Breastfeeding accessories

Breastfeeding is a complex process that requires mental preparation and a large dose of motivation from a nursing mother. If you are giving birth for the first time, you may need support in this regard. Remember, however, that you can always count on a midwife to help you latch your baby to the breast efficiently. An additional convenience may also be special accessories for breastfeeding, which will make it easier for you to perform this activity. 

The most important thing is that you should be patient, do not get discouraged and make more attempts - over time your baby will gain experience in sucking the breast, and you will provide him with stable development and immunity, necessary in the later stages of life. If you want to know what breastfeeding gadgets can help you during this special period, read the rest of this article.

The benefits of breastfeeding

The Institute of Mother and Child recommends its patients to breastfeed because of the benefits it brings for both mother and her baby.

By latching your baby to the breast, you meet his nutritional needs, build up immunity and allow him to develop healthily. An exceptionally strong bond also forms between you and your body also benefits from it. Among other things, it protects you against cancer, causes faster uterine contraction and reduces the risk of depression. As you can see, it is many positive aspects of breastfeeding.

Where to start?

The first attempts to feed a baby are not necessarily successful. But remember not to get discouraged too quickly. You can choose from a variety of breastfeeding gadgets that can prove invaluable in helping you with your difficult beginnings.

First of all, do not be afraid to ask for help - the midwife should give you all the necessary advice and will be your support in difficult times. At the Institute of Mother and Child, you can also count on the help of the Lactation Disorders Clinic, but similar clinics also exist in other hospitals. In the event of disturbing symptoms or long-term problems, a specialist may prove to be the necessary support.

Be patient. Breastfeeding is a beautiful time with many benefits for you and your baby. It is worth overcoming the difficulties in order to enjoy it. Below you will find a list of products that will make breastfeeding easier.

Breastfeeding accessories:

• reusable breast pads;
• disposable breast pads;
• feeding pillow.

Nursing pads, disposable or reusable?

Breast pads are a must-have product for every nursing mother. They absorb the milk flowing from the breast, protect clothes and maintain hygiene.

Among the breastfeeding accessories on the market, there are two types of breast pads: disposable and reusable.

Reusable insoles

The advantages of using reusable insoles include their price and ecological aspect. They last longer, so we will buy fewer of them without generating a large amount of waste. . However, due to the fact that they do not have food absorbing substances, they can become a source of bacteria and germs. This can lead to inflammation on the nipples of a nursing mother. Therefore, it is imperative to wash them after each use. If, as a mother, you decide to use this type of insoles, keep them clean.

The best reusable earplugs consist of cotton, bamboo or wool. Although they are very skin-friendly raw materials, users note that they do not provide adequate protection against leakage. When considering their purchase, it is worth paying attention to whether their thickness will not be disturbing during use and whether they are contoured. It is also worth remembering that they may be visible under clothing.

Disposable inserts

An alternative to this solution are disposable inserts, which are very popular, readily used by mothers and recommended by experts of the Institute of Mother and Child. Their outer layer, as in the case of reusable earplugs, is made of cotton. Inside, however, there is a gel cartridge that protects against leakage. Disposable pads are quite thin and well profiled, so they are not visible under clothing. There are many types of this type of inserts on the market. They differ from each other structure, thickness, size and absorbency. You can buy thinner for the day and thicker, more absorbent for the night. When choosing inserts, pay special attention to their material composition and structure. They should ensure air circulation, leave no fibers on the skin and fit snugly to the breast.

Unlike reusable pads, disposable pads do not require constant washing and are therefore one of the more convenient breastfeeding accessories.  Change them every 2-3 hours or more often, and you will not create an environment for bacteria and germs to thrive. The undoubted advantage of disposable inserts is their absorbency and structure. They effectively retain food and smell for up to several hours, and thanks to their structure they are invisible under clothes. The most important thing, however, is that they keep moisture away from mum's skin.

The best remedy for injured nipples: Your food

Breastfeeding is a moment that mums describe as having an amazing bond with your baby. Sometimes everything goes naturally, and sometimes it requires a lot of patience and commitment from both the woman and the child. It may take some time for your baby to learn each other with your baby and to start smoothly latching on to your nipple so that it grasps your entire nipple.

Nursing pillow: useful breastfeeding gadget

You may still be sore in the first few days after giving birth. At a time like this, it will be difficult for you to find a comfortable feeding position. A unique breastfeeding gadget comes in handy here - namely special pillows, thanks to which you will not burden your hands and spine while holding your baby.

Important features of a feeding pillow

When choosing the best pillow model for yourself, pay attention to several important features: size, stability, raw material composition and cleanability. The nursing pillow is meant to be a support for you, so it cannot be too small. The child cannot slide off it. The best model will be a model with profiled edges, a rigid structure and a height of several centimeters.

Filling the feeding pillow

Be sure to also check its filling. These types of pillows most often have a filler made of polystyrene, sponge and siliconized polyester fibers. Regardless of which of the raw materials you choose, verify that it has the necessary approvals, for example oekotex standard certificateconfirming the chemical safety of raw materials. After all, there is nothing more important than your baby's health.

Removable cover and a zipper in the feeding pillows

Another advantage will be the zipper, thanks to which you can pull out excess filler or add if necessary to harden the pillow. Each child is different, so it is important that you can adjust the pillow to its anatomical features. Now that we're at the zipper, it would be great for the pillow cover to be removed. The baby might rain, and you don't want the pillow full of germs. Therefore, whenever the situation requires it, wash the cover and put it back on the pillow after drying and ironing.

Don't be afraid to seek help

Even the best breastfeeding accessories will not replace the help and support of a specialist - it can be midwife, certified lactation consultant from the Lactation Disorders Clinic or a neurologist. It is for you and your child's welfare, so don't take any chances. Be vigilant and react as quickly as possible. A faster answer to a problem gives a better chance of success in solving it.