What to put in a breastfeeding Mom's kit?

[Savoir Faire]

Hello all!

It has been about two years since I last breastfed and my brain is starting to go fuzzy. I have a first time Mom friend (I've known her FOREVER) who is pregnant. I know she has many friends who gave breastfeeding horror stories and I really want to encourage her to BF and keep at it.

I've already written a little manual for her (more first hand, sort of encouragement) and I want to make a "breastfeeding kit" for her.

I'm going to include a cover for her to go in public (I never used one, but she doesn't seem like the NIP type without some sort of cover). After that...I'm a bit stumped.

I'm considering nursing pads...and Lanisoh.

Could you ladies who are still in the trenches tell me what would have been a Godsend to have in a kit?

Thanks!

[bajamergrrl]

I'm putting one together for a first time mom-to-be that I know for a fact wants to breastfeed. I've included lansinoh lanolin, breast pads, lansinoh milk storage bags (she plans to pump too), washcloths, a reminder bracelet, oatmeal, jellybeans (her favorite snacks), almonds, bottled water, picture frame, milk storage organizer. I'm going to include a couple of tip sheets for success.

I was also thinking of making her mix CD of songs about motherhood and/or baby girls.

Maybe you could also include an issue of Mothering or some other magazine that could be encouraging.

[Chloe'sMama]

This is so nice!
I used the cool pads the first week or so, those were helpful. I think the most helpful thing was to know what was normal and to have the support of breastfeeding friends and family. Maybe include the local chapter of LLL in the notes.

Good luck to your friend!

[InchByInch]

A copy of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (or something similar).

Mother's milk tea.

Avocado (healthy fats).

Contact info for her local LLL.

If you have $ to burn, a boppy or sling.

[demottm]

I loved the Traditional Medicinals Tea. They have one specifically for healthy lactation.

[annekh23]

I'd be really really careful about giving someone a cover.

These days I'm a mum of three who nurses anywhere it happens to be needed.

But had you given me a nursing cover 6.5yrs ago before the birth of my first, when I hadn't really even given the idea much throught, you'd have communicated to me that this was something I had to cover up, that I should be ashamed of.

As it was when it became necessary, I shyly at first, got on with it and did it.

I'm pretty much a lactivist, but the gift of a nursing cover could have sent me a message that could have had profound consequences for the nursing of my 3 children.

I would NEVER give someone a cover and when companies give them away for shipping and handling only it makes me MAD.

[dislocator3972]

If you feel that your friend would be more comfortable with a cover then put it in. Since you're giving her this gift, you're almost certainly going to have a conversation about breastfeeding when she opens it, you can communicate your NIP/covering opinion then.

I passed on a milk saver to a friend and she passed it on to her friend. It's a bit pricey but you can quickly establish a freezer stash without pumping and that's nice.

[guestmama9971]

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[buttercups.nest]

Rather than the Lansinoh I prefer Earth Mama's Nipple Butter A little pricey but oh so worth it!!! Using the Lansinoh my nipples felt dry and itchy...I used the nipple butter and within less than a day they were doing much better.

Here's a book that I just found out about...its in our local LLL library so it must be good Breastfeeding Cafe

[iowaorganic]

Well you know your friend better than we do- but a cover does imply you have to/should cover up. A pretty scarf or shawl would get more use I would think. But I would probably include a nursing tank instead. I have worn one every single day for almost 10 mo. and the whole time with DS1 as well.

mother milk tea
magazines
those pads that you freeze (soothies I think)
lanolin
washable nursing pads or lily padz
cool water bottle
treats to eat while nursing

[ctrygirlatheart]

I go a bit overboard with the nursing kit because nursing was SO HARD for me at the get-go and want everyone to have the things I needed to get me through because BFing is so important and wonderful.

Reusable breast pads (Medela)
Lansinoh
Gel pads (Soothies)
The Breastfeeding Mothers Companion
The Dr Sears Baby Book
Moby Wrap
Nightlight (so you can see what you are doing at 2 in the morning)
Traditional Medicinals Milk Tea
Handouts on breastfeeding, LLL info and a list of PP supplies to have handy

Depending on the person I might get a nursing cover too, although I myself never use one. And I might also get a breastfeeding pillow if I didn't think they would receive one.

[sunshynbaby]

Breast shells really helped me in the beginning (when I was sick of walking around topless in the house, but couldn't have anything touching my sore nips).

[maddymama]

a gift certificate to a book store.... I read while I nurse.
A nice water bottle
book light
lullaby CD... or classical music, something soothing to listen to at night.
Snackies... nutrition bars, oatmeal cookies, nuts, anything to eat at 3:00 am without having to get up. I'm always STARVING while nursing in the first week or two.
~maddymama

[averlee]

I'm remembering those first weeks of nursing, but it was hazy. A bunch of menus from restaraunts that deliver would have been awesome- I was always hungry!

[MangoMommy]

A nursing stool

[springbride]

Wow, what a great friend you are!
I had thought about doing a 'new mama survival kit' for one of my friends, but such an emphasis on BF is a great idea!

Perhaps a soft blanket, I have one that I wrap DD in before her 'going to bed' nursing session that helps calm her down and signal bed time. Also, as a new mom going through the roller coaster of hormones, it probably comforted me more than her!

I agree about the Mothering magazine too

[anj_rn]

Nursing cami/tank (I personally love the ones from Target)
Lansinoh Ultra soft breast pads
A water bottle (I have a great insulated one for middle of the night use)
Healthy snacks for 3 am feeding munchies
If she registered for a boppy, maybe an extra cover (I was amazed how often I would leak or baby would spit up on one.

[Cellist]

Lansinoh for sure; I have really liked it.

Perhaps the breast soothing pads that can be frozen or heated, depending on what feels better?

I like the water bottle or mug idea; I have a big covered mug of water with a straw by me all the time and it helps me drink enough.

List of breastfeeding resources in your area - LLL 24 hour breastfeeding help phone number, lactation consultant phone number, website addresses for breastfeeding help...

Snacks you can eat with one hand.

A good book/magazine you can easily handle with one hand. Or a fun DVD if she's not a reader.

Good idea; what a gift you are giving!

[Dabble]

All of the above, plus these! I seriously can't recommend these cookies enough! And if you package them up 2-3 to a little ziploc baggie, she can just have them handy in her nursing spots to munch on while baby is endlessly nursing.

ETA: They also freeze perfectly!

[Savoir Faire]

Thank you ladies. I was going back and forth on the cover-- I hardly ever covered up (I think once or twice with my first child and with second, it was just anytime, anywhere)...I even mention it in the guide that you don't have to cover up in public.

Off to search Drugstore.com for some of these items! Thanks!