Assistive Products For Breastfeeding: 5 Products For Expectant Mothers

Breast milk is recommended as the only food source for children during the first six months of life. Each mother decides for herself whether she wants to breastfeed or not, but if you have decided to breastfeed, there are some breastfeeding aids that can make it a little more comfortable.

When you become a mother for the first time, it is perfectly normal to make mistakes. Maybe you buy things that are completely unnecessary or that turn out to be different than what you hoped for. Therefore, we have put together a list that can help expectant first-time mothers navigate the plethora of breastfeeding products on the market.

Why you may need breastfeeding products

It is important to feel comfortable while breastfeeding. It may not sound that hard, but breastfeeding is actually not always practical. Sometimes you are not at home when the baby needs food, and sometimes you may have a visit or be in another situation that makes breastfeeding uncomfortable. Then it can be good to have equipment that makes it easier, because no matter what the baby needs to eat.

In some cases, you may not even be available to breastfeed, if you may have left the baby with the father or another family member to do something else for a while. And then you may have to pump milk in advance so that they can feed the baby for you.

It’s up to you if you want to use some aids when breastfeeding, but if you can afford and want them, it can be nice to have.

Breastfeeding clothes

Not all clothes can be adapted for breastfeeding, and therefore it can be nice to have some breastfeeding clothes at your disposal, at least in the beginning. V-neck sweaters and tank tops with buttons on the front are excellent aids for breastfeeding.

A breastfeeding-friendly bra can also make it easier. It must offer enough support for your milk-burst bust, while it can be convenient to be able to open the bra without having to take it off every time the baby gets hungry. Fortunately, there are many nursing bras with hooks at the front; a good investment if you plan to breastfeed your baby.

Other aids during breastfeeding

• Breast pump. A breast pump is not always necessary, but it can be very useful. In the beginning, while the breasts are still getting used to breastfeeding, the mammary glands need to be stimulated quite often to continue producing milk. A breast pump can therefore be comfortable to have if you want to increase milk production, and also if you want to be able to pump milk for the occasions when you leave the baby with a caregiver. It can also be useful if your breasts are filled with milk and your baby cannot or does not want to breastfeed at that time, as otherwise it can become uncomfortable and you risk milk congestion.

• Breastfeeding protection. These cover the nipple but have a hole through which the baby can get his milk. They are useful for preventing or healing cracks that can occur on the nipples, especially in the beginning when they have not yet got used to breastfeeding. At the same time, they can help if the baby has difficulty grasping the nipple, for example if it is facing inwards.
  
• Breastfeeding pillow. A breastfeeding pillow can help you hold the baby during breastfeeding, and help the baby to lie in a proper position. It gives the baby support and is comfortable, while the baby can rest in the mother’s arms. You can also use regular pillows, but they do not always have the desired effect.
• Breastfeeding inserts. It is perfectly normal to leak milk during the breastfeeding period, but it can be uncomfortable, not to mention that it stains and makes clothes wet. Breastfeeding insoles are absorbent pads that are inserted into the bra. There are both disposable inserts and washable inserts, so you choose what you prefer. However, it is important that they stay dry to avoid fungal infection.