Breastfeeding: Books & Breastpumps

Here we go...BREASTFEEDING! I am going to start out talking about books and breastpumps!

Books

I would highly recommend getting a copy of The Nursing Mother's Companion. I love this book! It is not preachy about breastfeeding the way books written by hard-core advocates can be. Rather, it recognizes that everyone's situation is different and that some mother's go back to work and some father's want to play a role in feeding. This book has answered every single question about breastfeeding that I have had to this day. It is very comprehensive and talks about everything from preparing for breastfeeding through to breastfeeding into the toddler years. I can't say enough good things about this book!

Breastpumps

Due to the nature of my job, I was only able to stay home with my daughter for 6 weeks before I had to return to work part-time. Therefore, a breastpump was absolutely necessary for me. I bought the Medela Pump in Style Advanced ($280.00 US). This is a daily use breastpump designed for mothers who pump several times a day. I really like this breastpump and would highly recommend it if you are going to be pumping regularly.

If you are only going to be pumping occasionally, I would recommend looking into a less expensive occasional use breastpump (manual, $35.00 US or electric, $150.00 US) to save yourself some money.

Even if you don't plan on pumping at all, I would consider buying an occasional use breastpump because there are situations in which you may want it.

For example, I used it on many occasions when my breasts were particularly engorged and my daughter was just not eating enough to give me relief. If you want your partner to be able to play a role in feeding, you are going to need a pump. Although I have not had this problem, I know some mothers need to pump in advance of feeding to get their milk flowing if it takes a long time to let down and/or baby is having trouble.

If you do decide to buy a breastpump, you will need storage bags if you plan of freezing your milk for later use. Everything else that I needed came with my breastpump (tubes, breastsheilds, cooler bag with ice pack, 4 - 5 oz bottles, lids, and wide-base slow flow nipples). Check the model you are considering to see of there are any additional supplies you might need.

A side note - the wide-based slow flow nipples and Medela bottles where the only nipples and bottles we could get my daughter to accept. We tried Playtex Ventaire and Gerber bottles and she refused both. Make sure you have a variety of nipple and bottle types on hand if you are going to try to get your baby to take a bottle because this can make a big difference in whether you are successful or not.

Stay tuned for more on breastfeeding and let me know if you have any questions!