5 Helpful Necessities for In-Home Breastfeeding Area
Creating your perfect breastfeeding area where you would be comfortable nursing your baby will encourage successful breastfeeding experience.
Once you’ve reached the third trimester, you’ll probably start stocking up on nursing bras, breast pads, and loose button down shirts for the coming months ahead. While getting ready to breastfeed, you can also create your personal area, a custom designed breastfeeding area for yourself.
Your breastfeeding area should reflect your personality. If you like a loud, yet friendly surrounding, you should consider setting in a corner of the living room or family room. Keep an extra chair or two near you so family members or even friends can keep you company.
If you prefer peace and quiet, a cosy study or empty guest room would be ideal. You can close the door, dim the lights down, then take a few deep, calming breaths while you breastfeed.
Your own nursing chair
No matter if it’s a glider, overstuffed recliner, or desk chair with wheels, you should make sure your nursing chair is very comfortable. You’ll be sitting in the chair for hours each day, so you’ll want it to be very comfortable. You should always look for one that offers back and shoulder support, along with arm rests.
Support underfoot
You can use a footstool, low coffee table or a stack of pillows to elevate your feet as you breastfeed. If you raise your legs and feet to bring your baby to your breast, you’ll avoid possible backache.
Pillows and more pillows
Your neck, arms, feet, and back will need as much support as you can give, so don’t hesitate to surround your body with pillows. If you lay a pillow across your lap for your baby to lay on, he’ll be very comfortable and that much closer to your nipple. For extra comfort, you can even purchase a specially made nursing pillow that will encircle your waist.
Table for one
You should always keep a small table or stand within arm’s length of your breastfeeding chair. What you use should be big enough to hold a coaster and glass of liquid. Some women prefer to drink through a straw, while others prefer to drink from the glass.
You’ll also want to keep healthy snacks on hand as well, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or crackers to help you replace the energy you use while you breast feed.
Breast pads or breast milk collection shells
Yes, you will definitely need to have one of these handy or you’ll end up soaked. You will find that when you are nursing your baby on the first breast, you will produce let down on the other which will end up every if you are not prepared. Breast pads will solve this problem and keep you dry, however if you are looking to build up your milk stash for later, breast milk collection shell is your answer.
Burp Cloths
Keep a burp cloth handy so you’re ready to catch any spit up or projectile vomit that occasionally happens when burping your baby after a feed.
Baby Wipes
Babies are unpredictable at times so it’s a good idea to have baby wipes at your nursing station or breastfeeding area to wipe away any mess.
Night Light
Especially useful for night feedings. This way you can still see what you’re doing without having to turn on the room light and allows you to maintain that cosy sleepy environment for your baby to settle back to sleep.
Distractions
If your baby is a slow eater or has a really big appetite, you may want to keep yourself busy while he feeds. You can fill the shelves of a nearby cupboard or bookcase with your favourite books or crossword puzzles to occupy yourself until your baby is full. Keep items that you need nearby and within reach so you can watch your favourite Netflix or scroll through Facebook to pass the time. Use this time to bond with your baby and take this opportunity to relax.
