What a Nursing Mom wants
I’ve already posted my own wishlist. Feel free to check it off for me. This wish list is not for me.
I was asked by Tanya Lieberman of the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog to think of those items that have made breastfeeding easier for me and would be appreciated by other moms. One of the wonderful things about breastfeeding is that I haven’t needed to carry around a lot of stuff. From the beginning, all I carried out where a few diapers, wipes, a changing pad, and an extra outfit. Most of our supplies, clothes, and toys were gifts. It saved us a bunch of money and I’m so grateful to my mother, my mother-in-law, and step-MIL for being doting grandmothers-to-be, and our daughter’s three aunts for that matter.
It’s actually a little ironic that this Carnival of Breastfeeding happen this week, as Sara Ellen’s first birthday is Wednesday, the 6th. She will be showered with gifts on Saturday by family and friends at her party.
For gift-givers and receivers, here is my list of must-haves, and a few have-nots:
*AVENT ISIS Breast Pump. I didn’t need it much but it is very comfortable and easy to use.
*King Size Bed. Makes sharing sleep less crowded. Make it safer with a side rail, and of good quality for recuperative sleep.
*Nursing tops to keep your belly covered, especially in cold weather.
*Large Messenger Purse or Tote. I had no need for a diaper bag. I just carried an extra outfit, wipes, 3 diapers, and a changing pad.
*NOT the PreMaxx baby bag. Though I used it for a while, it is not very comfortable because of the large plastic adjusters and thinner strap. I have heard good things about the Maya Wrap from LLL, the Sears sling, and have seen a similarly designed pattern from Elizabeth Lee Designs.
*A Boppy. It helps keep the baby breast level so you aren’t leaning over her. I used it a lot when my daughter was tiny and she fell asleep nursing while I was at the computer – hands free.
*Nail clippers. With lots of snuggle time, tiny nails, though thin, can be scratchy. Clip when baby is asleep.
*A poncho. I went to a summer wedding and wanted to wear a dress that wasn’t for nursing. The poncho allowed me to unzip the dress and nurse in public.
* The Baby Book by Williams Sears, M.D. and Martha Sears, R.N. They talk about babywearing, developement, illness, etc. with professional and personal credibility.
*Becoming A Father also by Dr. Sears. This was a gift for my husband but I enjoyed reading it too. Dads of breastfed babies need guidance also.
*The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International.
*NOT the What to Expect books. Though I read the pregnancy book, I felt most questions and answers undermined a woman’s intelligence and instinct.
**The best gift a breastfeeding mom can receive is lots of love and support.
I’d recommend “So That’s What They’re For!” instead of the LLL book because it gives all the good info in aclear, easy-to-read format without all the preaching about going to LLL meetings every few pages!
Thanks for the input Lili. I’m glad there are other books out there helping Moms breastfeed their babies. However,
my mother was a La Leche League leader, and I’m going to a group now myself so I heartily recommend LLL.
Recently, I actually found and purchased a copy of “So That’s What They’re For!” .
I haven’t read it yet but from what I’ve seen so far it gives all the important information and adds wonderful humor. Quite often when we seem to be fighting for the wellfare of our nursing baby, the subject can be so serious. What a welcome addition to the breastfeeding library.