Are you pregnant and looking for tips to prepare for your breastfeeding journey? Keep reading for my advice on practical breastfeeding items to pack in your hospital bag.
When you’re pregnant, there’s so much to think about. Believe me, I know exactly what you’re going through right now – I’ve been through it five times! You’re focused on your health and hoping everything turns out ok with your baby. While preparing for delivery, you’re probably taking childbirth classes and getting all the info and tips from wherever you can. You’re preparing your baby’s nursery getting all the supplies you think you’ll need to make sure you and baby are comfy. For me, I don’t think the worry, anxiety, and stress got any easier each time!
But, what about breastfeeding? Have you thought about it? Have you prepared for it?
So many moms I speak to (myself included!) don’t think about breastfeeding until after the baby is born. But you have to remember that your body’s getting ready for breastfeeding from the moment you get pregnant! And you should play an active role in all that preparation. That way you’ll give both you and your baby the best start possible.
I recommend having your hospital bag ready by the time you’re 36-37 weeks pregnant. That way you’ll be prepared – ust in case you deliver a little early.
Here are a few Practical Breastfeeding Items To Pack In Your Hospital Bag:
Nursing Bra
To help support your breasts while breastfeeding and give your baby easy access to your breasts. I recommend one made of a stretchy, soft, comfortable material with no underwire. Underwire can be super painful as your breasts grow. You should buy your bras a size up, since your breasts are likely to get bigger while breastfeeding. Lastly, make sure it’s easy for you to unclip the bra flaps with one hand. That way, you and baby don’t get frustrated when it’s time to feed.
Nursing Pads
Most women will produce only a small amount of colostrum in the first few days. So you may not need nursing pads while you’re in the hospital. But, it’s helpful to have a few on hand to protect your bra and clothing. You never know if your milk will “come in” a little early (within 1-2 days of delivery).
Nursing Pajamas
Look for comfy pajamas that have a nursing bra or some sort of support built in. Nursing pajamas make it easy to just unclip the hook on the side that you want to feed on and still stay pretty covered up while feeding.
Nipple cream/Lanolin
To protect your breasts from sore nipples while you’re trying to get the hang of breastfeeding, apply nipple cream after feedings. It soothes and protects your nipples. And don’t worry – it’s nontoxic, so it won’t harm your baby.
Cooling Hydrogel Pads
These pads can be inserted into your nursing bra to help heal sore nipples. They can also ease the pain associated with engorgement once your milk comes in.
Breastfeeding Pillow
It’s helpful to learn to use a breastfeeding pillow from the very beginning. The lactation consultant in the hospital can help you find the right positions for you and your baby using the pillow. Hospital pillows can be a substitute. But a breastfeeding pillow can provide the exact support you need when you’re positioning your baby to latch and feed. It can also protect your belly while feeding if you’ve had a c-section. And can take pressure off your back while you’re trying to find the positions that work. I recommend a pillow with a washable cover so that you can wash it and get rid of the hospital germs when you get home.
Hand Pump
You may not need a pump if you’re in the hospital briefly. But, if your baby is struggling to latch, you may need to pump to stimulate your supply. A hand pump is simple to use in the first few days before your milk really gets flowing. If you have access to a lactation consultant in the hospital, ask for help with using your pump. The hospital may even loan you an electric pump to use while you’re there.
Water Bottle
Delivery and nursing will make you thirsty! Be sure to keep up on your hydration so that you can get started with a good supply of breast milk for your baby. Having a personal water bottle close by can serve as a good reminder for you to keep drinking.
Snacks
You’ll likely be pretty hungry after delivery and especially while breastfeeding. Pack a variety of snacks (i.e. healthy, sweet, salty, protein-filled, etc) to keep your belly full and your energy up. Of course, pack snacks that are easy to travel with and don’t require much prep work to enjoy. You’ll be pretty busy with your new little one.
Lactation Consultant Information
So you can call and set up an appointment when you’re being discharged from the hospital. Early follow-up is key to breastfeeding success! (Remember, I’m available for virtual consults no matter where you are in the US, and in-home consults throughout South Florida).
I hope this list of Practical Breastfeeding Items To Pack In Your Hospital Bag gets you started with breastfeeding prep. Be sure to get started right away so you and your baby can reap ALL those breastfeeding benefits!
Other helpful resources related to these Practical Breastfeeding Items To Pack In Your Hospital Bag:
If you love these tips, be sure to check out my 75+ page digital library, filled with step-by-step instructions and the tools you need to learn the basics and adapt to life while breastfeeding, troubleshoot breastfeeding problems, go back to work while breastfeeding, wean – and so much more!
