If you have a boob and a baby, you essentially have what you need to breastfeed. This is if everything is going well.
There are products available on the market that address certain breastfeeding difficulties, and then products that are nice-to-haves and can make your life a bit easier. These includes nipple shields, nipple ointments, all types of cups and pumps, feeding and expressing bra’s, breast pads, breast milk containers and feeding pillows, to name some.
This section aims to provide information on the responsible use of products during breastfeeding. Some products can be extremely helpful, but can do harm if used incorrectly. Find out what you need, plus what you need to know when using it.
If you are currently struggling with sore nipples, you will understand well why it is one of the main reasons moms give up on breastfeeding in the early days. There are many different treatment options, and the same option won't work for all mothers. Firstly, it is of extreme importance to address the cause of nipple pain. Most nipple damage is caused by an incorrect latch. There are also other conditions that can lead to sore nipples. Be sure to[...]
Note: this is a guide offering tips on finding your nipple shield size, and on feeding your baby with a nipple shield. If you are following this link from the guide provided by Netcare Femina Hospital, remember that you can contact Parentwood@Femina Clinic to purchase a shield and to obtain breastfeeding advice. You can message myself, Christine Klynhans on 072 490 7386 for breastfeeding support from a certified lactation consultant. First things first – why a nipple shield? Sometimes newborn babies[...]
Congratulations on your decision to continue breastfeeding your baby for longer. Expressing breast milk is a momentous task. Below is a list the must-have items that you will need, as well as some nice-to-haves to make things easier for you. You can also book a Breast Pump Demo slot with one of our lactation consultants if you need more assistance in choosing a pump and in expressing milk. ITEMWHAT WILL YOU USE IT FORBreast pumpYour breast pump will play a[...]
For many years breast pumps came in a one size that (didn't) fit all. But breasts and nipples come in many shapes and sizes. It is crucial to your expressing success that you use the correct size breast pump flange. A flange that is too big or too small will lead to many pumping problems. Feeling confused? See our printable nipple and flange measuring tool to help you understand flange size and to determine the best size to use. Ideally,[...]
If you have started doing some research on breast pumps and are left feeling confused, you are not alone. Below is our in-depth discussion on breast pump options (Ps: We love sharing info! But if this looks like way too much reading, you can also see our shortened list of 10 things to consider when purchasing a pump). If you have never expressed breast milk before and are not familiar with breast pumps and how they work, you will not[...]
Do you really need an electric pump, or will a manual pump do? This is a difficult comparison as the quality of electric pumps differ vastly. A good manual pump is definitely worth more than a bad electric one. But it has some limitations. Below some advantages and disadvantages of both Manual Pump advantages: They are cheaperThey are smaller and lighter, and more easily fits into a bagSome moms feel that they have more control over the speed and suction[...]
