What do you need for breastfeeding? That's right—you and your baby. So, my blog post is finished.
I breastfed for 9 months. 6 of those months were full-time, and 3 months during the introduction of solids, primarily only at night or during "snacks." And since I sometimes breastfed up to 12 times a day, I can already say I have experience with breastfeeding.
Yes, but I don't have any experience with breastfeeding problems. Breastfeeding doesn't necessarily mean there will always be problems. Nevertheless, a few basics are helpful for "normal (breastfeeding) routines." And who knows, maybe things wouldn't have worked so well for me without these things. So do yourself a favor and get what you need to truly make breastfeeding the best experience for you and your baby.
But where do you start?
During my pregnancy, I had already read a few specialist articles, newsletters, and even blog posts about breastfeeding. It sounded mysterious, very intimate, and sometimes a bit intimidating. I wished and hoped, until my first time, that I could breastfeed. Only then did I want to consider alternatives.
And please don't get me wrong, it's easy—easy for everyone involved—but not easy in the sense that anyone can do it, it works for everyone, or everyone finds breastfeeding easy. No, I mean it's easier than preparing all those bottles, packing them, carrying them, keeping them warm, cleaning them, shopping for them, etc. Breastfeeding is easier than giving the bottle day and night. Yes, but breastfeeding shouldn't be underestimated. It's sometimes exhausting, makes you more dependent, feels somehow more vulnerable, and also more cautious, because something could ultimately disrupt the breastfeeding relationship. That's my way of thinking.
I always tried to plan my appointments so that they fell between breastfeeding sessions. But a baby isn't a time machine that can be programmed; it's a natural being that gets thirsty depending on its love and mood, or seeks and needs closeness and security. So I also breastfed in public, whether in the park, in a restaurant, or at a friend's house. After all, I had "everything a man could want." When it was time to breastfeed, I withdrew, not because I was ashamed of breastfeeding, but because I wanted to give my baby peace and quiet while he drank. After all, it was just as new for him as it was for me. And personally, I don't like it when people watch me eat.
If you were to ask me what the most important supplies I needed for breastfeeding were, I would answer:
- Comfortable clothing and clothing suitable for breastfeeding (a dress that can only be pulled up from the bottom up is already impractical in a restaurant… just saying… guilty, experienced it myself 😉 )
- Nursing bra
- Nursing pad (especially at night, but also for when you are out and about)
Then I recommend making your home comfortable. Set up your living room and bedroom so that there's enough space for a breastfeeding session, or keep the following items within easy reach or ready for you on longer trips:
- Muslin diapers
- Nursing pillow
- Clock
- App to document when and with which side you breastfed
- Night light
In addition to eating well, balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids, give yourself and your baby plenty of rest and relaxation to be ready for breastfeeding and – if you plan to continue breastfeeding for a longer period – to stay that way. Your drinking and eating habits are crucial. You'll probably sweat like crazy at first, which makes it all the more important to drink plenty. Keep refilling your glass, your cup—what am I saying—your jug with liquid (preferably non-carbonated, unsweetened, avoiding certain ingredients or herbs) and distribute it around the house, or take the drinks with you on the go.
I should eat everything from the start. This was emphasized several times. Of course, I should then reduce the gas-producing foods or even avoid them altogether, because my baby reacted strongly to them. You'll notice very quickly what your baby reacts to or doesn't. You can either hear it (gas), see it (skin or in the diaper), or smell it (diaper!).
Unfortunately, our baby boy had severe stomach cramps... you could practically hear it bubbling and "cracking" in his tummy. But the doctor couldn't find anything abnormal. I reduced certain foods for a few days, or even eliminated them completely (e.g., cow's milk). And lo and behold, he was feeling much better (and so were we).
To be honest, I found feeding while breastfeeding a bit more complicated than during pregnancy. But it doesn't have to be, so keep testing small amounts. Then you'll quickly notice whether your baby is still responding or whether things are going better. Because every baby is different and has its own pace – the same goes for stomach tolerance and digestion.
But let's get back to the breastfeeding basics to maintain successful breastfeeding and stay fit yourself.
There are a few helpful products for nipple care and regeneration:
- Nipple ointment preventative care
- Breast gel pads to cover and protect sore nipples
- Breast compresses for irritated, sore or inflamed nipples
- Heat pad for the neck (the neck pain is already bad!)
After the postpartum period, my recovery period began, and I took a course without my baby. I pumped, and my husband gave me a bottle of breast milk. Of course, we needed additional equipment for this, such as:
- Breast pump including bottles and teats
- Breast milk bags for storage or freezing
All in all, I can only recommend that you approach breastfeeding in a relaxed manner, let it all come to you, take your time, and get used to it. Ask your partner to provide you with all-inclusive care – at least for the first few days or weeks. Because breastfeeding isn't a solo effort – it's a team effort between you, your baby, and your partner.
Best regards,
Your Melissa // 34 years old, simply a mom of a baby boy
Always seek medical advice
Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.
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