, indulgent gift that is sure to make a big impression on her. Just make sure that her baby is taking a bottle because she is going to miss one or two feedings. You may even want to wait several months when she isn’t breastfeeding quite so frequently.

These next two pampering gifts will give mama the gift of time in addition to the specific services provided.

• Maid service, whether it is a one-time cleaning or regular service for a period of time will be greatly appreciated.
• Private Chef who comes to her home and prepares a week’s worth (or more) of meals.

The Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug will keep her tea or coffee hot no matter how many times she gets interrupted while drinking it. This genius invention means no more putting a cup in the microwave to reheat it and forgetting about it.

Genuine Ugg Shearling Slippers will keep her feet warm without making them sweat the way synthetic furs can. They come in a variety of styles and colors and are super durable.

• Bathrobe – Different seasons will call for different types of material.

Two cozy and warm options for the colder months are UGG Women’s Marlow Robe and Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Long Robe. Both have long and short versions and a wide variety of color options.

A 100% silk robe is perfect for the warmer weather. Make sure the new mom can wash it in the washer cause no new mama has time to handwash anything. 

A Waffle Spa Robe is another comfy and luxurious option.

Silk pajamas will feel soft against her skin and are breathable. LilySilk Silk Pajamas For Women are ideal because they can be machine washed.

Cozy socks – If you love the softness of Barefoot Dreams but a robe is out of your budget get her a pair of Barefoot Dreams Socks. They are affordable and are some seriously cozy soft goodness.

Warm slippers are great because they are available at a variety of price points.

• Bath Bombs
• Shower Steamers
• Body Butter by The Body Shop is very popular.
• Body Scrub
• Body lotion
• Body oil spray is perfect if she is like most new moms and pressed for time. Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Body Oil has earned a 4.6 star rating on Amazon from over 29,000 ratings.
• Foot bath
• Fluffy towel

The Niksa Foot Bath is pampering that she can enjoy as she breastfeeds. It has heat, bubbles, vibration and healing red light.

Luxetique Spa Gift Basket makes it easy to give the new mama an at-home spa kit.

A set of fluffy towels has the spa vibe and is practical too.

Food-related presents are one of the best gifts for nursing moms because it can help her eat healthy, save her time or be an indulgent treat. There are so many creative ways to approach this type of gift.

Give her a week ( or more if your budget allows) of a meal kit subscription. There are so many to choose from; organic, vegan, paleo.

The new mama may really appreciate heat and eat meals for those first few weeks at home with her newborn. Once she has had time to get into a routine, it can be a treat to have a meal that she and her partner can prepare together for some couple-time.

Find out her favorite treat foods and prepare a basket filled with them. 

Is she craving something that she can’t find where she lives? GoldBelly can deliver just about any food.

If you are on a budget offer to cook her favorite meal. Make sure you clean up afterward!

Buy her some fancy cookies.

Does she have a weakness for biscotti? A box of Barnett’s Gourmet Biscotti will turn her morning coffee into a special event for over two weeks.

Macarons from LeilaLove are a favorite of fans of this french treat. It’s a bonus that they are presented so beautifully in the pink box.

You can’t go wrong with Granny Bella’s if you want to send her an assortment of cookies.

With the right linens and pillows, the simple act of going to bed can become a lavish event. These are some items that will deliver on that promise.

A luxurious blanket like the UnHide Marshmallow Faux Fur Blanket will encourage her to take those oh-so-essential naps. This blanket is unbelievably soft and cozy. Admittedly, it is at a higher price point.

A silk pillowcase has a myriad of benefits that any new mom will appreciate.

• Wrinkle prevention
• Helps your skin and hair retain moisture
• Prevents frizzy hair
• Hypoallergenic
• Aids with temperature regulation

Choose one like the Fishers Finery Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase that can be machine washed. It comes as a set of two and is available in Standard, Queen and King size in eleven different colors.

A Yanser Luxury Silk Eye Mask is a budget-friendly silk sleep accessory.

High-thread count sheets are the perfect pampering gift for a new mom. The Wamsutta DreamZone high thread count sheets are a splurge item, for sure. But I can vouch for how cool and comfortable they feel. They are worth every penny.

If the UnHide blanket was out of your budget, consider the UnHide Lil’ Marsh.I received one of these as a gift and it is so incredibly soft and cozy that I bought a second one and have given two as gifts.

Barefoot Dreams is another super-soft throw.

Giraffe At Home also makes super-soft throws that feel ultra-luxurious. I had one before I received my UnHide. I loved it.

Flower Delivery Subscription – Getting a fresh bouquet of beautiful flowers every month is sure to brighten a new mom’s day.

Audible Audiobook Subscription – this is perfect for the mom who loves to read but doesn’t have the time. She can use her nursing sessions or the time when she is in the car running errands to enjoy some good books. You can choose the length of the subscription you’d like to give.

A gift certificate for a massage is a favorite way to pamper a new mom.

Jade Rollers are all the rage right now. They can be used on the face, neck, or shoulders and are a nice pampering item at a budget price point.

Having a baby is such a special time. Any gift you give a new mother is sure to be appreciated. But if you give her a gift that makes her feel pampered she is going to love it. You have so many choices at every price point. The hard part will be choosing which gift to give.

If you want to give a gift that is related to breastfeeding I have lots of suggestions in Top Ten Best Gifts For Breastfeeding Moms.

The post Best Gifts For Nursing Moms – How To Make Her Feel Pampered appeared first on Breastfeeding Confidential.

For the longest time, there were limited options when it came to personal breast pumps. Then the Spectra pumps arrived on the scene. Game changer!

Moms told me that they loved this new breast pump. 

Whenever I talk to a mom who uses a breast pump, I ask what pump she has. I started hearing moms were using a Spectra breast pump more and more often.

I decided it was time for me to do a complete spectra breast pump reviews post for you.

There are many different reasons to pump. Whether you are pumping to build your freezer stash or pumping while at work or to increase your milk supply, you want an efficient pump that is comfortable. 

Do the line of Spectra breast pumps deliver? Read my complete Spectra breast pump reviews to find out.

The company says their Natural Nursing Technology sets their pumps apart from other breast pumps.

Natural Nursing Technology is the pumps set of unique features:

• Comfortable suction levels
• Two modes of suction, including the massage mode which can help stimulate your let-down reflex.
• A physical barrier between the pump motor and your milk means there is no risk of backflow.
• Convenient to operate 

“Natural Nursing Technology mimics as closely as possible the experience of natural breastfeeding,” the Spectra website states.

Another terrific feature is how quiet the pumps are. Nobody wants a noisy pump. These pumps are very quiet at 45 decibels.

The closed system is an important consideration because you want to be sure your pumped milk is protected from contamination. 

What Does The Spectra Closed System Mean?

The way that the Spectra breast pumps are made ensures that your milk cannot back up into the pump motor. When milk can back up into the motor, there is the potential that mold or bacteria could grow. Yuck!

A lot of the mamas who I talked to had used the Medela Pump In Style with a previous baby. They were able to compare their pumping experiences with the Spectra and the Medela pump.

These moms told me that they got more milk with the Spectra.

• They thought the Spectra was quieter.
• They like the flexibility that the combo of the cycle and vacuum settings offer.
• The Spectra pumps are at a really good price point.
• They like that they have the option to buy just the pump or the bundle with the tote bag and cooler.

The Spectra line of breast pumps provides the nursing mom with a variety of options.

There are four different models in the Spectra breast pump line.

• Spectra S1 Plus – portable breast pump
• Spectra S2 Plus – electric breast pump
• Spectra S3 Pro – electric breast pump
• Spectra 9 Plus – portable breast pump

The Spectra S3 Pro is a hospital grade multi-user pump. It is only available for purchase to medical facilities, lactation centers, and certain vendors. 

You might be able to rent a Spectra S3 Pro. Check your local rental stations.

I will not be reviewing the Spectra S3 since this post is focused on personal pumps.

• Single or double pumping capability
• LCD screen
• Massage mode
• Auto shut-off feature – pump shuts off after 30 minutes

The massage setting simulates how a baby sucks when they first latch on to your breast. This setting helps stimulate your let-down reflex. Any mom who has ever pumped knows that it’s crucial to have a let-down to have a productive pumping session.

• Spectra S1 weight – 3 pounds
• 7.5” x 7”
• Color – light blue and white
• 12 suction levels
• Maximum suction of 270 mmHg
• Built-in nightlight
• Auto shut-off feature
• Power source: rechargeable battery or Ac adapter

Included Spectra S1 Accessories

• Two 24mm Spectra Breast Flanges
• Two 28mm Spectra Breast Flanges
• Two Spectra Tubing
• Two Spectra Duckbill Valves
• Two Spectra Backflow Protectors. Includes silicone membrane, uppercase, and lowercase for each Backflow Protector
• Two Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, cap, disc, and lid for each bottle
• One Spectra 12-Volt AC Power Adapter

The rechargeable battery is one of the highlights of the S1. It provides pumping freedom. You are not limited to only pumping where you have an electrical outlet.

How Long Does It Take The Battery To Charge?

It takes four hours to charge the battery. Although it might be tempting to charge it overnight, it is not recommended to charge it longer than four hours. Longer charge times can decrease battery life.

Spectra S1 Battery Life

You can expect three hours of pumping time when the battery is fully charged. There are bars on the LCD screen to indicate how much time the battery has left. One bar equals one hour.

The battery indicator will let you know when you need to recharge by flashing. When it starts flashing, you have 30 minutes of charge left.

• Closed system
• Lightweight
• Quiet
• Has two different power source options
• The rechargeable battery means that you can pump anywhere. You are not restricted to locations with an electrical outlet.

The built-in nightlight means you can see the pump buttons without turning on lights during those middle of the night pumping sessions. This feature means it will be easier to fall back to sleep, and you won’t disturb your partner.

If you are not a fan of pastel colors, light blue may not be your favorite.

 

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• Spectra S2 weight – 3 pounds
• 7.5” x 7”
• Color – light pink and white
• 12 suction levels
• Maximum suction of 270 mmHg
• Built-in nightlight
• Auto shut-off feature

Included Spectra S2 Accessories

• Two 24mm Spectra Breast Flanges
• Two 28mm Spectra Breast Flanges
• Two Spectra Tubing
• Two Spectra Duckbill Valves
• Two Spectra Backflow Protectors. Includes silicone membrane, uppercase, and lowercase for each Backflow Protector
• Two Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, cap, disc, and lid for each bottle
• One Spectra 12-Volt AC Power Adapter

 

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Which Spectra pump is the best?

Deciding which Spectra pump is the best comes down to three factors.

Do you have a color preference? 

• The Spectra S1 is blue and white.
• The Spectra S2 is pink and white.

Do you need or want the option to be able to pump using the rechargeable battery?

• The Spectra S1 has a rechargeable battery, which allows you to pump without access to an electrical outlet.
• The Spectra S2 requires access to an electrical outlet.

What is your budget for a breast pump?

The convenience of being able to pump using the rechargeable battery will cost you about $40. 

If you are on a tight budget and don’t need the rechargeable battery option, then the S2 is the best choice.

Expression Mode vs. Massage Mode

The massage mode is a rapid cycle at a lower suction that simulates the way a baby sucks when they first latch on before your milk lets down.

The Expression setting is intended for after your milk lets down.

Buttons On The S1 and S2

There are seven buttons on the S1 and S2. 

• The power button is color-coordinated with the pump color
• The massage mode button, aka the let-down button, is right above the power button.
• Cycle buttons
  • There are six different levels
  • A cycle is one suck/release
  • + to increase how frequently the pump cycles
  • – to decrease the frequency of cycles
  • The massage or let-down setting is preset at 70 cycles and cannot be changed
  • Expression – there is a range of 38-54
• Vacuum
  • + to increase suction
  • – to decrease suction
  • There are 12 levels for the strength of the suction.
  • In the massage mode, you can adjust it from L1 to L5
  • You have the full range of the 12 levels in the expression setting.
• Light – 3 settings
  • Low
  • High
  • Off

There are a lot of combinations between the cycle settings and vacuum settings. It will take some trial and error to determine which combination works best for you.

The S9 is Spectra’s answer for the mom looking for a small, portable but powerful pump.

• Weighs only ½ pound
• 4.4” x 3” X 2”
• Ten suction levels
• Maximum suction of 260 mmHg
• Rechargeable battery

Included Spectra S9 Accessories

• Two (2) 24mm Spectra Breast Flanges
• Two (2) Spectra Tubing
• Two (2) Spectra Duckbill Valves
• Two (2) Spectra Backflow Protectors. Includes silicone membrane, uppercase, and lowercase for each Backflow Protector
• Two (2) Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, cap, disc, and lid for each bottle
• One (1) Spectra 9-Volt AC Power Adapter. Includes detachable power cord prongs

The S9 Buttons

The S9 has four buttons.

• Power button
• Massage setting
• Increase (+) or decrease (-) suction level.

What Is Awesome About The Spectra S9

The Spectra S9’s compact size means that it is truly portable. 

It has many of the same great features that the larger Spectra pumps have.

• Closed system
• Massage mode setting

What The Spectra S9 Is Lacking

• You cannot control the frequency of the cycles.
• The maximum suction is 10 mmHg lower than the S1 and S2. However, many moms won’t need suction levels that high.

All three spectra pumps reviewed have a 2-year warranty on the pump and 90 days on the accessories.

 

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The Spectra pumps come with two breast shield (aka flange) sizes, 24 mm and 28mm. There are four sizes available for moms who need a smaller or larger flange size.

• 20 mm
• 24 mm
• 28 mm
• 32 mm

As an alternative to buying a smaller flange, Spectra also has silicone massager inserts. These provide a tighter fit and cushion for increased comfort. The massager inserts are compatible only with the 24 mm and 28 mm breast shields. They will convert these shields to 20 mm.

If you are looking for a breast shield size that is smaller than 20 mm, Maymom has a variety of options that are compatible with the Spectra pumps.

• Maymom 19 mm flanges
• Maymom 17 mm flanges
• Maymom 15 mm flanges
• Maymom 13 mm flanges
• Maymom Inserts to convert 24 mm flanges to 19 mm
• Maymom Inserts to convert 24 mm flanges to 17 mm
• Maymom Inserts to convert 24 mm flanges to 15 mm

If you need a flange size larger than 20 mm but smaller than 24 mm, Maymom has a 21mm flange.

Nothing lasts forever. With breast pumps, there are usually parts that should be replaced on a regular basis to keep your pump functioning optimally.

The Spectra website provides guidelines for how often the different parts should be replaced. The recommendations vary according to how often a mom is pumping each day.

Pumping 1-3x/Day

• Valve Membrane – Every 2 months
• Duck Valve – Every 3 months
• Backflow Protector – Every 6 months
• Breastshield – Every 6 months As needed – check for buildup 6 mo

Exclusively Pumping:

• Valve Membrane – Every 2-4 weeks
• Duck Valveb – Every 2 months
• Backflow Protector – Every 3 months
• Breastshield – Every 6 months

Tubing As needed As needed

Spectra replacement parts are available through Amazon and the Spectra Baby websites.

The bottles that come with the Spectra pumps are wide-mouthed. If you want to pump into bottles with a regular-sized mouth, there are adaptors that you can buy.

You can also pump directly into milk storage bags with an adaptor that is sold by Maymom.

• The pump remembers your settings from your last pumping session.
  • If you prefer to start at a lower suction and then increase, you will want to turn the vacuum setting down before you turn it off.
• If you want to use the massage setting, you have to press that button.
  • The massage setting can help stimulate your let-down. 

Your goal is to reach the highest level of suction that is comfortable. That doesn’t mean as high as you can tolerate. Keep increasing the suction until it feels like it is too strong, and then turn it down one level.

If pumping is painful, it can actually result in less milk being expressed.

Related Posts

Everything You Need To Know About Pumping Breast Milk!

Breast Pump Tips and Tricks – {11} Secrets You Need To Know

Breast Pumping Essentials – {17{ Items Every Pumping Mom Needs

I think the line of Spectra breast pumps provides the breastfeeding mom with a variety of options. While there is not one pump that is best for every nursing mama, most will be able to find one of the Spectra breast pumps that will meet her needs.

Related Post

Complete Willow Breast Pump Review By A Lactation Consultant

 

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Breastfeeding is natural, but there are so many things that can throw it off course. 

As a new nursing mom, you are going to have many questions. You need to have reliable sources to get answers. One of the best ways to get reliable information is to have one or two good books about breastfeeding.

But there are so many different books about nursing it can be crazy-making to figure out which are the best books on breastfeeding.

Choosing a book on breastfeeding is not a one size fits all proposition. There are a variety of things nursing moms need to know about and a range of breastfeeding experiences. 

I researched and read books that address many different breastfeeding situations. These are my recommendations for the top breastfeeding books you should buy.

Being well informed is crucial to having a good breastfeeding experience. 

While blogs like this one are an excellent place to get information, it’s also essential to have at least one book about breastfeeding.

Having one or two of these top breastfeeding books will save you time and frustration. They will also provide you with evidence-based information and practical advice.

Old Favorite

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiesinger and Diana West.

No list of the best breastfeeding books would be complete without the perennial favorite, the La Leche League breastfeeding book, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. First published in 1958 and currently in its 8^th edition.

This is a popular book that has withstood the test of time. I encourage you to include another general breastfeeding book as The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding has not been updated since 2010.

• Includes chapters on sleep and solids
• An alphabetical guide to common breastfeeding challenges
• Kindle or paperback

 

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The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins

When I worked at a hospital, this book was in a gift bag that we gave our new moms. I reviewed many books when I was deciding which one to include. This one was the winner hands down. I love how easy it is to find the answers to your questions. 

The Nursing Mother’s Companion is a book that you will go back to time and time again when you find yourself in a new breastfeeding stage.

Kathleen Huggins first wrote it in 1986. She revises it regularly, most recently in 2017. The author is an RN with a Master’s Degree in perinatal nursing. She is an IBCLC and has been helping nursing moms for over 30 years.

• Over 1 million copies sold
• From pregnancy preparation to weaning
• Easy to locate survival guides
• An extensive list of resources for nursing moms
• Appendix on the safety of drugs during breastfeeding
• Available both on Kindle or paperback
• Spanish version available

 

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Sometimes you don’t want to read a long chapter to find out if what is happening is normal. You want quick information.

I wrote Breastfeed Like a Boss – 52 tips for the first year of breastfeeding so that you could get the information you need in bite-size pieces of information. It is easy to navigate. A click on the topic in the table of contents will take you to the tip.

This book is a digital download.

 

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Work, Pump Repeat by JessicaShortall

This book was written by a mom who has been there, done that. The tone is conversational, like a chat with your best girlfriend.

Author, Jessica Shortall declares that her book is a “no-judgment zone.”

Sh addresses all the practicalities of being a breastfeeding mom who works from choosing a pump to your legal rights and what to do when things go wrong.

Work, Pump, Repeat is a must-read for any mom who plans to go back to work and continue to breastfeed.

• Published 2015
• Kindle, Hardback or Audio

 

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Best Milk by Kate Carothers

Written by an RN/IBCLC, Best Milk discusses breastfeeding from a big sister’s perspective. It even covers pumping.

What is remarkable about this paperback book is that it comes in three different versions:

• Caucasian family
• Black family
• Bilingual Spanish/English

 

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The Breastfeeding Mother’s Guide to Making More Milk by Diana West and Lisa Marasco

This book is written for moms, but the information in it is so valuable and well-researched that I refer to it regularly.

The authors are highly respected lactation consultants.

They provide well-researched details about the causes of low milk supply as well as helping women determine if there really is a problem.

The basics of making milk is covered. There is a comprehensive list of methods to increase supply is presented. 

They also talk about unique situations:

• Returning to work
• Exclusively pumping 
• Premies
• Multiples
• Induced lactation
• Relactation

• The first edition came out in 2009 and it was fully updated in 2020.
• Kindle or paperback

 

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Eat To Feed – 80 Nourishing Recipes For Breastfeeding Moms by Eliza Larson and Kristy Kohler

Nursing moms want to have a good milk supply. You know there are foods that can help you achieve this goal, but it can be challenging to come up with your own milk-boosting recipes while breastfeeding.

Eat To Feed has healthy breastfeeding recipes for every meal of the day, including snacks.

What I love about this book is not only does it have 80 healthy recipes for breastfeeding mothers, but it is packed with pictures. I love a cookbook that is generous with pictures. This will help inspires you to make these breastfeeding-friendly recipes.

• Published in 2019
• Kindle or paperback.

 

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Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk – A Guide To Providing Expressed Breast Milk For Your Baby by Stephanie Casemore

Whether you find yourself exclusively pumping by necessity or choice, this book will answer all your questions and provide you with invaluable tips to help you through your exclusively pumping journey.

• Making the decision
• Emotions
• The differences from direct breastfeeding
• Milk supply
• Pumps
• Feeding 
• Challenges
• Weaning

• Originally published in 2004 it was updated in 2014
• Kindle or Paperback

 

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Mothering Multiples – Breastfeeding and Caring for Twins or More! by Karen Kerkoff Gromada

This is a paperback book by La Leche League International and was written by one of their LLL leaders who is an RN and IBCLC and a mother of twins.

This book is very comprehensive. Mothering Multiples is not just about breastfeeding. It takes a mom through pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and toddlerhood. There is a chapter on the NICU experience.

The author gives practical tips on the logistics of caring for more than one baby.

Third revision published in 2007.

 

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Breastfeeding Without Birthing: A Breastfeeding Guide For Mothers Through Adoption, Surrogacy and Other Special Circumstances by Alyssa Schnell

Induced lactation is not a DIY project.

This complex and unique situation requires answers and a plan for the mother who does not experience pregnancy but still wants to provide her baby her breast milk.

The author has the perspective of a mother who breastfed her adopted child and as an IBCLC. 

 

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Defining Your Own Success – Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery by Diana West.

Diana West is an IBCLC who has coauthored other books I have recommended. She wrote Defining Your Own Success in 2001. It is available in paperback and hardcover.

Some of the information in this book is dated and the author even acknowledges the chapter on increasing milk supply is outdated. She recommends Making More Milk which she also coauthored.

I included this book because there just hasn’t been anything else written from the perspective of both a mom who breastfed after breast surgery who is also an IBCLC.

 

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A Loving Weaning – How To Move Forward Together by Winema Wilson Lanoue.

Weaning is effortless for some mothers and babies. Other moms struggle with the decision to wean, especially if their child is not on board with that decision.

The author discusses both the emotional and physical aspects of weaning. She has a section on weaning FAQs.

The book presents a four-step plan that can be implemented at different ages. All methods of weaning are presented.

• Published in 2017
• Kindle or Paperback

 

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WEANING BOOKS FOR TODDLERS

My Milk Will Go, Our Love Will Grow – A Book For Weaning by Jessica Elder.

This book is presented as a conversation between a mama and her toddler. It provides answers to the questions a toddler might have about weaning.

The author provides reassurance for children about this life transition. Written in rhyme and beautifully illustrated.

 

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The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley.

While this is not specifically a breastfeeding book it does provide practical advice for something that is a challenge to many breastfeeding mothers.

I am not an advocate of cry-it-out techniques for dealing with a baby who wakes during the night to breastfeed. I tried cry-it-out with my first baby. It didn’t work and it traumatized both of us. When I read this book I wished it had been written when I had babies. 

The author presents a tested method of helping your baby learn how to sleep through the night. I consider this book a must-read for every parent.

• First published in 2002
• Updated in 2020
• Kindle or paperback
• Sleep-deprived mamas will also appreciate that there is an audio version.

 

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Choosing one or two of these books on breastfeeding will help set you up for a positive breastfeeding experience.

You will know what is to come. And when you hit those inevitable bumps in the road on your breastfeeding journey you will have somewhere to turn to help you get to the other side.

 

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Choosing baby furniture can be an overwhelming experience. It is no different when it comes to shopping for a comfy nursing chair.

You are going to spend many hours breastfeeding. A comfortable chair to breastfeed in can make the difference between enjoying those precious moments and back or neck pain.

Smart moms will want to make their choice from the best of the best chairs for breastfeeding.

It would be nice if you could just pick the breastfeeding chair of your dreams. However, most mamas have specific criteria that will narrow their options down. 

There are a variety of things to take into consideration when shopping for a chair for breastfeeding.

• Budget
• Space
• Comfort
• Aesthetics

The good news is that there are a lot of options when it comes to finding a comfortable breastfeeding chair. The bad news is there are a LOT of options when it comes to finding a comfortable chair for nursing. It can be hard to narrow all those choices down.

My goal is to help save you time in discovering the best chair for breastfeeding. In my opinion, these are the breastfeeding chairs for sale that will make you look forward to those middle of the night feedings.

If you read my Best Breastfeeding Pillows post, then you know that I don’t believe there is one size fits all. It’s no different with a breastfeeding chair. I found something for everyone. I even have a portable option for you.

Keep reading for my best nursing chair recommendations.

I always tell the moms who I help that the first rule of breastfeeding is that mom needs to be comfortable. A comfortable chair for breastfeeding will help you accomplish that.

• A comfortable chair will help you relax so you can focus on latching.
• A good chair will provide back support.
• Some breastfeeding chairs come with a footrest or ottoman, which can help put you in an optimum position.

When deciding on what kind of breastfeeding chair you want, you will need to prioritize the features that are most important to you.

• Comfort – A comfortable breastfeeding chair is the name of the game. If a breastfeeding chair isn’t uber comfortable, you are probably not going to use it. 
• Easy to clean – Anything that involves babies has to be easy to clean. Your breastfeeding chair will probably experience everything from diaper blowouts to wet nursing pads to spilled drinks. I have only included nursing chairs that are easy to clean.
• Versatility – some chairs will rock, others will glide, and some will do both. There are also nursing chairs that swivel and recline. The more options a chair has, the better. The best chairs for nursing will have lots of options. Keep in mind, though, a chair with multiple movement options may mean a higher price tag.
• A place to rest your feet and legs – In my book, this is essential. If your nursing chair doesn’t have a place for your feet and legs, you will definitely want to invest in a nursing stool. A nursing stool is actually at the top of my list of breastfeeding must-haves.
• Size 
  • Size of the chair itself. If the room where the chair is going to be is small, then you will need a breastfeeding chair that doesn’t take up a lot of space.
  • Size of the seating area – Plus size moms don’t want a chair that makes them feel confined.
• Easy to get in and out of.
• Easy to use – If you choose a recliner, you will want one that is easy to extend and just as easy to return to a sitting position. The lever also needs to be comfortable for you to reach while you are holding your precious bundle.
• Durability – The material your nursing chair is constructed of will determine how long it looks good. More durable materials can increase the cost.
• Design – Do you want something classic or modern? Will your nursing chair always be in a particular room, or do you plan to move it from the nursery to the family room or living room?
• Safe – Are there any places that little fingers could get pinched?
• Cost – What is your budget?

Related Post

9 Breastfeeding Must-Haves Smart Moms Won’t Want To Be Without

There are three types of chairs that are ideal for breastfeeding your baby in.

• Rocker
• Glider
• Recliner

You will notice they all involve some movement. Movement is soothing to babies. When someone is holding a baby, they almost always start swaying or rocking. So, when choosing a chair for nursing your baby, you will want something that makes maintaining that movement effortless. 

Differences in Movement Options

Nursing Rocker 

Any rocking chair can be used for breastfeeding. A rocker has curved bands on the bottom of the legs.

Nursing Glider

A glider is a type of rocker. The edges on the floor are flat. The gliding mechanism comes from a swing seat. With a glider, you move back and forth without leaning forward and backward. They are very similar. Gliders tend to be quieter than rocking chairs.

Recliner

A chair where you can lower the back and the footrest comes up, putting you in a reclined position. Many recliners also have a rocking, gliding, and swivel motions. 

If you don’t like the idea of all that movement, a fixed chair is also an option.

The price of a breastfeeding chair varies widely. The portable option is less than $50. A top of the line chair for nursing could set you back close to $2000.

While it is not promoted as a chair for breastfeeding, the IKEA Pello Chair is very comfortable and has a budget-friendly price tag. It is a no-frills option but will appeal to the mom who prefers a minimalist look and doesn’t have a lot of room for her breastfeeding chair.

It also has a companion ottoman that you can purchase. That will, of course, increase the total price tag.

The Graco Parker Glider and Nursing Ottoman is at the top of my list for an amazing nursing glider that offers both comfort and versatility. 

What sets it apart from the other gliders is the ottoman that comes with it. You can prop your legs up on the padded top. It also has a nursing stool that pulls out and folds away when not in use. I love this design, and this is why it is a top pick for one of the best gliders for breastfeeding.

• The ottoman has a gliding motion.
• Available in grey or white finish with grey upholstery.
• The grey color of the fabric will do a great job of hiding any spots, and the polyester means that it is easy to clean.

The Windsor Glider and Ottoman is perfect for the mom who wants to show off her personality or wants to match her nursery color scheme. It is available in 18 different wood and fabric combinations.

Breastfeeding moms clearly love this glider. It has been rated over 7000 times on Amazon. 87% of buyers have given it a 4 and 5-star rating for an overall 4.5 out of 5 stars. An added bonus is that it comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank.

Feedback From Buyers

• Easy to put together. Those might be the best four words ever spoken.
• Easy to clean.
• Good customer service.
• Very comfortable.

If you want a traditional rocking chair without the frills, the Shine Company Vermont Rocking Chair is classic simplicity. 

• Available in 6 colors, including oak, white, and a sassy red.
• It’s 20.5” width makes it perfect for smaller spaces 
• 731 ratings have earned it a 4.3 out of 5-star rating.

Feedback From Buyers

• Easy to assemble
• Beautiful
• Sturdy

For extra comfort and to coordinate with your nursery decor make sure you add Gripper Non-Slip Omega Jumbo Rocking Chair Cushions .

If you want the comfort of a glider but don’t have a lot of room, the Amazon Brand – Rivet Stowell Modern Velvet Glider Chair is ideal for small spaces. This compact yet comfortable chair will provide you with the gentle gliding motion that babies love without sacrificing a large area of your nursery.

• It is only 29.5” wide and 34.3” deep.
• Available in grey or green
• No assembly needed

If you want to splurge, a pricier option is the Monte Design Upholstered Modern Nursery Como Glider Chair and Ottoman. There is a reason for the high price tag of this contemporary and elegant looking glider. This ultra-comfortable chair is luxury defined.

• Sustainably made
• The foam is free from any flame-retardant chemicals
• Covers for seat and back cushions are removable and washable.
• Includes a lumbar pillow
• Shipping costs are included in the price.

Hands down, a recliner will be the nursing chair of choice for the mom who plans to use the laid-back nursing position.

The laid-back position is popular among a lot of moms. It can be helpful if a mom has a forceful let-down or is dealing with an oversupply issue. 

The Esright Massage Recliner is a new mom’s dream nursing chair. 

• Available in seven different colors
• Massaging function
• Heated option
• Nice wide, padded armrests. This is a must for moms to help prevent arms from getting fatigued.
• The leather options mean baby messes and spills will be stress-free to clean up.
• The pull handle to control the reclining function is easy to locate because it is on the inside of the chair.
• It has two cup holders.
• Storage pockets on both sides

Feedback From Buyers

• Easy to put together
• Comfortable
• Great customer service
• Great chair for a nursery

Esright also made the top pick for a breastfeeding chair for plus size mamas. The extra-wide seat of the Esright Upholstered Rocking Chair will be the most comfortable nursing chair for the larger mom. It is one and a half times the width of regular chairs. It is both stylish and a joy to sit in.

The Esright Upholstered Rocking Chair is also perfect for the mama who is tandem nursing her twins. The extra room will give her plenty of space for her twin nursing pillow.

Feedback From Buyers

• Easy to assemble
• Comfortable 
• Looks great

I facilitated a breastfeeding support group for many years at the hospital where I worked. We had BackJack Floor Chairs available. Moms absolutely loved these chairs—90% of the time, they chose the BackJack chairs over a regular chair.

The Back Jack sits on the floor. They have a comfortable padded seat and a supportive back. It allows moms to rock back and forth gently.

• Their size makes them easy to throw into your car for a visit to grandma’s or for longer road trips.
• They have a folding option that you could put in a suitcase if you are traveling by air.
• They have an extra-large size for plus size moms.
• Available in a variety of colors.
• Very lightweight 

Regular BackJack

Folding BackJack

A comfy nursing chair is not the only thing you need when you breastfeed. You will want all the necessities nearby.

My best advice is to create a Breastfeeding Basket to have next to your breastfeeding chair. 

Related Post

15 Essentials Every Mom Needs In A Breastfeeding Basket

I hope these recommendations for the best chairs for breastfeeding your baby have helped with this decision. I hope you find the nursing chair that brings you comfort and many wonderful memories.

Leave me a comment about the one that you chose.

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A breastfeeding pillow is often near the top of breastfeeding essentials lists. But there are so many to choose from. 

As you stare at page after page of all the different options, how do you choose the best breastfeeding pillow for you?

Every mom is different, so the top-rated nursing pillow may not be the best nursing pillow to help you and your baby breastfeed comfortably.. 

I thought of every different scenario I could come up with that might affect your choice of a special pillow for breastfeeding. I spent hours researching them, so you don’t have to.

A nursing pillow is specially designed to support your baby during breastfeeding sessions. It allows you to have your baby at the right height so that you don’t have to hunch over while you are feeding your baby.

I have always said that breastfeeding should not cause back pain.

A breastfeeding pillow usually has some curve to it to conform to your body. This can help keep it close to you.

There are so many things that you need to purchase when you have a new baby. It is no surprise that many moms ask, “Do I need a breastfeeding pillow?” 

The truth is that moms have breastfed for a gazillion years without special pillows. They have made do with regular bed pillows and throw pillows. 

However, most moms find that a pillow specially designed for breastfeeding can make nursing so much more comfortable. It definitely falls into the category of a “great to have item.” 

• Even though babies are tiny, your arms can get tired holding them throughout all of those frequent feedings. Newborns eat at least eight times in each 24 hours. An average feeding can last up to an hour. That is eight hours of holding your baby!
• Having your baby supported with a good nursing pillow can allow you to focus on other things, like getting a good latch.
• Some pillows provide you with back support.

Many moms find that they don’t need a nursing pillow when their baby gets older. Other women find that the continued support helps keep them comfortable throughout their breastfeeding journey.

You can get a nursing pillow for free and just pay shipping. Just use the code BFC1.

The average cost of a nursing pillow is $40-50. The range was $18 to $190. The Clair de Lune Nursing Pillow was the most expensive.

If you are the crafty type and have a sewing machine and extra fabric and stuffing laying around your house you could make one virtually for free.

A good pillow will allow you to nurse in different positions. But of course, you don’t need a nursing pillow for certain positions like side-lying.

You position the pillow so it is nice and close to you.  You place your baby on top of it and use all those latching tips I talk about in 13 Life Changing Breastfeeding Latch Tricks.

You want to think about how a breastfeeding pillow will help you and make you more comfortable during nursing sessions.

• Do you want back support?
• Do you want to be able to secure the pillow to you with a buckle or strap?
• Do you find the idea of buckling and unbuckling a pillow a hassle?
• Does your baby have reflux? A pillow that helps keep his head higher than the rest of his body might be the best choice for that scenario.
• Will you be breastfeeding twins?

If you haven’t got any idea of what you should be looking for then keep reading. I’ve got you covered. I have the best options for different sized moms and different situations.

The two biggest players in the breastfeeding pillow market are the Boppy Original Nursing Pillow and Positioner and the My Brest Friend. These two nursing pillows have been around for the longest.  

Fun fact – the Original Boppy was made to position babies. It kind of became a breastfeeding pillow by accident (Source).

My overall favorite pillow for breastfeeding for the average mom is made by Boppy, but it’s not their original Boppy.

The Boppy Best Latch is the breastfeeding pillow I would have designed.

• It has two different levels of firmness.
  • The firm side is ideal for wobbly newborns
  • A softer side works well as your baby grows
• It has a detachable strap to keep the pillow in close. But if you don’t need that or find it a hassle it easily detaches. 
• Machine washable

Ways the Boppy Best Latch Could Be Improved

There is only the one fabric choice. Although it is different on the two sides.

What do moms say about the Boppy Best Latch?

It has a 4.5 star review on Amazon from over 260 ratings.

• Love the wider opening.
• Love how tall and thick it is.
• Plus size mamas really like it.

The My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow For Twins is the clear winner.

• The generously padded back gives you solid support.
• The firmness of this pillow means that you can place both babies on it and while you are concentrating on latching the first baby you won’t have to worry about your other baby rolling off the pillow.
• It has an attached pocket where you can put your phone or water bottle.
• Machine washable cover
• A variety of slipcover choices available

What do moms say about the My Brest Friend Twin Nursing Pillow?

It has a 4.4 star review on Amazon from over 210 ratings.

• The best pillow for tandem feeding twins.
• Provides excellent head support for the babies.
• Very supportive.
• Fits both babies comfortably.

Mothers with larger breasts often find that the football hold position works well for them. The Feeding Friend Self-Inflatable Pillow works especially well with it’s triangular shape.

Another feature that makes it the best nursing pillow for large breasts is you can squish out some of the air to make it just the right size for your breasts. 

Moms who are smaller breasted will appreciate the thickness of the Leachco Natural Boost. This type of pillow is sometimes called a nursing butterfly pillow.

• It has a second detachable pillow that makes this the thickest nursing pillow at 11.75 inches makes it best nursing pillow for tall moms.
• It easily flips from side to side which will be convenient when moving baby to your other breast.

What do moms say about the Leachco Natural Boost?

It has a 3.9 star review on Amazon from over 280 ratings.

• Stays in place
• The booster gets baby in close.
• Perfect for tall moms.

The Feeding Friend Self-Inflatable Pillow is perfect for breastfeeding in the football hold. That is the position that is preferred by C-Section mamas.

The petite mom will want to base her decision on her breast size.

If she has smaller or average size breast the Boppy Best Latch will be a good choice.

If she has larger sized breasts she will want a thinner pillow.

The Kushies Nursing Pillow is the thinnest at 4 inches.

• Soft 100% flannel cover
• Cover is removable for washing
• Available in a wide variety of patterns.

The Boppy Best Latch is an excellent option for plus sized mamas. The belt is adjustable up to 52” or can be removed entirely.

Another good option for a plus size nursing pillow is the Medela Maternity Pillow and Breastfeeding Nursing Pillow In One.

• It is filled with micro pearls which makes it one of the lightest pillows at 1.81 pounds.
• It’s 25.6 inch length combines with the micro pearl filling means you can adjust it to comfortably fit a plus size mama.
• It’s one of the more versatile pillows to since it can be used during pregnancy.

If you really depend on a breastfeeding pillow to keep you comfortable and relaxed you will appreciate the Feeding Friend Nursing Pillow. Let’s be honest, no mom wants to be carting a big nursing pillow with her when she goes on airplane trips.

Moms will appreciate how compact this nursing pillow is as well as the self-inflating feature. This pillow will be convenient for any trips, even if she is just taking her baby across town to visit the grandparents.

• The Feeding Friend rolls up to a compact 6” X 7”
• Comes with a bag to store it in.
• It self-inflates. How cool is that?

For the mom who is trying to minimize her precious baby’s exposure to chemicals the Nesting Pillow has a 100% organic cotton cover that is machine washable. It also is made with organic buckwheat hulls as the filling.

Why You Might Not Love This Nursing Pillow

This pillow is the heaviest of all those that are recommended. It weighs in at about 6 pounds. 

It is also one of the pricier options.

But if organic is your jam then this is the nursing pillow for you.

What moms say about the Organic Nursing Pillow?

It has a 4.7 rating from over 100 ratings on Amazon.

• Love the density.
• It’s so supportive.
• It molds to your body and your baby perfectly.
• Worth the splurge.

If you are looking for a pillow that you can adjust the height, then the Infantino Elevate Adjustable Nursing Pillow is designed for just that.

• It has a butterfly shape with three layers anchored to the center bolster. 
• This allows for flexibility for different positions and as your baby grows.
• It is machine washable.

It has a 4 out of 5 star review on Amazon. Moms love so many things about it.

• So functional!
• I almost gave up breastfeeding because other pillows didn’t work for me.
• Great for tall moms who are smaller chested.

The popular My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow is the winner here with the firm section of foam that wraps all the way around you. 

It has been rated almost 2000 times and has a 4.6 star rating on Amazon.

It comes in a variety of patterns and materials.

The Baby Nursing Pillow was the least expensive on Amazon.

But you can get one for even less. How does free sound? 

You can get a free nursing pillow at Nursing Pillow if you use the code BFC1.

You do have to pay shipping, but that is less than any of the good nursing pillows I could find.

Another low cost option is to make your own breastfeeding pillow.

If you know your way around a sewing machine you can sew a DIY nursing pillow. If you are like a lot of seamstresses who tend to collect fabric and hang onto leftover supplies, you may even already have the supplies.

• Fabric
• Pattern
• Stuffing
• Scissors
• Thread
• Pins

I don’t know if it is the best, but the the most expensive breastfeeding pillow I came across was the Clair de Lune Baby Feeding Pillow. It’s open shape would lend itself well to plus size moms.

You can buy an extra pillow cover or two so that if you have to wash one you will have one to use.

Today’s moms are so lucky to have so many nursing pillow options. When it comes to this breastfeeding essential, one size (or pillow) does not fit all. The good news is, it doesn’t have to.

Let me know in the comments which pillow you chose.

Related Posts

9 Breastfeeding Must-Haves Smart Moms Won’t Want To Be Without

 

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Are you a breastfeeding mom who pumps? 

Are you looking for a way to save time when pumping? 

Do you want to get more pumping sessions in but don’t have the time?

I want to show you an innovative way for breastfeeding mamas who use a breast pump can save time. This ingenious invention is called a wearable breast pump. 

If you have been wondering if a wearable breast pump is the right pump for you, keep on reading. I have written a complete Willow breast pump review to help you decide if you should purchase one.

Moms are busy people, am I right? They are always looking for ways to save time. Pumping takes time. Being able to pump and do something else would save moms so much time. There is finally a breast pump that will save you time

A whopping 95% of moms in the USA have used a breast pump at some point in their breastfeeding journey. This was according to a survey conducted in 2019 by Mamava. 

If you have never heard of a wearable breast pump, then you are in for a wonderful surprise.

My Willow Breast Pump Review will answer every possible question you might have about the Willow wearable pump.

I will also do a comparison to another wearable breast pump, the Elvie.

Willow sent me a pump so I could see how it works for myself. I gave it to one of my clients to use and talked to other moms about their experiences with the Willow pump. 

I have read the entire Willow website. I have talked to many moms who have used the Willow.

When you are finished reading this review of the Willow breast pump, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

While I usually refer to it as the Willow “pump,” it is actually two individual pumps. One for each breast.

Most pumps are comprised of the flange, connectors, and bottles that attach to the actual pumping unit via tubes. 

Note: Flanges are also referred to as breast shields, and I use the terms interchangeably. 

I have had so many moms ask me over the years if there is a good hands-free breast pump. 

For years a hands-free pumping bra was the best a mom could do if she wanted to pump hands-free. While hands-free pumping bras provide excellent convenience, you are still tethered to the pump itself. 

There is one pump available that you can clip the power source of the pump onto your clothes. However, that doesn’t work with every outfit you wear. It can be bothersome to have it attached to you that way. And you still had to have the bottles and breast shields attached to you.

To be honest, all the straps and clips involved with that were intimidating and confusing to me. And I am not a sleep-deprived new mom.

I have talked to so many moms who wanted a pump that they could wear and pump while they went about their daily tasks. That is precisely what a wearable breast pump does.

The Willow wearable breast pump is exactly what mothers have been asking for. It has revolutionized pumping. It is so innovative that in 2017 it was chosen as one of TIME’s 25 best inventions. That is pretty impressive!

What sets the Willow pump apart from most regular pumps is the fact that you can use it without being attached in any way to a large pumping unit like traditional pumps. It is an entirely wearable breast pump.

Hands-free pumping bras have become one of the most popular breastfeeding accessories on the market. When I see moms in my office, they are often distressed if they forget their hands-free pumping bra. They have really come to depend on them to make pumping easier. 

With a wearable breast pump like the Willow, you don’t need a hands-free pumping bra! Hooray, for one less item to wash and keep track of.

There have been other wearable breast pumps on the market over the years. But those pumps had tubes with bags hanging under your bra. That always sounded like a recipe for disaster to me. Trust me when I say, a breastfeeding mama will cry if she spills her milk.

Another unique feature of the Willow is that it is also a smart pump. There is an App you can download to use with it. The app keeps valuable information about your pumping session—more about what all the app does in a minute.

A wearable pump is a battery-operated self-contained pump unit that you place in your bra. 

Using a wearable pump will provide you with unrivaled freedom. 

Just think of the possibilities about where and when you can pump.

• Getting ready in the morning
• While you take a walk
• Cooking
• Sitting at your desk at the office
• Driving. It is perfect if you have a long commute to work or go on a road trip.
• Grocery shopping or at the mall– it is that quiet!
• Doing laundry
• Giving your baby a bath
• While breastfeeding on one side, you can easily pump the other breast.
• Anywhere you want to sit without the inconvenience of needing to have an outlet nearby.

One of the key features of the Willow is the app you can use with it.

• The app has a quick start guide, which will enable you to start pumping with your Willow in no time.
• Track how long your pumping session last.
• It tells you how much milk you are getting from each breast as you pump.
• Provides you with tips personalized for you
• Records your pumping history by date, time, length of pumping session and amount pumped
• You can add your own background photo.
• Read-out of suction level
• Reminds you when it’s time to charge the pump.
• Compatible with iOS
• Compatible with supported Android models (specific models available on the Willow website).

If you are more of a “show me” type of woman, then check out my unboxing of the Willow breast pump the company sent me.

The Willow is beautifully packaged. The design of the pump makes it easy to put into your bra and use it discreetly. This is clearly a well thought out breast pump. 

It is pretty easy to use the Willow breast pump. You basically just put the units into your bra or tank top and turn it on. 

There are a few steps to get it ready to insert into your bra. 

• Charge the pumps with the charger.

• You attach the Flextubes to the flanges.

• Connect the Flextubes to the bag or reusable container.
• Place the flange on your breast and make sure your nipple is centered.
• Attach the pump to the flange.
• Turn it on.
• It will make some noises, and combined with the lights on the pumps, and you will know if it is positioned correctly or needs to be adjusted.
• Once the pump initiates latch, you just leave it in your bra or tank top. 
• The pump will sense when your milk lets down and will automatically switch to the expression phase.
• When you are finished pumping detach the flange and remove the self-sealing bag or the reusable container.
• If you use the reusable container, you will need to pour your milk into the storage container of your choice.
• I really love Milkies Milk trays for freezing breast milk. Being able to store your milk in one-ounce amounts makes it super convenient to thaw exactly how much milk you need. If you have an extra hungry baby and need a little more, you can easily and quickly thaw another ounce.

• The Willow is spill-proof. According to their website, you can pump lying down and even bending over.
• You have the option to use bags that are one-time use or a reusable container. If you use the bags, you can pump directly into the spill-proof self-sealing storage bags.

• You can put the bags in the freezer or refrigerator—no transferring to another container needed.
• When you are ready to use the milk, you simply cut off the end and pour it into a bottle.
• If you want a more environmentally friendly option, you can purchase the reusable containers to pump your milk into. The reusable containers will also be a more budget-friendly option
  • These have an air vent, which means you can’t bend over or lay down without risking your milk leaking out.
  • You would pump and pour the milk into a bottle to feed or pour the milk into milk storage freezer bags or milk storage trays.
  • You can alternate between the bags and the containers, depending on which option suits your needs at each pumping session. If you are out and about, it will probably be easier to use the bags since you can just store them in an insulated cooler bag with some freezer packs.
• The pump’s suction is continuous, which is more like how a baby sucks. They call this the Smart Suction technology.
  • A pumping rhythm that is slower and softer
  • Sensitivity setting that is adjusted based on your preferred comfort
  • There are seven suction levels
• The latest version of the pump, the Willow 3, results in 20% more milk pumped.
• The pump shuts off when the bags or containers are full.
• These pumps are very compact compared to a traditional pump. If you are a working mom, you will need a much smaller pumping bag.
• Rechargeable battery
• No need to have access to an electrical outlet
• No need for a special hands-free pumping bra. 

The bags or containers have a max of 4 oz each. This means if you pump both breasts, the pumps can accommodate a maximum total pumping of 8 oz. That assumes pumping equal amounts from both breasts. This will be adequate for the majority of moms. 

Those mothers who pump large amounts would have to stop and put in a new bag or container. For the mom who pumps out a large volume quickly, this would probably be inconvenient.

The Willow is expensive.

I hesitate to put a price here because that is something that can change. They offer sales regularly, as well. 

I am publishing this in April 2021, and today the price on their website is $499.99. 

• They offer free shipping.
• They offer several payment plans, with the shorter-term plans being interest-free.
• The Willow breast pump is eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement. 

• 2 Willow pumps
• 2 Flanges (these are also sometimes referred to as breast shields) – you choose the right size flange for you
• 2 Flextubes – when the milk is pumped out of your breasts, it flows through this piece into the bag or container.
• 1 Charger
• 24 – 4 oz Milk Bags (one-time use bags)
• 2 sizes of Cleaning Brushes

Having different sizes of breast shields/flanges is important. The right size flange affects both comfort and how much milk you can pump.

The Willow offers three different sizes of flanges. They include the 24 mm and the 27 mm in the box. If you request a 21 mm flange, they ship it in a separate box.

• 21 mm
• 24 mm
• 27 mm

The Willow is not going to be a good choice for a mom with large nipples.

Willow Reusable Milk Containers

One unique available accessory and unique to the Willow wearable breast pump is the option to use the reusable containers.

• 2 pack – $49.99
• There are two parts to the reusable containers.
• Container
• Insert
• 4 oz capacity
• Dishwasher safe
• BPA Free
• According to the company website, they should be replaced every three months. In reality, how often you need to replace them will probably depend on how often you use them. One of those, “your mileage may vary” kind of thing.

Flextubes 

Flextubes are the pieces that help pull the milk into the bags or reusable containers.

• 2 pack – $29.99
• Must be cleaned after each use 
• Some moms like to have extras on hand
• According to the company website, they should be replaced every three months.
• Dishwasher safe
• BPA Free

Other Willow Accessories

• Milk container inserts – $19.99 for a pack of 2
• Available in 21 mm, 24 mm and 27 mm sizes
• Should be replaced if your inserts are showing signs of wear or if your size changes. Needing to change sizes is not common, but can happen.
• Spill-proof milk bags – $23.99 for 48 bags
• Flanges – $29.99 for a 2-pack. 
• Charger – $29.99 – having an extra charger allows you to charge both pumping units at the same time.

Willow has free shipping for orders over $70.

Time-saving tip – having extra flanges and Flextubes means you don’t have to wash everything every time you need to pump. 

Related Post 

How To Clean Your Breast Pump Parts – Lazy Mom’s Guide

• Game changer – this comment gets repeated again and again
• This was a life-saving product for a new mom
• Easy to use
• Convenient
• Worth the price
• Freedom
• Provides so much flexibility
• Enabled me to keep breastfeeding
• I was able to pump at work even when I couldn’t take a break.
• A working breastfeeding mom’s best friend
• It is nothing short of amazing the different things I can do while I am pumping.

My client who I gave the Willow to gave me this feedback:

Pros of Willow Breast Pump

• Fantastic at extracting the milk
• No leaking during pumping
• Don’t have to transfer the milk from a collection container because it goes right in the bag (she was using the bags; she did not try the reusable container).

Cons of Willow Breast Pump

• It was difficult to get the pump to finish pulling the milk into the bag, and this resulted in milk leaking when I removed the bag from the pump.
• Very large units

“Overall, the Willow is a fantastic pump!”

• Wear a bra that will keep pump snug against your breast. The Willow website recommends you wear a stretch full coverage nursing bra that has a flap. They also recommend underwire bras and padded bras. This is the kind of thing where you can experiment and see what works for you.
• Adjust the suction to the level at is strongest but still comfortable. Pumping should not ever be painful.
• Massaging your breasts during pumping helps get more milk out (Source).
• Use a lactation massager or roller like the La Vie Lactation Massager.

How Long Does It Take To Fully Charge The Willow Pump?

A full charge requires about 2 hours.

What Do I Do If I Forgot To Charge My Willow and Need To Pump?

A twenty-minute charge should be sufficient for one pumping session.

Don’t forget; the app reminds you when you need to charge the pumps.

How Many Pumping Sessions Will I Get When The Willow Is Fully Charged?

You should get about five pumping sessions when your Willow has a full charge.

Can I Get The Willow Through My Insurance?

To find out if your insurance benefits will cover a Willow breast pump, contact your insurance provider. Every company is different, and there can be variations from plan to plan by the same insurance company. If they do not cover the entire cost, they may cover part of the price or allow you to upgrade if you pay the additional amount.

Is The Willow Eligible For Reimbursement Through My FSA/HAS?

Yes, the pump itself and the accessories are FSA/HSA eligible. This includes the milk bags.

Does Willow Offer A Payment Plan? Yes, they do. Check the Willow site for more information on what they currently offer.

The Willow is designed so that it can fit in your bra and not be obvious that you have pumps in there. It will definitely make you larger. The difference is going to depend on the size of your breasts.

How obvious it is will also depend on what you are wearing. A clingy t-shirt is going to show more than a sweatshirt or an oversized sweater.

How important this is will depend on each individual mother. You need to ask yourself how often you will want to wear it when you are out and about. And how much do you care how large it makes your breasts look. 

In real life, most moms are going to be wearing it while they are at home or in the car or in their offices. 

The Elvie is another wearable pump. Here is a quick comparison between these two wearable pumps.

What do the Willow and the Elvie have in common?

• The price is the same for both pumps (see below).
• Include the two larger flange sizes.
• Seven adjustable suction settings
• Senses when a mom’s milk lets down and automatically switches to the expression setting.
• Have approximately the same three flange sizes available.
• Reusable container option
• Both are smart pumps with an accompanying App.
• Both offer free shipping for pumps
• Both can be purchased from Amazon.

How are the Willow and Elvie different?

• You can get a 21 mm at no charge with the Willow.
  • Elvie charges $29.99 for the smaller 21 mm size.
• Willow gives you the option of the one-time use of self-sealing bags or reusable containers. Elvie only has a reusable container.
• Willow has only two parts to clean. Elvie has five parts to clean.
• Willow parts:
  • Flange
  • Flextubes
• Elvie parts:
  • Flange
  • Seal
  • Valve
  • Spout
  • Bottle
• If you use the reusable containers for the Willow, you would have three parts to clean.

• Willow includes two brushes of different sizes to clean the different pump parts.
• Elvie bottles are 5 oz each
• Warranty length
  • Willow warranty is 12 months
  • Elvie warranty is two years
• Elvie gives you the option of purchasing a single pump. The current price in July 2020 is $279 to buy a single Elvie pump unit. If someone wanted to have a wearable pump but couldn’t afford the full amount, they could buy one and just pump one breast at a time.

Which Is The Best Wearable Breast pump?

I really like that the Willow offers the option of bags or reusable containers. That feature really gives it the edge in my mind.

If you use the bags the fact that you can pump in any position without leaking makes it amazing.

This will depend on how many times a day you need to pump. I recommend that any mom who is establishing her milk supply with a breast pump should strongly consider renting a hospital-grade pump like a  Medela Symphony for at least the first month. 

When you are establishing your milk supply, you need to pump a minimum of eight times every 24 hours. Some mamas find that once their milk supply is well established, around 4-6 weeks, they don’t need to pump as frequently. If you only have to pump five times or less, the Willow is a good option. 

If you have to continue pumping eight times a day, the Willow is a good option for some of your pumping sessions. It would, in fact, be a terrific time-saver.

To be clear, when I say X number of times a day, I mean in a 24 hour period. I am not talking about just the daytime hours.

Related Posts

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While Amazon is the go-to for many people I urge you to consider visiting their site before you purchase.

Willow has some great sales on its site. I recommend that you check them out first.

They also offer a payment plan.

There are so many moms I have worked with who could have benefited from the Willow.

One mom had three kids, and her new baby had a very weak suck. She needed to pump to keep up her milk supply. The amount of time it took was really challenging. The Willow would have been an enormous help.

I think of all the moms who have had to triple feed. That’s when you breastfeed, supplement with a bottle and pump. This routine is time-consuming, and many moms find it a challenge to keep up with it for any length of time. This is especially true for moms with other little ones they need to attend to. 

After I had my first baby, I went back to work as a labor and delivery nurse. There were many crazy shifts where I didn’t get time to pump. As a result, I quit that job. A pump like this would have enabled me to keep working.

I think the Willow is a genius pump and definitely worth considering.

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Spectra Breast Pump Reviews By A Lactation Consultant

 

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A baby carrier was my favorite piece of baby equipment, hands down. I loved it and used it all the time. I consider a baby carrier an essential accessory for every new mom. 

Whenever I am buying a gift for a baby shower or a new mom, I will choose a baby carrier if it is on her registry.

When I purchased my baby carrier, I didn’t have a lot of different choices. Today’s lucky moms have a ton of options when choosing the best baby carrier for breastfeeding.

But all the different choices can be overwhelming. There are carriers, wraps, and slings.

When you are deciding on what baby carrier to get, I encourage you to choose a baby carrier you can breastfeed in. Baby carrier breastfeeding will make your life so much easier. I am all about making life easier for new moms.

I looked at the baby carriers available and chose the ones that work best for breastfeeding and are good carriers overall.

Using a baby carrier has so many beneficial reasons. You will want to make sure that you get one.

Using a baby carrier is often referred to as babywearing. There are many benefits to babywearing.

• One of the obvious benefits of wearing your baby is that it frees up your hands. You keep your baby close and can get a lot of things done at the same time.
• Babywearing can enhance bonding (Source 1, Source 2).
• Wearing your baby is beneficial for breastfeeding (Source).
• Babies who are carried more cry less (Source).
• Babywearing and breastfeeding are going to save the busy mom time. And what mom isn’t busy?

There are six things to keep in mind when choosing a baby carrier for nursing your baby.

1. Safety
2. Your comfort
3. Your baby’s comfort
4. How easy it is to use
5. Ease of use for breastfeeding
6. Cost

I think the Baby K’Tan is genius. It takes the popular concept of a baby wrap and made it easy to use. It’s basically a wrap carrier without the hassle of wrapping.

It’s as easy to put on as putting on a t-shirt.

When a new mom wants a baby carrier she can easily breastfeed in, the Baby K’Tan is what I recommend.

• Can be used as a sling
• Can position baby like a carrier
• Baby can be positioned either inward-facing or outward-facing. You obviously can’t breastfeed when your baby is outward-facing, but this is a great option to have when your baby gets a little older. Babies enjoy getting to see what is going on around them.
• 5 wearing positions
• Available in cotton or polyester.
• Organic cotton version option.
• An extensive variety of fabric prints and solids to choose from
• Six sizes (XXS – XL) allow for the perfect fit.
• Intended for use from birth up to 35 pounds.
• Easily fits in a diaper bag.
• Machine washable
• The Baby K’Tan was the most affordable model of baby carriers that I recommend.

Safety

When this post was published, there were no recalls for any K’Tan baby carriers on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

• Baby K’Tan Active is made of 100% polyester and provides over 90% UVA protection.
• According to their website, “The Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is approved as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Baby is worn in the natural seated position, with knees bent and hips spread, promoting healthy development.

Mom’s Comfort

• Lightweight, breathable cotton fabric
• Also available in moisture-wicking polyester
• Back support band helps to distribute weight properly

Baby’s Comfort

• 5 different ways to wear baby ensure comfort at every stage of development.
• The Breeze model is 100% cotton, half jersey knit and half mesh knit

Things to Consider About the Baby K’Tan

The most frequently voiced complaint is that this baby carrier is size specific. If two parents are different sizes, which is more common than not, they will need to purchase two carriers.

Ease of Use

Parents consistently praise it for how easy it is to use. One mom said, “The Baby K’Tan actually made breastfeeding easier.” Another mom said, “I was really nervous about breastfeeding in public. The Baby K’Tan made it super-easy and discreet.”

The Baby K’Tan has been reviewed over 5100 times on Amazon and has an impressive 4.3 out of 5-star rating.

The Ergobaby OMNI 360 Carrier is a popular choice among parents who want a structured baby carrier.

• Baby can be carried in four different positions.Front carry-facing inFront carry-facing outHip carryBack carry
• Wide, thickly padded shoulder straps that have the option of being worn straight or crossed
• Lumbar support waist belt
• It has a removable pouch for you to keep your essentials in.
• It can be used for newborns up to toddlers weighing from 7-45 pounds.
• Comes in a wide variety of colors
• Machine washable

Safety

When this post was published, there were no recalls for any Ergobaby baby carriers on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

• Has received the seal of approval as being hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
• The hood provides protection from the sun.

Mom’s Comfort

• Thick shoulder padding helps to distribute the weight
• The waist belt is wide and provides good back support
• Can easily be used by different sized parents

Baby’s Comfort

• Different position options meet baby’s needs at different developmental stages.
• Protection from sun and wind with a privacy hood

Breastfeeding in ergo baby carrier may take some practice before you feel like you can do it effortlessly. You will want to practice at home when you are first learning how to breastfeed in ergo baby carrier. The Ergobaby site has tips on breastfeeding in their carrier.

Things to Consider About the Ergobaby

Petite moms have said the Ergobaby was a bit large for them.

A structured baby carrier like the Ergobaby is going to be a little heavier than a wrap carrier. This can make the structured carriers a little warmer when wearing one.

Structured baby carriers are generally going to be the most expensive option.

Some moms like the simplicity of a traditional baby wrap carrier like the Solly Baby.

A traditional baby wrap carrier is a long piece of material that you wrap around your torso. Moms say there is a learning curve to putting on a traditional baby wrap. I have used a traditional baby wrap. Once I got the hang of it, it was easy to use.

Solly Baby Wrap Carrier

• Compact
• Fits in your diaper bag
• Made of soft, lightweight Modal fabric. Modal is a silky soft material that is made from beech trees.
• Available in a variety of solids, prints, and stripes
• Machine wash and dry

Safety

• Hip healthy certified

Things to consider about the Solly Baby Wrap

This wrap is only recommended for use in babies who are 25 pounds or less.

It should only be used with baby facing toward you.

If you prefer organic products to use with your baby then the Organic Cotton Baby Wrap/Sling Carrier by Loveyduds on Etsy is exactly what you are looking for.

It gets an impressive 5 star rating from over 6000 reviews!!!

Most baby carriers can be used from birth. Check the guidelines for the carrier you choose. Some manufacturers provide weight guidelines for when you can start to use their carrier.

I encourage moms to do lots of skin to skin in those first few days of their baby’s life. I also encourage moms to take it easy and get plenty of rest in the early days. 

But if you want to take a walk a baby carrier that is approved for your baby’s weight is a great idea.

Related Posts

Breastfeeding You Newborn the First Day – All You Need to Know

Breastfeeding the First Week: 5 Easy to Remember Tips

Follow these guidelines to help ensure safety when using a baby carrier or sling.

• You should always be able to see your baby’s face easily. It should not be pressed into your body.
• Fabric should not cover baby’s face.
• Baby’s chin is off of her chest.
• Baby should be high enough that you can comfortably kiss the top of her head.
• Choose a carrier that fits you properly.
• Choose a carrier that allows you to position your baby, so his thighs are supported, and hips are bent and allowed to spread apart (Source).

Best Baby Carrier for Breastfeeding Newborn

The best baby carrier for nursing your newborn in will be the Baby K’Tan. This is the carrier that can easily be used as a sling. That is the position that will be easiest for most new moms to breastfeed in when they are out and about.

Most Comfortable Baby Carrier

This is really an individual preference. Some people like the structured baby carriers and find those the most comfortable to use. Others really like the lightweight Baby K’Tan and the way they can choose a size that best fits them.

Best Structured Baby Carrier for Breastfeeding

The Ergobaby Omni 360 is the winner for a structured carrier.

Ergobaby has been making baby carriers since 2002. They are a reputable company. Their carrier is available in a wide variety of solids and prints. 

Check out all the innovative products for your baby made by Ergobaby.

Which baby carrier did you choose? Let me know in the comments.

 

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The post How to Confidently Choose the Best Baby Carrier For Breastfeeding appeared first on Breastfeeding Confidential.