A good pump can be a great breastfeeding aid, it can help increase or maintain milk supply, provide milk for a premature baby, or store milk for if you are going to be away from your baby at a feeding time. You can express either by hand, or with a manual or electric pump.
Breast milk can stay at room temperature for up to 4 hours, or in the back of the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for 3-6 months.
A manual pump is recommended for occasional use, it's portable, convenient and less expensive. For more frequent use, an electric pump is a good option. A model that runs on AC adapter with battery option for use on the go is ideal.
Placed into a bra, breast pads absorb breast milk from leaking breasts to help prevent wet spots and protect your clothing from stains. Available in different shapes and sizes, they are also available in disposable and washable variations. Choose breast pads that are soft, absorbent and made of cotton for breathability.
Baby bottles generally come in a variety of sizes, smaller bottles (up to 150ml) are recommended for newborns, while larger bottles (up to 330ml) are ideal for babies up to 12 months, however you can use the larger option from the start.
The bottle determines the amount of milk and the teat (also called nipple) controls the flow. The flow will need to increase with your baby's age - check the teat's packaging to find the correct one for your baby. It is recommended you use teats and bottles of the same brand to ensure the best feeding solution.
The amount of bottles and teats you need will depend on how much they will be used. Some parents start with 6 baby bottles (3 small and 3 large) for the first 6 months.
With microwaves not recommended, bottle warmers are a great way to quickly and evenly heat a chilled bottle or container of baby food. Some parents consider this an invaluable gadget, particularly for those middle of the night feeds when your baby is screaming – simply pop the bottle in and within minutes your bottle is ready to go. Plus many have a defrost setting, meaning the milk or food can be reheated from frozen.
From 7-12 months, breast milk (or formula) and water are the best drinks for your baby. From 7 months many parents introduce a cup containing water, this is a great way to transition a baby from the bottle. The longer you leave the transition, the harder it may be for the child to give up the bottle. The transition can happen over a few months by gradually decreasing bottles and increasing cups. Check the specification of the cup to ensure it is suitable for your child's age and stage.
It is important to clean and sterilise all feeding equipment, including the pump, bottles and teats. Clean first with washing liquid, water and brush, then boil for 5 minutes in a large pot or use a steriliser or sterilising solution. If your baby is healthy, you can stop sterilising bottles from when they are over 3 months old. Washing thoroughly with hot soapy water is considered enough, however it is fine to continue sterilising if you prefer.
