6 Breastfeeding Accessories
The use of accessories for breastfeeding is very useful. Some mothers who find it difficult to breastfeed see in them the perfect ally to get ahead in the face of difficulties of this type.
You must know the proper use for each of these instruments, as well as certain hygiene rules that will promote the health of both the baby and the mother. These accessories save time, labor and offer advantages as well as disadvantages.
A fundamental aspect in the use of accessories for breastfeeding is hygiene. Although it is true that mothers are always very cautious when it comes to cleaning children, in these devices you have to multiply hygiene measures.
Babies are exposed to the contagion of certain diseases by contact with bacteria or viruses due to the poor hygiene of these elements when feeding through their mother’s breast.
Hygiene varies according to the lactation accessories to be used and the frequency with which they are used. This should be done as a thorough ritual, always thinking about the health and well-being of the baby.
Types of accessories for breastfeeding
1. Throw milk
It works like a breast pump; You can get both manual and electric and it is one of the most used breastfeeding accessories. It is popular with women with low or excessive breast milk production.
In the first case, it is used to stimulate milk production ; If the baby, at the time of feeding, sucks and does not get a good amount of food, it can fill with gas and become uncomfortable.
In the second situation, it is used with the aim of extracting the excessive amount of milk that some mothers can produce so as not to waste it. Then, this is stored in a suitable place for later ingestion.
The expressed milk can also be used to prepare food for the baby, such as purees, creams and gruels. We must not forget to always sterilize the breast pump with boiled water; thus, bacteria that can become harmful will not accumulate.
2. Nipple shields
In general, they are made of silicone and in the market they are of different sizes, in order to mold them to the mother’s nipple. They should not be used larger than the size of the same.
It often happens that, when the mother begins the process of breastfeeding, her nipples crack. This is very painful for her, since there is no perfect gear between mother and baby in those first days; the nipple shields protect from such a painful moment.
Ideally, the baby should feed directly through the nipple, since in this way it stimulates the mother’s milk production.
3. Hot or cold compresses
Hot compresses are used when there is severe pain after nursing the baby, which helps reduce pressure on the mother’s breasts. It is advisable to place them a few minutes before feeding the little one. In the event of mastitis, its use is not recommended.
Cold compresses can be used for 15-20 minutes to ease milk congestion somewhat and prevent mastitis. They should be used by placing a cloth as protection, so that they are not placed directly on the skin, as the skin could burn in the cold.
To always keep them at a low temperature, they can be kept in the refrigerator.
4. Baby bottle
Its use with an anatomical silicone bottle is recommended to avoid malformations in the baby’s mouth. In certain cases, it is used for the storage of breast milk.
For a correct washing, the nipple must be separated from the rest of the bottle and both parts should be immersed in warm water with a very mild soap to remove any remaining food.
5. ‘Donut’ pillow
It is characterized by being round and hollow in the center; mimics the appearance of a donut. This pillow is ideal when breastfeeding, since the baby is at the level of the nipple without the mother making a lot of effort to hold it.
Thus, the woman stays relaxed and provides an excellent posture to the little one. Today, it is an essential part of breastfeeding accessories.
6. Special bra for breastfeeding
With this maternal underwear outfit, mom won’t have to completely undress when feeding baby. This is thanks to the clasps that allow the cup to be opened and the nipple exposed. This bra benefits the mother in terms of the position and support of the breasts.
Each of these accessories for breastfeeding makes its contribution to make this beautiful and important moment much more pleasant, both for mother and baby. Day by day improvements are made to these implements or new ones are launched on the market.
If you are about to become a mother, we recommend its use to make your breastfeeding experience even more wonderful.
