breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be stressful – it’s all too easy to worry about whether your baby will latch on happily and whether he’s getting enough nutrition… so we thought we’d compile a list of must-haves to make it feel like a smoother journey.

Amoralia’s Second Skin nursing bra

1. Nursing Bra

During breast feeding your bust size will fluctuate and your rib cage will gradually shrink back to normal size so you’ll need a bra that adapts to you whilst remaining supportive. We recommend our Second Skin nursing bra – made in a silky soft fabric it has a lower cut (perfect under strappy camis), cups are dual sized (D/DD so will adapt to your changing shape), and the removable foam pads can give you that smooth T-shirt bra look or hide prominent nipples. It’s £29 and available online at www.amoralia.com

2. Body Hug nursing pillow

Body Hug pillow

This nursing pillow works as a support cushion to help you get comfortable at night as your bump grows. Then when baby arrives its ‘arms’ are the perfect support to rest your baby on for comfortable nursing. Compared to other similar products it’s better because it can take you all the way through pregnancy and nursing. Prices start at £36.99 and are available from Extra Comfort.

3. Medela SoftShells

Any mum that has breastfed will tell you that sore nipples are inevitable. Medela SoftShells help to alleviate this soreness by acting as a shield. The flexible silicone backs apply a firm but gentle touch to sensitive breast tissue and the low-profile design gives the bustline a natural appearance. They cost £7.75 and are available online from poshmums.com.

4. Breast vest

Breast Vest

I read about these nifty vests the other day. They’re designed to be worn with your nursing bra, allowing any top to become a nursing top! It covers your new mum tum generously and discreetly allowing you to feel more comfortable when feeding your baby. Priced at £15.00 they are available online at www.breastvest.co.uk

Breast feeding is a personal choice

5. Support and information

Ok, so not strictly an accessory but still important! Breastfeeding is hard work and some new mums struggle. Combining breast and bottle feeds is one solution, yet many women still feel guilty about doing this. Just remember, it’s different for everyone, so be sure to have confidence in what’s right for you!

A really relevant news story for our customers: new research is out today which suggests that breastfeeding improves a child’s intelligence.

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study showed that children with one version of the FADS2 gene scored seven points higher in IQ tests if they were breastfed, compared to children with a different version of the gene. However, since it also suggests that 9/10 children have the version of the gene which is affected, it would make sense to try and breastfeed your child.

We obviously welcome the findings, but I know that breastfeeding isn’t for everyone – with all the good will in the world, sometimes it simply doesn’t happen. Both my sisters had a terrible time trying to breastfeed, my friends struggled with guilt when they had to go back to work, and personally, having been bottle fed and having come out ok (just about), I can definitely see both sides of the argument.

Definitely one for debate – let us know your thoughts!

Read the full story here