BF-ing Moms...registry question

JLyn821 · November 2013

So, I've decided to give BF-ing a shot. As my mom didn't BF and my MIL BFed 27 years ago, I don't really know what to put on our registries with regards to BF-ing. All I have on there right now are bottles, a cover, and a boppy. What am I going to need? I'm clueless. Thanks!

waterfall213 · November 2013

Breast pads, nipple cream, soothies gel pads. Will you get a pump from your insurance? If not register for one.

JLyn821 · November 2013

waterfall213 said:

Breast pads, nipple cream, soothies gel pads. Will you get a pump from your insurance? If not register for one.

I'm not sure yet. Due to the lovely UPMC/Highmark battle, we're switching companies and I won't know until January 1st. I plan on giving Aetna a call January 2nd to get the list of questions I have answered.

If they won't cover, I'll definitely add it.

MRads · November 2013

I had Aetna and it was covered. It should be covered bc only plans that are being grandfathered in dont have to cover it. Since the company is switching, it won't be grandfathered in, most likely.

I didn't get any nipple pads bc I had a box of them in my pump and that's all I needed. It doesn't hurt to have them, though.

I would put nursing tanks and bras on your registry. You can do it after your shower if you want, but that way you get the discount. I don't wear nursing bras or tanks anymore (just wear regular stuff) but a lot of people really like the nursing stuff at Target.

I found the nipple shield to be a life saver. It helped B to latch better and saved my nips some pain. I've heard that it can help with babies taking a bottle, if that is a concern to you, as well.

I think the My Breast Friend is better for BF than the boppy. And at the risk of giving unsolicited advice, the BF Centet through Kids Plus Pediatrics (there is one in Cranberry) has been great with BF issues. And West Penn has a bF group on Wednesdays that really help too. You don't have to deliver there or have insurance that works there. It is totally free.

emw1023 · November 2013

I second getting the nipple shield. It also helped K latch on better. I would highly recommend a hands-free pumping bra - best thing ever!!! I use mine ALL the time!!

bobcee · November 2013

I second the my brestfriend pillow. And freezer storage bags if you plan on building a stash. My favorite are the Lansinoh. I think everything else has been covered.

bobcee · November 2013

And I wouldn't recommend a nipple shield unless you're having issues and its recommended by the LC. they gave me one in the hospital with D because of flat nipples and I hated it. It made it so much harder to nurse, especially NIP. I was so relieved when she finally latched without it. And I didn't need it this time around.

lindsayandjamie · November 2013

Honestly, with BF, you won't know what you need until you need it. Breast pads are a staple for the beginning whether you nurse or not because you will likely leak regardless.

I only ever needed a boppy for the beginning, and a hand pump when I was crazy engorged (but I was off work for a year, so I didn't need a double electric). Nursing accessories are purely optional until you know what works, as is the nipple shield because not every one needs one. Nipple cream is also optional. I used coconut oil and it was better than the medela cream IMO. My midwife also suggested olive oil. You also don't have to wipe them off before nursing because they are edible. I would suggest one or two quality nursing tank which is nice to sleep in when you need more support. I really like my bravado brand ones.

You can register for anything you think you may like, but the problem is that if you don't use it, most things can not be returned due to the senstive nature. I would keep it minimal until you know what you want.

BackseatDriver · November 2013

I really preferred My Breast Friend Pillow to the Boppy which I never really used.
Other things I used:
Nursing cover
Nipple cream (I liked Earth Mama Angel Baby)
Nursing pads (I prefer the washable kind)
Nursing Bras (didn't register for these)
Pump wipes
Nursing Mother's Companion book

I also got Booby Tubes but I only used them a handful of times. I think I could have done without these.

Probably could have used these early on, but I would wait until you know you want to keep going with BF and assess whether they would be useful http://www.amazon.com/Milkies-Milk-Saver-Breast-Collector-Storage/dp/B001SMBRWO/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1384784146&sr=1-1&keywords=milkies+milk+saver

I also needed a nipple shield early on, but we just ran out to the store to buy one. I wouldn't bother with one until you know you need it.

I use these to freeze milk and then baby food. I prefer storing in smaller volumes. If you are thinking about making your own purees you might as well consider registering for this. http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Baby-Freezer-White-Green/dp/B0038JE5Y2/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1384784257&sr=1-1&keywords=oxo+tray

pistolpackinmomma · November 2013

Bravado nursing camis are amazing!!

Venti29 · November 2013

The nipple cream and 'stuff' can get expensive and you might not need it. I had tubes of nipple gel, I didn't need it and the hospital gave me some at birth.

This is the kinda stuff I wish I waited on. Not the nursing tanks tho, I lived in those!

cinderin · November 2013

I had a different experience than some here with "stuff" needed. :-)

Breast milk storage bags - Nuk brand (highly reviewed) I use giftbags in the chest freezer in the garage. If you have the space, I would invest in a chest freezer, it is nice for milk storage (especially if you are going to be going back to work and need to pump). If I were a SAHM it wouldn't be as much of a need.

Boppy (had a "breastfriend" and never used it - at all) and two boppy covers (so you can wash one and just put the next one on)

Two nursing bras (comfortable ones you can sleep in) - I have one from Motherhood and one from Target. I like them both.

Nursing tanks - I just made my own out of older tank tops. I just wear them under shirts so it doesn't really matter.

How to make them: http://thejensonjaunts.blogspot.com/2011/07/thrifty-fun-diy-make-your-own-nursing.html

I made three before DS was born, I have used them a ton and haven't had time to make more, so I would definitely make them ahead of time.

Breast pump - definitely see what your insurance will cover. I have a Medela PIS which I like and a Hygea which I also like. I bought two so I could have one for work and a back up one if needed.

Lanolin - I would get one tube, they aren't too expensive. Like one of the PP, I was given some RX nipple cream at the hospital, which was great.

Washable breast pads - Bamboobies are my favorite

http://www.amazon.com/Bamboobies-Pair-Ultra-Thin-Regular-Nursing/dp/B0043C5XYY/ref=tag_stp_s2f_edpp_breast11ds

Yoga and Pajama pants - I spent a lot of time in these and a nursing bra (it was hot when DS was born). Something really comfortable, at least three pairs.

Nursing cover - I have one I got used from a friend, I have used it a couple times. It is really almost as easy to use a A&A blanket or something similar. But if you think you will use it, I would get one.

Bottles - We use Tommee Tippee, but I would get some BF friendly ones (you won't want to use them right away, but they are nice to have). Probably want at least 3. Don't buy too many though because you don't know which brand(s) your LO will take.

As far as the nipple shield - it is one of my greatest "regrets" about BF. I would use it only as a *last resort*.

I was given a couple nipple shields at the hospital and at follow up breastfeeding appointments with lactation consultants. I was given them because I was told I had flat nipples. I trusted the LC and used the nipple shield.

After that, DS would only latch with the nipple shield. It took me until he was 9 weeks old to get him off of it. It caused milk transfer issues which contributed to slow weight gain for DS and low supply for me. I had to do a lot of work (feed then pump for 30 minutes after each feeding for three weeks) to get my supply back and it was really hard to try to wean DS from the nipple shield.

I wish the LC had never given me them. I really think we would have been fine without it. Or I wish I had known better and never used it, even if they had given them to me.

I read a couple books, but I have not read "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" but I hear it is the best book (no one told me until he was already here and I haven't had time - if we decide to go for #2, I will read it PG).

BF has been quite possibly the hardest thing I have ever done, but it has been so worth it. It is going to be tough at first, but don't give up - it gets easier (even if it seems like it won't).

BF-ing Moms...registry question

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