Every mother has a unique breastfeeding experience. The experience may even vary between feeding two of her children. While some may argue that breastfeeding is easy because the only thing required is a breast filled with milk, many new mothers find breastfeeding a challenge. A few nursing essentials can make it much easier and more comfortable to breastfeed the baby.
- Breast Pump – A good electric breast milk pump is a great investment for a breastfeeding mother. While breastfeeding in person is a great bonding activity for the mother and the baby and gives the baby a feeling of comfort and security in addition to filling his / her stomach, sometimes the mother has excess milk that she may wish to express and keep aside for later use. Working mothers also find it very convenient to express milk using a breastfeeding pump so that the baby can enjoy breast milk even when the mother is away for long hours. It is also good to have a manual breast pump which is very useful to avoid engorgement. Those who are exclusively breastfeeding the baby may only need a manual pump if they will use it only occasionally. PIGEON breast pumps are available as PIGEON Electric Breast Pumps as well as PIGEON Manual Breast Pumps.
- Feeding Bottles – The feeding bottles that you use for babies must be suited to their particular stage of development. Babies who are used to breastfeeding may find feeding bottles uncomfortable if drinking from it feels different from their regular suckling motion. PIGEON feeding bottles are designed with Peristaltic nipples that have a unique Air Ventilation System. The suckling action of drinking from these feeding bottles imitates the suckling action for breastfeeding and babies find it comfortable to use.
- Breast milk Storage Containers – The container that you choose to store the breast milk would depend on the duration for which it will be stored. Breast milk storage bottles help to collect and store breast milk in the fridge for short durations (less than a day). PIGEON Breast Milk Storage Bottles are ideal for storing breast milk as they are compatible with PIGEON’s breast milk pump machines and PIGEON feeding bottle nipples. To store breast milk in larger quantities or for longer durations, it is more suitable to freeze the milk in breast milk storage bags. PIGEON Breast Milk Storage Bags are self-standing bags that come with a leak-proof double zipper seal to prevent spills.
- Nipple Shield – Breastfeeding mothers often face the problem of sore or cracked nipples. Using a nipple shield while nursing acts as a nipple protector. PIGEON Nipple Shield is made of silicon rubber and has a wide contact surface which provides relief from pain and latch-on problems.
- Nipple Puller – Some mothers face the problem of inverted/flat/engorged nipples and this makes it difficult for the baby to latch on properly. A nipple correction aspirator puller helps to gently pull out the nipples and make feeding easier. PIGEON Nipple Puller also helps to massage the breast and unclog the mammary glands which are beneficial for mothers suffering from engorgement.
- Nipple Cream – An effective nipple cream can be of great help to soothe, heal and protect sore or cracked nipples. Choose a cream that has lanolin, can be used on sensitive skin, and is safe for the baby as well as the mother.
- Breast Pads – Most mothers have milk overflowing from the breast, particularly in the first few weeks after delivery when the baby nurses more frequently but in smaller quantities. PIGEON Honeycomb Breast Pads are disposable pads that can contain the heaviest flow and still maintain shape and are leakproof.
- Milk Pump – When breastfeeding the baby from one breast, mothers experience milk letdown or Milk Ejection Reflex from the alternate breast (which is often soaked up by the breast pads). When possible, the mothers can save the letdown milk with a milk pump. PIGEON Milk Saver Pump comes with a unique flange that creates good suction and can also be used to stimulate milk flow or to relieve engorgement in an emergency.
- Nursing & Sleep Bras – Nursing bras are a useful buy for when you are at home, for expressing milk, or for traveling with the baby. It is much more convenient and is specifically designed to hold the weight of milk-filled breasts. Sleep bras will make feeding at night easier and more comfortable.
- Breastfeeding-Friendly Clothes – It is a good idea to invest in outdoor clothes that allow you to feed the baby discreetly and comfortably.
Babies are unique, their needs are different. So breastfeeding is more or less learned ‘on-the-job’. With these basic products and support, you will be able to breastfeed comfortably and efficiently.
