Breastfeeding Information For New Mothers

Accurate and timely breastfeeding information for new mothers is key if you are considering to breast feed. It can make the difference between a loving and bonding experience between you and your baby, or a stressful, painful, and overwhelming task. As a birth coach and baby planner, part of my focus it to make sure new moms are aware of the possibilities.

Should I Breastfeed?

The decision to breastfeed is personal and can be impacted by a variety of reasons. The World Health Organization Code calls for a commitment to breastfeeding and breast milk as the optimal nutrition for the growth, development, and health of babies. My Baby Lady supports this claim but acknowledges the option for formula-fed babies when in mom and baby’s best interests. Moreover, and in line with the American Association of Pediatrics Guidelines, we recommend that breastfeeding is well established before introducing a bottle nipple. This quick breastfeeding guide for beginners is designed to guide you through the product options. The more aware you are of what is out there to help you, the better decisions you will make regarding breastfeeding vs bottle feeding. Finally, for the comfort of the mom, consider starting planning the nursery early including a comfortable chair for breastfeeding.

Get to know what great products are out there to help you plan breatfeeding vs bottle feeding yout baby.

Which Breast Pump Should I Choose?

There are several different types, models, and brands of breast pumps. To determine what you need and want, you need to understand the amount of work that each kind of pump will do.

 Type of Brest Pumps

• Hospital-grade (electric or battery-powered)
  • Ideal for long-term and frequent pumping needs
  • Single or double pump 
  • Can be rented from hospital/lactation consultants
• Personal Electric (electric or battery-powered)
  • Double –electric pumping means you will empty both breasts at once; these pumps are designed for moms who pump several times a day
  • Single-electric pumping means you empty one breast at a time; these pumps are designed for moms who nurse their babies for most feedings.
  • Manual (operated by hand)
• Single pump designed for those occasions when you need to be away from your baby for short periods of time

Pumping Accessories

• Collection Cup
  •  Designed to support moms when hand expression of breast milk is the goal
• Milk Storage (other than bottles) 
  • Bags: plastic bags designed for storing breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer
  • Organizers: designed to organize stored milk in the refrigerator or freezer.

Types of Nursing Pads  

Nursing pads are used to collect breast milk that may leak between feeding/pumping. Be sure to change or throw away nursing pads as soon as they become damp. In particular to keep moisture away from the skin and prevent nipple infections. 

Disposable Nursing Pads

• These are used once and then discarded 
• May have an adhesive backing
• Choose 100% cotton brands whenever possible, this allows proper airflow to the nipple

Reusable Nursing Pads

• These are washable and can be used over and over
• Can come in several different materials: silicone, cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo.

Nipple Treatment for Breastfeeding

There is a lot of debate as to what is acceptable to put onto your nipples to help relieve pain, cracking and soreness. From creams In general, nursing should not be painful. Pain may be an indicator that some adjustments may be needed. Keep in mind that anything you apply to your breasts/nipples could end up in your baby’s mouth, so you want it to be completely safe.   

• Creams, Balms, and Butters
  • Avoid anything petroleum- or alcohol-based 
• Hydrogel pads 
  • Cooling, soothing
  • Store in the refrigerator for extra relief
• Home remedies for sore nipples
  • Rub a small amount of fresh breast milk on the nipple after nursing
• Saline rinse (salt-water rinse)

Nursing Covers Options

Nursing covers great options designed for women desiring privacy for their body or their baby during breastfeeding.

 Types of Nursing Covers  

• Poncho
  • Hands-free
  • Goes on over your head and drapes 
  • Eye contact can be tricky
  • Some styles can be worn as a maternity top during pregnancy
• Shawl
  • Hands-free
  • Goes on over your head and drapes 
  • Some styles can be worn as a maternity top during pregnancy
• Apron Style
  • Hands-free
  • Allows for eye contact with your baby
  • Goes on over your head and drapes 
  • Usually adjustable at neck
• Strap/Clips
  • These clip onto any blanket you choose
  • Results in apron-style protection 

Which Type of Feeding Bottle is Best?

There is no feeding bottle that is best. Your baby will be the one to decide which bottle you end up using, if any. Be prepared to try several brands to see which your baby prefers. Bottles can be made from glass, silicone, plastic, or stainless steel; each offer pros and cons and this decision largely boils down to personal preference. We do not recommend registering for sets of bottles; rather register or purchase a few different types (single packs) until you know what your baby prefers.   

Types of Bottles

An emerging trend is interchangeable nipples/spouts. That allows families to use the same base cup as the child grows from bottle to trainer cup, and further to straw cup.

• Standard (or Narrow)
  • Classic shaped bottle that does not have any additional features 
• Wide-neck
  • Slightly shorter and broader compared to a standard bottle and used with a corresponding wide-neck nipple; the wider nipple used on a wide bottle mimics the size and shape of the breast
• Angled
  • Looks like standard bottles with a bent neck; their shape causes the liquid to collect at the bottle’s nipple, designed so your baby is less likely to swallow air and the ability to feed the baby in an upright position also helps to reduce ear infections 
• Drop-Ins 
  • Disposable liners that collapse as baby feeds; designed so your baby is less likely to swallow air while feeding, thus reducing gas, colic, and spit-up

If your baby has an older sibling, you may teach him/her to bottle feed the baby as a way to help the kid cope with the new baby. It depends on the age of the sibling, but this can be used as bonding time between the siblings.

How do I Choose a Bottle Nipple?

Bottle nipple variations are what sets bottles apart. The shape and texture of the bottles’ nipple will be the determining factors. Flow is the speed at which liquid comes through the nipple. A nipple should offer some resistance, but not so much that your baby has to struggle to get milk; and not too little resistance that your baby can’t keep up with the milk flow which could cause gagging or unlatch from the bottle nipple. Make sure you are using a newborn nipple, to begin with. 

• Shape: Traditional, orthodontic, or flat-topped 
• Traditionally shaped nipples are bell-shaped
• Orthodontic nipples were designed to fit the shape of a baby’s mouth; they are flat on the side that rests on your child’s tongue and have a bulb on the other side
• Texture: Silicone, latex or rubber
• Silicone is a man-made material that is clear, and the firmest of all nipple materials.  Silicone nipples are more durable and can be boiled more than once.
• Latex is a natural material that is brown in color and is soft and stretchy.  The feel of latex is more like Mother’s skin.  Latex nipples can only be boiled once. 
• Flow: Slow, medium, fast, or variable
• Selecting a nipple that allows your baby to suck at his or her preferred pace is desirable. Remember, as your child gets older, they will want the speed that the liquid comes out to increase.
• Currently, there is no standardization of flow rates meaning that different brands of slow flow nipples, for example, will release liquids at different rates

Nursing Pillow

How to Choose a Good Nursing Pillow?

An important part of breastfeeding Information for new mothers is the use and choice of a nursing pillow. Nursing pillows should assist with the positioning and height of your baby to make breastfeeding easier. To do so, they should elevate the baby up to the height of your nipples. Therefore, the size of the pillow will vary between each woman.

High Chairs

How to Choose a Good High Chair?

There are some considerations on how to choose a good high chair for your baby. First, it should be easy to use and clean. Second, it should have a safety harness. Third, it should have an appearance that you can live with over the next few years. Think about how much space you have and how much you are willing to give up for the highchair. Fourth, factor in its ability to fold and decide how important that is to you. Additionally, you also want to think about where you want your child’s seat to be while eating. Is it ok for the seat be away from the table or do you prefer for the seat to be at the table or as close as possible?  

 There are tons of available functions and whether you need a particular one should be factored into your decision. A final factor is ergonomics. Research shows that children should have their feet rested on a flat surface when seated and learning how to eat.   

 Types of High Chairs 

• Full-featured
  • Typically, a plastic frame 
  • Easy-clean seat cushion
  • Adjustable feeding tray
  • Some models fold
  • May have wheels 
  • Adjustable height/positions/recline
  • Can be used for newborns in a reclined position
  • The adjustable footrest is an important comfort feature
• Compact High Chairs
  • Flat fold
  • Typically, does not recline
  • 6 months+
• Wooden High Chairs
  • Does not fold or recline
  • Several models grow with your child
  • Look for one with a food-grade, safe plastic-covered tray
  • Usually doesn’t have wheels
• Portable High Chairs
  • Attaches to seat or table
  • May recline
  • Can be used at home and on the

What Other Baby Feeding Products do I need?

• Besides bottles, you will need bowls, spoons, and eventually a few training cups during the first year of your baby’s life.  
• Ensure the feeding products you select are free of toxic chemicals.
• Easy to clean is another important consideration.
• Items such as dishwasher baskets, bottles, and nipple cleaners are widely available to make cleaning your feeding items easier; as are non-toxic, chemical-free, cleaning products.

Do Baby Bottles Contain BPA?

As any other plastic product, feeding bottles may not be BPA free. First, look for a “BPA free” sign. If you don’t find it for a particular bottle, then it may not be. Therefore, it should be hand-washed, and not put in the dishwasher. This is because BPA is known to leach into foods once the plastic starts breaking down. This begins to happen after washing in high temperatures. 

What are the best nursing accessories for breastfeeding?

Now that you have read through some breastfeeding information for new mothers, I hope you have a more clear idea of what type of products are worth to you. I will share with you my personal recommendations as far as the best nursing accessories to help you with breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

My Favorite Products and Recommendations:

Best Single Breast Pump

Best Double Breast Pump

Best Manual Breast Pump

Best Mini Electric Breast Pump

Good Affordable Breast Pump

Best Baby Bottle

Best Glass Baby Bottle

Best Baby Formula

 Best Brands Baby Formula: Enfamil

 Best Brands Baby Formula: Similac

 Best Organic Formula

 Best Baby High Chair

 Best Non Sense High Chair

 Best High Chair on a Budget

 Favorite Modern  Style High Chair

 Best Space Saver Baby High Chair

 Good High Chair for Second Home or Grandma’s House

 Best Hook On High Chair

 Good Hook On High Chair (Runner Up)

 Best Booster Seat with Tray

 Good Folding Booster Seat with Tray (Runner Up)

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