This post is sponsored by Walmart & RewardStyle. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
In case you didn’t know, August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. And with our little blessing making his debut this past week, it is only fitting that I share a post on with some first time mom tips and essentials for breastfeeding your newborn. Now, let me straightforward, I am no expert. I had to talk to a lactation specialist a number of times before I left the hospital before feeling even slightly confident about breastfeeding my baby. But in this past week, I have learned a lot and found out what essentials are absolutely needed to make sure that you and baby are comfortable. Even if you are not breastfeeding, there are still a number of baby products in this post that are MUST HAVES in any type of feeding situation.
Many of the products that I found to be my go-to’s can be found at a local Walmart. This was something that was great for us because the closest store to run out and grab something that we need is Walmart. So, when Carter arrived home, and we began realizing that we weren’t 100% prepared (but, can you ever really be?), we were able to run down the street and head into the store to grab what we needed. Also, I recently found at that Walmart has this next day delivery option on select products. But, let’s not dwell on shopping and let’s talk about what we need.
Breastfeeding is something that is highly recommended by doctors. I’m not going to get into the statistics of it all, but I have found that I have bonded deeper with my baby in this past week because I am breastfeeding. And as each day passes, I get more and more comfortable and confident in that he is getting the nutrients that he needs.
When I first planned to breastfeed, I knew that I needed to get a breast pump. I already have a plan to breastfeed exclusively for the first few months, at least, but at a certain time I know that I am going to need to pump some milk for when someone is babysitting and even for when I got back to work. There are a number of breast pumps, but the most highly recommended one is the Medela pump. Medela makes a number of products for breastfeeding including the pump and a variety of accessories such as storage bags – which, of course, are a must if you are pumping. If you’re pumping or using formula, you’ll also want trusty bottles and a bottle warmer – no baby likes cold milk right at the start.
For those, like me, who haven’t started pumping yet, the first thing that you need to get yourself set up for comfort when feeding your baby is a Boppy. Babies are small, but they can tire your arm out. By having a Boppy, you have a comfortable place to rest your arm and baby, so that you are both comfortable. I started off with just cradling him in my arm, and I soon got really tired. So tired that I would find myself shifting a lot which then lead to him detaching – and that detach and re-latch hurts. Additionally, find a comfortable place to sit. I find myself sitting in my glider a lot more than I thought I would at the start because of the support.
In speaking about things hurting and finding support, breastfeeding is trial and error, and especially at night, that latch may not be perfect. Nipple products are a must for breastfeeding. You’ll want the lanolin cream, nipple pads, and some compresses. The lanolin cream and compresses will help with those sore and/or cracked nipples. I am dealing with it now with hope that there will be some point when I won’t need it. And the nipple pads help to provide separation between the fabric of your bra or clothing to lessen irritation.
You can shop my top essentials directly from the interactive photo above along with the exclusive Breastfeeding Awareness Month boutique below.
