Preparing To Breastfeed Part 3
Read The Previous Part First:
Preparing To Breastfeed Part 1
Preparing To Breastfeed Part 2
If so, you’ll need a breast pump. Don’t skimp on this purchase, because you’ll regret it. Avoid any pump manufactured by a formula company. Manual pumps are inexpensive and work for occasional use, but they’re usually very difficult to operate. Electric pumps such as the Medela Minielectric are the next level, and are excellent for moderate use (such as the “insurance”, “babysitter” or “daddy’s turn” scenarios).
Mothers who choose to return to work will need a pump more suited for heavy usage. Choose a double breast pump so you can pump both breasts at the same time. Breast pumps can also be rented from hospitals or medical supply companies. If you express milk, you’ll also need storage containers. Most quality breast pumps allow direct deposit into standard baby bottles, or into soft storage bags.
Except for very short-term use, avoid using soft “bottle insert” bags. Use glass baby bottles or storage bags specifically made for storing expressed breast milk. These can even be safely frozen for several weeks.One important way you can prepare for breastfeeding your baby is to keep formula out of your house. Formula companies often provide samples, through direct mail, distributed during a prenatal exam, or at the hospital or birth center.
Throw them away, donate them to a charity, or give them to someone who is formula feeding a baby. Unless you live very far away from a grocery or convenience store, it won’t be that hard to buy formula at any hour if a serious need does occur. Mothers who have formula readily available are much more likely to give up nursing during a rough period. At 3:00 a.m., if you’re exhausted and the baby’s crying, you may be tempted to mix up a bottle.
But if the nearest baby formula is two miles away at the grocery store, you’ll probably stick it out. In the morning, you’ll be glad you did. Don’t let the “supply list” discourage you. Many nursing mothers get by with far less. Formula expenses can quickly add up during baby’s first year, and will probably equal or surpass your expenditures on breastfeeding accessories. Your baby will also be healthier and need fewer visits to the doctor and fewer prescriptions filled. And in time, breastfeeding is not only economical and healthier, but you will realize it is exceptionally convenient.
Continue to Preparing To Breastfeed Part 4
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