Modern Breastfeeding: The Gadget Addition

Welcome to the world of modern breastfeeding! It can be a confusing world for many reasons. One of which is the sheer amount of "gadgets" out there made for breastfeeding parents.

Gadgets are everywhere in our modern society. If you weren't aware of these before getting pregnant, you're painfully aware of it when you start that baby shower registry. Between wipe warmers and the Daddle, you've opened Pandora's box and you just have so much information to sort through. 

This post isn't a review of products, but it does break down the different types of breastfeeding products out there and when they may (or may not) be a necessary purchase.

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*Note: There are links to examples but I didn't choose any particular brand over another. I am not recommending XYZ brand over another. Just providing examples should you need a visual.
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Breast Pump

There are a variety of breast pumps available on today's market:

• Manual: A manual or "hand pump" is a pump with a handle for you to squeeze to create the suction needed to pump. It's the most basic kind of pump and usually the cheapest. They range from $10-50 as some come with more "stuff" (additional parts, bottles, sizes, etc.) than others.
  • I just recently discovered this really nifty looking manual pump called the made by HaaKaa! It's innovative and looks like it could be a great fit for someone who does a small to moderate amount of pumping.
• Electric: "You gotta feel it, it's electric!..." Okay, dance break over. Electric pumps are just that. They replace the manual power of your hand with electric via either an outlet plug or battery. Depending on how much you want to spend, some have rechargeable batteries or even cigarette outlet plugs. You can get either single or double electric breast pumps, giving you the option of pumping both breasts at the same time. These range roughly from $60-300. Some come with carrying cases, or you can buy them separately. 
• Hospital Grade: These are the Cadillacs of breast pumps. They are designed for optimal breast milk output. I've seen them for as cheap as $120 or, on the higher end, upwards of $2,000. 

​Now, do you need ​a breast pump? 
That depends! If you are going to be working outside the home on a regular basis, you probably need a manual or electric breast pump. If you're expecting a premature baby, ask your doctor if there will be a hospital grade pump made available to you. If you won't be away from your baby on a regular basis and don't have a medical issue, you most certainly can do without a pump. 

Regardless of whether or not you want or need a breast pump, knowing how to hand express your breast milk can be a valuable tool. And, it's free!
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Special Breastfeeding Pillow

If you tell people you plan on breastfeeding, you'll most like get one of these as a shower gift. 

• ​The U-Shape: Boppy is a very popular brand of this breastfeeding pillow. Some brands, like this one, come with fancy back-support and a pocket. While these can be helpful, be aware that without another support (like a regular pillow) underneath them, these style pillows don't promote the best position for tiny newborns to get a good latch. They can be great for older infants, however.
• Over-the-arm: Pillows with a slot for your arm to go through in an effort to position baby optimally. I do mean "in an effort" because these pillows are basically useless. 
• The Ultimate Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Pillow: These are U-shaped pillows made for use during pregnancy. They can also be folded up and used as a breastfeeding pillow. 
• Pillows for Twins: These are pretty nifty and I can see how this quick, ready to go cushion formation of this thing would be great for a mother of multiples.

​Do you need one? 
Short answer, nope. You can get the same support with regular pillows you already have. They're a nice luxury item, though! 
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Breast Pads

Sometimes called nursing pads, there are two main classes. 

• Disposable: These are similar in feel to disposable menstrual pads and made of similar material. They have a waterproof back with adhesive strips to stick to the inside of your bra. 
• Reusable: Wash and reuse these nursing pads over and over again to save money in the long run. They come in different styles and materials. These can be a better option for someone who leaks more than a light to moderate amount. 

​Do you need them? 
No, but if you choose not to use nursing pads, be aware that you will want to change and wash your bras daily. 
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Nipple Cream

​This is often found as a staple in a breastfeeding mother's house as the go-to remedy for sore, cracked nipples.  

• Lanolin:  This is often what lactation consultants recommend if you have chapped or sore nipples. It's naturally moisturizing and a great protective covering between feeding sessions. You do not have to wash it off before nursing. 
• Non-lanolin nipple creams: These are made with other natural oils to sooth dry, sore nipples. Often herbal in natural, this creams often do not need to be washed off between feedings. However, always check each brands ingredients to make sure. 

​Do you need it? 
Nope! You have exactly what you need already: your breast milk! The best thing for nipple pain and soreness is expressing some of your breast milk, spreading that over the sore area, and then allowing them to air dry.  
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Nursing Bra, Etc.

Bras and specialty made clothes that are designed for nursing are what I'm talking about here. Let's start with bras...

• Nighttime: Sleep bras are designed to be comfortable while you sleep or lounge. They give minimal support but they do hold nursing pads in place. 
• Daytime: Everyday bras with or without underwire are excellent for more adequate support throughout the day and while you're on the go. Make sure you're wearing the correct band and cup size so that you have the best support available. 
• Anytime: Sports bras are a great option for both comfort and support. Just like regular bras, you can find nursing sport bras for light impact to high impact exercise and therefore from minimal to maximum support. 

Now, onto the clothes... 

• Tanks/Camis: Tank tops with built in bras or tank tops without can be great for layering throughout the seasons. This means you should be able to get a lot of use out of a few of these tops. Excellent for the "2 shirt" nursing method, where you simply pull up your top layer and pull down your under layer. Viola! No belly or upper breast showing and the baby covers the rest! A regular tank top with some stretch in the neckline does work just was well. 
• Tops: Shirts can be pull down or they might have nifty "pockets and folds," as I like to call them, for you to pull up or to the side. Many are cleverly designed for both use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding so you can get more use out of them. 
• Feeling Fancy: Dresses while breastfeeding can be tricky. There are some cleverly made dresses designed for nursing, however. Although, sticking with skirts while separate blouses is another solution that doesn't require a fancy design. 
• Cold weather: Hoodies aren't something we wear year round here in Kentucky, but if you're breastfeeding in a climate that stays cool or cold year round this might be something you'd find a fantastic investment. 

​Do you need them? 
You do need a bra with good support. Many women choose to pull a regular, non-nursing bra up or down and have no complaints. So long as it's a well made bra and you're replacing it as needed so that you have optimal support, you do what works for you. 

I personally recommend investing in a couple good nursing bras. They're easier to use and because you're not pulling or pushing on them in a way that they aren't meant to be pushed or pulled, they should last you longer.

The special made clothes are another luxury item. You can make due with the clothes already hanging in your closet. Don't be afraid to get creative!

Milk Savers

"Milk savers" are special soft "cups" designed to fit down into your bra. Different brands are designed to do different things:

• While Nursing: Sometimes, while you're nursing baby on one breast, your other breast may leak. Some milk savers collect that milk that leaks so that you can store it for later. Milkies, for example, have a nifty little cup for the cup, so to speak. This allows you to take out and set down the milk saver without spilling any of that precious liquid gold. 
• Breast Pad Replacement: Lacti-Cups and other brands take a totally different approach and have milk savers designed to replace the breast pads we mentioned above. These are more streamlined, less bulky for wearing throughout the day. 

​Do you need milk savers?
Again, no. While theses could be really neat and ideal for some, they aren't a necessary purchase. 
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Nipple Shields

These are nipple shaped plastic pieces to allow baby to nurse at the breast should a latch issue occur. It's important to consult with an IBCLC certified lactation consultant before using a nipple shield. 

Do you need a nipple shield? 
That depends. If you have flat or inverted nipples, for example, sometimes nipple shields can be useful. The trick to nipple shields is making sure you actually need one. Consult with an expert first. Nipple shields can be hard to wean off of once you've begun. You also run the risk of unintentionally lowering your supply. This is because baby is not latching directly onto your breast which can make it more difficult for baby to empty the breast, thus your body does not produce as much milk. 
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SNS

Supplemental Nursing Systems are a specialty item. These are used for preemie babies or babies having trouble nursing for other reasons. It allows baby to nurse at the breast while receiving breast milk or supplemental formula. 

Do you need SNS?
Most likely not. But if you do have issues with breastfeeding talk to an IBCLC and your pediatrician about SNS as an option. And remember, breastfeeding is about more than just breast milk.
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Conclusion

Special circumstances aside, the only "things" you really need to breastfed are your breasts and a baby! So before you get carried away or overwhelmed, take a step back and really think about your unique situation.

What do you think? Was this helpful to you? Did I leave anything out? Let me know in the comments! 

HEY, READER! 
Also, let me know in the comments: What do you want the next "Modern Breastfeeding" post to be about? What's your biggest question(s) or struggle(s) in regards to breastfeeding?