Breastfeeding and pumping station must-haves
If you are a new mom or soon to be mom, you have probably searched about breastfeeding or pumping or formula feeding to learn some more. If you are breastfeeding or pumping, you will definitely need a station or somewhere that is designated for you. This could be in your room or living room or anywhere you enjoy being.
As a new mom, you are going to spend a lot of time feeding your baby, so this space needs to be comfortable for both you and your baby. For my first daughter, mine was on the Glider in her room and i spent most of my time there. However, this time around i have a set of boy/girl twins so the glider is too small to hold two babies. Rather than spend so much on a wider glider, i decided to take a part of our sectional sofa as my station and then i breastfeed them on the bed at night.
You have probably searched for things you will need for pumping and breastfeeding or how to make breastfeeding more enjoyable. Today, we will talk about a few things that are essential to add to your pumping or breastfeeding station.
How to Set-up
First, make sure to choose somewhere comfortable and where you do not mind being in the open or exposed especially when you have guests. I use my living room couch but use a nursing cover if guests show up. Also since you probably will have two stations for day and night-time, its best to have a breastfeeding tote or basket or caddy to move your things around in.
Snacks
I do not know about you, but i am usually starving all day due to breastfeeding so i keep snacks next to me to prevent having to always get up. If you do not like drinking water, try infusing your water with some fruits to get a bit of flavor.
Nursery chair
A comfortable chair is very essential to your pumping or nursing journey.
Planner
I love to keep my planner close by to plan my day or see what i have on my schedule even though the whole day is pretty much upside down lol.
To do list/ notepad
Same as a planner, it is important to keep a to-do list close-by or a notepad
Nail clipper
I cannot tell you how many times my babies have fallen asleep on me and its the perfect time to cut their nails. I look around and my nail clipper is somewhere else, so annoying.
Laptop and charger
You need this if you do a lot of work online or need to watch movies or anything.
Pens
This goes with the planner, to do list or notepad
Water
Breastfeeding not only makes me hungry, but also thirsty as well. Get a water bottle to keep next to you with water in it.
Book to read
I do not always get to read but a good time is when you are breastfeeding your baby. It tends to be a bit harder when breastfeeding two babies at a time.
Nursing pad
During the first few weeks, you may experience a lot of leakage. Having nursing pads whether disposable or reusable will help prevent your shirts from getting stained or any embarrassing situation.
Handbag
I like to keep my handbag close to me if i need something from it.
Chair
Have a comfortable chair to use regularly.
If you are breastfeeding one baby, it may be beneficial to have a Hakaa. This is used to collect milk from one boob while baby feeds on the other. Several people are able to get milk to store with this method. It does not require any extra work from you, which is great. Plus it costs so little.
As a new mom, you might be interested in the following other posts:
Diaper bag essentials and checklist
Vitamin D drops
Pediatricians recommend that breastfed babies take a daily dose of Vitamin D. Having this close to you at your station will help you remember. As i am writing this, i realize i do not have mine in my station anymore and hence have not given it in a while.
Nursing pillow
Having your baby in the right position can encourage a good latch and also help your baby get more milk and reduce nipple pain. There are several nursing pillows. I currently use the Twin Z PIllow
Pump
I use the Spectra Baby
Burp cloth
My babies are prone to spitting up a lot, so i usually have their bib and burp cloths to prevent making a mess.
Hand sanitizer
You need clean hands especially when pumping milk for your baby.
Nipple cream
To provide moisture and protect your nipples during breastfeeding and pumping. Get one that is safe for both you and baby.
A breastfeeding basket
Have a nice small sized basket or tote to help with moving things around. For instance, you may need some of the items in a different room sometimes and it will be easier to just throw those things into a basket and move.
Phone charger
A phone charger in case your phone needs to be charged
Congrats again on your bundle of joy, i hope you found this list helpful. Please comment and share this post with others!
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