Breastfeeding Basket

In order to make breastfeeding easier, I've made a breastfeeding basket with all of the necessities in one place.  Most of the items are ones that I talked about registering for here.

Here's what my basket includes:

• Cloth Diapers - I'll be using these in place of burp cloths for anything that needs to be wiped or cleaned up.  
• Baby wipes - for when your burp cloths don't cut it
• Bamboobies Disposable Nursing pads - place these in your nursing bra or tank to catch any leaks and to prevent whatever cream you're using from staining your tops.
• Lansinoh Lanolin Breast Cream:  use this to coat the flanges on your pump before pumping to provide some lubrication.  This protects your breasts and makes pumping more comfortable.
• Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Balm:  apply on a daily basis to your breasts to keep them hydrated and soothed.
• Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads:  help to soothe and heal sore nipples.  They are supposed to provide instant relief and are recommended especially for when you are first starting to breastfeed.  
• Philips Avent Thermal Gel Pads:  hot and cold packs for your boobs.  You can warm them to increase milk slow or cool them to provide relief from engorgement.  I registered for 2 sets, so that I can have one heating or cooling while I am using the other.  
• Pacifier
• Toy/rattle
• Chapstick
• Hair ties
• Snacks
• Water bottles
• Book/magazine

Postpartum Recovery Basket

After a lot of research and some input from some moms I know,  I've assembled my postpartum care kits. One for the downstairs bath and one for upstairs.  They're definitely not the most glamorous, but it will be nice to have everything that I may need for when I return home from the hospital. 

Here is a list of what I included:

• witch hazel antiseptic (great for making padsicles and for adding to the peri bottles for rinsing down there)
• hemorrhoidal cream
• gentle hemorrhoidal care wipes (for wiping down there once you're able to)
• cooling hemorrhoidal relief pads (smaller and great for putting in your underwear)
• Earth Mama Angel New Mama Bottom Balm (came highly recommended at our birth class, said to apply after every bathroom visit)
• Dermoplast (with the blue lid - for pain and itch relief)
• peri bottles (for when you can't wipe down there)
• Always maxi extra heavy overnight pads (always step down from the hospital pads they give you)
• Always infinity overnight pads (the next step down for when bleeding lessens)
• Colace(a breastfeeding friendly stool softener)
• Tylenol and Ibprofen for swelling and pain

Registry: Breastfeeding and Pumping

Obviously breastfeeding is not for everyone and is a personal choice.  As I plan to breastfeed, I've included what I've learned below.

Breast Pump

I will be home for the first 6 months of my pregnancy and plan to almost exclusively breastfeed during that time.  However, I will have to pump once I return to work, so for me a breast pump is considered an essential.

If you plan on getting a breast pump, my advice is to start by calling your insurance company.  There were 6 pumps that my insurance covered completely. After you have your list of covered pumps, then start your research.  Reviews of many common pumps can be found here.  I ended up getting the Spectra S1 because it had excellent reviews and was covered by my insurance.


Breast Pump Bag

This is definitely an extra and some pumps may come with their own bag.  I have heard amazing things about the Sarah Wells Lizzy bag, so I am registered for that.  However, I don't think I will buy it for myself if I don't receive it as a gift. Keep in mind that not all bags fit all pumps, so make sure you do your research.  Another extra that I've registered for is this matching wet pouch to  store your used parts in until you can clean them.


Breast Milk Storage

If you are pumping, then you need somewhere to store it all.  You can read reviews of the top storage bags here.  I picked Nuk Seal n' Go Milk Storage Bags because they has the least reported leaks, were self-standing, and a reasonable price.  Along with storage bags, you'll want something to keep them organized.  I plan on just using a soda can box as shown here, but if you want something else, the First Years Breastflow Freezer Milk Organizer comes highly rated.


Boppy Pillow

The is a must in my book.  You'll want something to provide support while you're feeding the baby.  I've registered for the Original Boppy Nursing Pillow, the water-proof protective slipcover and two two covers (one to have on and one as a spare).  Some moms like to have two pillows - one for each floor of their house, so that's something to consider.


Breast Care

• Lansinoh Lanolin Breast Cream:  use this to coat the flanges on your pump before pumping to provide some lubrication.  This protects your breasts and makes pumping more comfortable.
• Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Balm:  apply on a daily basis to your breasts to keep them hydrated and soothed.
• Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads:  help to soothe and heal sore nipples.  They are supposed to provide instant relief and are recommended especially for when you are first starting to breastfeed.  
• Philips Avent Thermal Gel Pads:  hot and cold packs for your boobs.  You can warm them to increase milk slow or cool them to provide relief from engorgement.  I registered for 2 sets, so that I can have one heating or cooling while I am using the other.  
• Bamboobies Disposable Nursing Pads:  place these in your nursing bra or tank to catch any leaks and to prevent whatever cream you're using from staining your tops.