(Part 2) Best products from r/breastfeeding

A lot of good info in this thread so far!

I use the Medela cooler bag mentioned below and carry everything in a backpack to and from work. I pump into the Medela bottles and then transfer to Dr. Brown's bottles for daycare. I do not like to send frozen milk for daycare so I only transfer milk to bags to freeze if I have an overflow at the end of a week.

I use this nursing bra accessory. Its easier than using the Medela bustier and I really like the Bravado body silk nursing bras. Win win.

I actually have seen an increase in production since I started pumping at work. Pumping has a definite learning curve, so that is part of it. But pumping/breastfeeding is also about supply and demand and the Spectra has been great for maintaining/increasing supply. I pump for a full 30 minutes three times a day - always at the same times - 9:30, 12:30, and 2:30. When I started I typically brought home 10 ounces - now I bring home anywhere from 12-15 ounces. My baby takes 15 ounces at daycare (sometimes more) so I also added a pump session after she goes to bed at night.

Drink a ton of water and make sure to eat enough. Pumping thirst/hunger is real.

ETA: Cycle the pump to get more than one letdown. Also, if you need to pump more milk, let the pump run for at least five minutes after the milk stops flowing. Overtime, your body will know to produce more milk at that time. Good luck!

Honestly, the one thing you can do to help get the gas out is to go buy The Windi. http://www.amazon.com/The-Windi-Colic-Reliever-Babies/dp/B007RAGALO

I tried it with my older son because he was the same way. I talked to my pediatrician about it and he said that sometimes when they are that little they can't release the gas or poop easily, just negate they have to learn how to relax that muscle. The Windi is expensive, so he suggested we get some children's glycerine suppositorys, not to insert all the way, but to use it like a tool to help the baby release the gas/ poop. I just put it in my 4 month old's rectum while STILL HOLDING THE END OF IT. It's amazing because it does the same thing as the Windi, but is much cheaper. Good luck and please let me know what you figure out.

Alright so, other than the rash is he having trouble? Is he fussy? crying? gas? does he seem to notice he has the rash and it's making him uncomfortable?

you have to realize and tell yourself: YOU ARE NOT MESSING HIM UP!! i mean that. if he has an allergy than that's not your fault and it's not his fault, it just is. and it can be fixed and worked on. if you can last until monday with BF i would say yes, keep going. it's better for your supply to stay up and for him. even with the allergy he's still getting more from your milk as far as other nutrients than he is from formula.

however, if the breast milk really is giving him pain and agony (like i listed above) keep doing formula until you talk to the pediatrician. and i can't say enough that you need to talk to local breastfeeding support groups too. and DO NOT FEEL LIKE YOU FAILED IN ANYWAY if you give him a bottle and formula. it can't be easy and i know it may not be what you want but if it's better for him to be comfortable then you're doing your job as a mom to make sure that happens.

i wish it was monday too so you could have this problem figured out better. and i have a friend that pumps and dumps when she has a couple drinks, it's how it goes sometimes. you needed that wine, you can have it. i wish i could say or do more for you. look into these books too: (library or order them)

• ONE BOOK
  
  
• TWO BOOK -- this one i own and love. the others i want to own but don't yet.
  
  
• THREE BOOK
  
  
• FOUR BOOK
  
  
• FIVE BOOK
  
  
• SIX BOOK

Motherhood makes a few nice nursing tops. If you have the $$$ to spend, the company Seraphine has amazing nursing clothes. Best peice of advice I can give... get 2-4 very cheep nursing bras like this....

Soft French Terry Nursing Sleep Bra for Maternity / Breastfeeding (Medium-Busty, Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J27DGMU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_4hgBybFBDCJFA

Give your body about 2-3 months to adjust, then try something with more structure. Your boobs are going to change a lot, so don't spend money on expensive nursing bras without letting everything settle frist. Also, I would stock up on bamboobies. God they are so soft and don't rip your nipples apart when you're cracked and bleeding the first couple of weeks. Love their nipple cream too.

Hey, I'm kind of going through the same, not quite as dramatic weight issues (just really slow gain at 4 months), and ptt and upper lip. Our dr appt for clipping isn't until the end of December.

Anyway, the way I keep supply up (even when he's not taking enough) is to pump after every feed and feed him what pump. I also take fenugreek and eat lots of oatmeal.

My son eats at every wake up and nurses to sleep, and eats 1-2x overnight, for a total of 10+ times at the breast each day. When supply is lagging and I need to bolster I add 5x pump sessions (usually after wake up feeds) for 3 days. Otherwise I pump 1-2x per day.

The best and most certain way to increase milk supply is to remove milk from the breast more often, and make sure you remove is as completely as possible per feed. Put him to the breast more often, or try adding pumping. For you, pumping for 10 minutes after every feed with a goal of 6 sessions per day would be good. Feed him whatever you pump at the next time you would supplement (I like to be one pump session ahead so I can feed the previous sessions' milk while pumping). Set a goal to do it for 3/4 days and reevaluate. If you're still not there, add in a couple of pumping sessions for a few more days. Once you've increased to the amount he needs you should be able to sustain it by him removing that milk rather than the pump.


This book has been really helpful (available on kindle!):
https://www.amazon.com/Breastfeeding-Mothers-Guide-Making-More/dp/007159857X

(Copied from another comment)

I also have a severe over supply (my record is 72oz in one day) and have been hospitalized with mastitis 3 times since baby was born (including before he was born) 11 weeks ago. I've been working really closely with a lactation consultant and this is the gist of what she's taught me:

• The breast will never be emptied, so pumping until you feel empty will likely encourage an oversupply.
  
• Instead of pumping for 30 minutes (which is what I thought I needed to do), try to taper to 20-25 minutes per session. I've been told that normally people don't need to go the full 30.
  
• It's important to pay attention to the letdown (the spraying of milk rather than the drops). You may have multiple letdowns in a single pumping session. It's okay to stop after the 1st or second letdown. Pumping through a letdown will signal your body to produce more.
  
• I'm now pumping on a 4 hour schedule- 2am, 6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm- so 6 times a day. The LC said to not go more than 4 hours between pumping.
  
• Recommended supplements: lecithin to help reduce clogs (https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/p/lecithin-1200-mg-180-softgels/vs-2965) at the therapeutic amount which is around 4800mg per day. Recommended to take 1-2 pills multiple times a day- I take two 1200mg pills every time I pump
  
• Women's probiotic: https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/p/dr-formulate-probiotic-once-daily-womens-50-billion-30-vegetarian-capsules/gu-1229?mr:trackingCode=9D2F5D84-C9E0-E511-80ED-00505694403D&mr:referralID=NA&sourceType=sc&source=SHOP&acqsource=adlucent&utm_source=Shopping&utm_medium=CSE&utm_campaign=Garden%20of%20Life&utm_content=GU-1229&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzKnjBRDPARIsAKxfTRBmjOzAB70vV0h0fXK2b5izU8X9Kb-B3hbAFeyezpUH1FIvey3oxMkaAkrJEALw_wcB.
  
  While according to my LC it's not proven to help, there is evidence that certain bacteria can help prevent clogs and mastitis, and it certainly can't hurt. I take both of these supplements and they seem to be working okay for the moment.
  
  This is the scholarly information I found on the probiotic. The important one is lactobacillus fermentum, which is the one I linked to in another comment. L. fermentum also appears to lead to less staph bacteria in breastmilk.
  
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5444431/
  
  https://ndnr.com/womens-health/lactobacillus-fermentum-new-applications-for-mastitis-infant-immunity/
  
  Also- if your nips hurt with the pumping/engorgement, I've been told that APNO cream (all purpose nipple ointment, which is usually prescription and is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and steroid ointment), can be made DIY by combining the following:
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073QVBMP9/ref=ox_sc_act_title_19?smid=A57J80H4P5HE0&psc=1
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BYH3PZO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_18?smid=A57J80H4P5HE0&psc=1
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013RN6OPQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_17?smid=A57J80H4P5HE0&psc=1
  
  You can combine the 3 in equal parts and have it on hand for post-pumping sessions. My trick is to use the APNO cream after pumping and put some Lansinoh lanolin over it, then a nursing pad and leave it on until the next pumping session.
  
  I really hope all of this helps!!

First, you should probably throw away your milk, as mold is very dangerous and pumping should be done as cleanly as possible. There's no way to sterilize it once it's been contaminated with mold.

The membranes (white pieces) should be removed every time you clean your pump parts (at least once per day). If you pump multiple times per day, you can put the parts in the fridge between sessions, but be sure to completely disassemble and clean the parts thoroughly at least once per day. I would absolutely throw away your membranes and purchase new ones. They should be replaced every 3 months anyway (because of wear and tear).

Medela makes steam bags that work really well for sanitizing pump assemblies. I rinse mine in hot, soapy water, then quickly rinse them under the faucet and put them in a steam bag. It takes about 4 minutes to clean them when all is said and done, and they're REALLY clean. Each bag is good for 20 uses.

BRAVADO! DESIGNS Women's... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ232Y7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Best thing for big boobs!! Love love love this!

I got these to pump into from my Spectra https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ZETWYLA?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Personally I like to pump into bottles at work and when I get home I do "milk management" where I transfer into feeding bottles (we use Dr. Browns) or bags for storage/sending to daycare. I do this because I want to end up with 4oz bottles for baby.

I like having 2 sets of everything so I can pump at work, bring it home, and have another set for the best day just in case everything doesn't get washed.

If you will be pumping often (I'm 2x a day at work) I highly recommend the simple wishes hands free pump bra.

If you want to get doubles of items you can get everything on Amazon lol.

I highly recommend just buying a scale. Weigh all your feedings (it only takes a few seconds) and then you’ll know how much he is getting in a day. I like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Health-meter-Toddler-Scale-Growth/dp/B0009MFUZE

Feedings can vary a LOT so I don’t find a single weighted feeding to say very much. With mine, if she isn’t very hungry she may only eat 2.5 oz, but her personal best is 9.5 oz (after a 12 hr sleep!).

I had problems early on with baby not being able to transfer milk effectively. We slowly transferred back from exclusive pumping to breast as she was able, and the scale was the only way I was able to feel confident that she was getting enough, especially since she was definitely not getting enough on the breast before.

Once we had been 100% on breast for two weeks with no pumping or supplementing and her daily intake was staying high I dropped the weighted feedings and we just do once a day now.

We use Carlson Vitamin D drops as well. The dropper method is a pain in the ass but it is literally one drop per day and babe seems to like it. It has zero additives. My led does not recommend iron unless there is a known issue (anemia, etc.). I think it would be worth a call to your ped to determine if this is a blanket recommendation for all BF babies or if there is something specific to your LO. If it is blanket, use your best judgement as to what you are comfortably with.

These vitamins are carried at Whole Foods and Harris Teeter locally in NC, but are also on Amazon. Carlson is $7 for a whole years worth of vitamin D.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006J23VO0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1413990376&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

I pretty much wear nursing tank tops that have a built in bra then use the bravado clip on pumping bra.

https://www.amazon.com/SUIEK-Nursing-Maternity-Pregnancy-Charcoal/dp/B0786KRP3J/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=nursing+tank+tops+for+breastfeeding&qid=1558435726&s=gateway&sprefix=nursing+yank&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/BRAVADO-DESIGNS-Maternity-Hands-Free-Accessory/dp/B01N1UMY7E/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=bravado+pumping+bra&qid=1558435758&s=gateway&sprefix=bravado+&sr=8-3

Been wearing and using them for 11 months and they have held up great! I wear the nursing tank pretty much every day and as a sleep top (keeps boobs in place, not a lot of shifting while sleeping) and even under t shirts.

I got the Madela pump in style- tote bag at my shower and LOVE it. Babies r u sells all the pump parts and accessories how ever I use the same ones over and over b/c I wash them right afterwards and put them back in my bag. I can fit all my pump parts, bottle of water, snacks, magazines..etc in the tote badg The pump itself sits in the coner of the bag and measure probably 4x3 inches (a cube). Its not noisy at all but it does have the distinct pumping sound. I second getting a hands free bra. This has be a god send. I work full time, and I can take my laptop to the lactation room, put on the bra and pump away and still can work. Even for home I can do my crafts or eat or flip throught the channels. I like the idea of saving money and making one, but this bra is strapless so at work all I have to do is lift my shirt to put it on. I dont have to take it all the way off to put the sports bra on.

Other supplies:
breastmilk bags
microwave sterilize bags for your pump parts I still wash them with hot soap and water when I get home, but this cleans them for the 3 times I pump at work each day
*nursing pads some women have to wear them all the time, I only wear them at night because I go 6 hours without feeding her. I see that you are lucky enough to be a SAHM but Ill leave all this up for those us that have to work and need some suggestions.

I have this nightgown in black and pink, and I really like them. They ship to Quebec, but it takes a while because they're from China.

And Kindred Bravely nursing bras are the best for night time. They are so soft and comfortable.

Try to keep your nipples clean and dry, and use a really good lotion like Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple butter. That stuff is awesome.

Don't worry about the pooing. Her system is just getting revved up. Having foremilk/hindmilk imbalance is relatively unusual. Just keep offering each breast for as long as she wants it; she's communicating to your body what she needs, and your body will likely respond.

Those early days of breastfeeding, I was convinced I had every problem ever, all usually within the same feeding - she's overeating, she's not getting enough, it's a foremilk imbalance, etc.

How old is your LO? We had the same issue when my little guy was about 6 months old. If you feel your LO is old enough, try using straws instead. That’s the ONLY way we got our little guy to drink. Before you invest too much in other products. I would suggest purchasing the nuspin Kids Zoomi replacement straws and cutting a hole on top of the nipple of a bottle and inserting the straw. It took us a few weeks but he got the hang of it. Search YouTube videos on how to teach a baby to use a straw. Also, my friend suggested using a small cup (something like a small plastic shot glass) and they learn how to drink with small sips at a time. GL

Bamboobies Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding | Reusable Breast Pads | Perfect Baby Shower Gifts | 4 Overnight Pairs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007X5HU9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7cZYCbNCT16FT

I love these, the inside is velour so it’s super soft. The blue overnight ones are pretty absorbent. I wear them overnight and my LO sleeps 9 hours.

I have a Spectra S1 and love it. It's very quiet, fast, and the parts are very easy to clean.

FWIW, I ordered the Spectra S2 from this amazon listing and they accidentally(?) sent me a S1. Just saying...

My baby is really uncomfortable with gas a lot of the day. While I'm still not sure the cause, we've had limited success in relieving gas with the Windii. It sounds barbarous, but it's really no worse than a baby thermometer in the butt. I will say that it only temporarily relieves gas for my LO. Within a few minutes, the gas is back, but I have heard stories that it works miracles for constipated babies. Might be worth a shot. Just have a diaper handy. It won't fix whatever is causing the constipation, but it might help it coming out. Good luck, Momma!

That’s pretty good! I have a Haakaa too but I’ve enjoyed using these breast shells to catch my let down while I’m feeding. I only have about 20 oz in the fridge right now so I really want to build up more.

I survive breastfeeding the first couple months with the help of this.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter, 2-Ounce Jar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JVCBBG/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_chHPub0ASWG0M

Without it, I think I would have quit trying from first couple of days.

This too shall pass! Be strong mama.

Carlson Labs D drops. One drop on my nipple once a day. So important! I have a serious auto immune disorder and worked with Autistic kiddos for years so I am very very sure to do what I can to prevent those things! the research is clear, this is important. When doctors are asked what supplements they take and are sure to give their kids it's Vitamin D!

http://www.amazon.com/Carlson-Liquid-Vitamin-Drops-drops/dp/B003BVIBNS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348078704&sr=8-1&keywords=carlson+baby+d+drops

http://kellymom.com/bf/normal/frequent-nursing/ have you seen this?

Also forgot to mention he should be going through a growth spurt soon where he will want to nurse all the time. Thats called cluster feeding and normal.
This book is awesome! I highly reccomend getting it http://www.amazon.ca/Womanly-Breastfeeding-Leche-League-International/dp/0345518446

I have 2 pumps so my work pump is just an old backpack. I do recommend this fridge though if you have a spot to plug it in at work! I bought instead of using the fridge in the break room.


https://www.amazon.com/Cooluli-Fridge-Electric-Cooler-Warmer/dp/B01G7IL3BS/ref=rtpb_1/144-5538555-7916037?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01G7IL3BS&pd_rd_r=f949c458-165c-43fd-b8a1-9e6744edfaa7&pd_rd_w=syJkf&pd_rd_wg=1TS7Y&pf_rd_p=21bbe225-bec7-4ffd-975e-305bb58de271&pf_rd_r=993QD5ZXBCNVX3RT6ZVT&psc=1&refRID=993QD5ZXBCNVX3RT6ZVT

Also, not sure if you have a buy nothing or moms group in the area? I got my second pump for free through FB, or you can buy on eBay for cheap as well.

I feel you. I was a tank top kind of a gal before the baby came.

I wear these: Caramel Cantina 4 Pack Nursing... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075DP2ZFP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Which are not too tight and very easy to nurse in
With these inside: Bamboobies Nursing Pads for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007X5HU9O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
They’re washable nursing pads and the insides are very soft. Don’t bother with the pink heart shaped ones, they’re too thin. The blue round ones are very absorbable.

My little had terrible gas during that time too. We figured out that I had oversupply issues, which was causing some of the gas. But I think he was just a gassy baby anyway. We used the Windi, and it was a HUGE help. They are kind of expensive, but were absolutely worth it for us. The gas should gradually get better on its own also, but a gassy baby sure makes for some miserable times!

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (La Leche League) recommends introducing a bottle around 3-4 weeks, to give you and your little one enough time to get breastfeeding relatively well established first. My SO and I introduced a bottle with our LO at 4 weeks and gave him a bottle a day for the remainder of my maternity leave (12 weeks). It's worked well, as I'm back to work now and he easily alternates between bottle during the day and breastfeeding when I'm home.

Enfamil has vitamin D drops, for some babies (including mine) they caused SEVERE tummy cramps- my little man who was an angel, would scream inconsolably for hours on end, I stopped that immediantly and started taking 4000IUs a day ot Vit. D so it would go thru the milk. I just ordered Carlson Ddrops Enfamil is a whole 1mL dropper full (nasty taste too) and the Ddrops is only 1 drop, that way I can put it right on my nipple before a feeding rather than shoving a dropper down his throat

good luck, sleep when you can, wish you the best!

My son was born in the middle of winter and we live on the East Coast. We didnt get out to see much sun for the first few months because of all the snow so I supplemented with these drops. They are super easy, just one drop on your nipple while he breastfeeds and that is enough for one day!

Ok, I will try to format this nicely, but for some reason it always comes out TERRIBLY, so if you see it's been edited, it's just for formatting. Also, I didn't do any sort of price search, so these links aren't the best price guaranteed.

Dream Team Pumping Purchases

• Spectra Pump S1/S2 - one has a battery, that's the only difference. You can vary both the suction strength and the suction frequency on both the milking and letdown settings. There is a timer (yay!), and it remembers your settings. The only drawbacks is the tubing has a strange surface finish that picks up everything, so that kind of sucks, and the default is it's not on the letdown setting when you power on.
  
  
• Pumpin Pal Flanges - Unfortunately these aren't compatible with the Spectra style pump parts, so you need some other pieces to use them. They draw the whole breast in, not just the part around the areola.
  
  
• Maymom Adapters - These allow you to use the Medela style connectors and flanges with the Spectra.
  
  
• Medela Connectors - These don't have to be Medela, they can be Maymom or Nenesupply, but I couldn't find ONLY the connectors from either companies in my quick search.
  
  
• Duckbill Valves - These are way better than the little yellow piece valve with a rubber flap (if the flap moves, it doesn't always work). These are one piece, way awesome.
  
  As for bottles to attach...you can use Ameda or Medela bottles, or any bottle that fits the Medela connectors (I use the Medela bottles and sometimes Dr. Brown's bottles since they fit (depends on what's clean).
  

I didn't choose to supplement with iron at all - I don't think that is necessary. I would do vitamin D though. I like the Carlson D drops for that. Just one drop on your nipple before nursing - easy peasy.

Bamboobies worked for me! https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007X5HU9O/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They would leak overnight but not in an hour or two. Take 2 sets and replace when soaked. :)

I ordered a 21mm on amazon
Also, If you are going to work- I grabbed these bottles which fit my spectra - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZETWYLA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZETWYLA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hopefully something works for you!

I would probably buy one. Spectra is hands down my recommendation and I love mine. I get quite a bit more then my medela, even with the exact same flanges, valves, and tubes. I have this one: Spectra Baby USA S2 Double/Single Breast Pump, 3.3 Pound https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BLBLR1I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2EKEzbGWQSJ50
There is also the s1, which is the same but has a battery. Also the spectras are not that expensive compared to some other pumps.

hi! so originally we were using one i got at cvs with a 1 mL dropper, but it smelled and probably tasted horrible, and made baby spit up a few times after giving it. so i got one on amazon that is just one little drop, so i hover it over baby's mouth on the changing table and when it is about to drop i just tickle his cheek and he opens his mouth. it is such a small amount it must be a concentrated dose, but it works great and is so easy. here's the link.
https://www.amazon.com/Carlson-Laboratories-Super-Daily-Supplement/dp/B006J23VO0?th=1

you bet!

dont make a change now but in the future look into the milkies tray.
saved me many wasted ounces

i got a mini fridge for my desk.
my office provided fridges in the medical rooms but i felt weird leaving the milk unattended.

Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer (4 Liter / 6 Can): AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric System w/ Exclusive On the Go USB Power Bank Option (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G7IL3BS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KPLRBbF7AWPEJ

I highly recommend The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. It's a little crunchy in some parts, but does address everything from your milk coming in to going back to work, and extended nursing.

SUIEK Women's Nursing Top Tank Cami Maternity Shirt Sleep Bra for Pregnancy (Mediu... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786KRP3J/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_5Nm0Db0ZM76Z9

These are the ones I have. They’re literally the only shirts I wear at home.

There is also this, I may be able to figure out another 50. http://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Baby-USA-Hospital-Double/dp/B00BLBLR1I/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1396309644&sr=8-21&keywords=breast+pump

I wash with hot water and soap after each use too. I was taking everything home to run through the dishwasher at the end of the week, but I kept leaving bits at home so I bought these and have been sterilizing at the end of the day.

Not sure if this will help, but if you look in the comment section someone posts how to use Medela parts on a spectra. Maybe if the parts are similar. http://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Baby-USA-Double-Single/dp/B00BLBLR1I