“What do I need to pack in my hospital bag for breastfeeding?”
I have heard this question asked many times, especially by parents-to-be. My advice is just this-plain and simple: do not spend time worrying about buying devices, packing pumps, or supplies thinking it will make your breastfeeding journey any more successful during your hospital stay! Keep in mind that each of these questions is subjective and do have factors that may differ for your own personal circumstances and that decisions are your own.
○ ”Do I need to bring a pump to the hospital?” Typically, you will not need to bring a pump to the hospital. Colostrum is in small amounts directly following the birth of your infant and complete birth of the placenta. It is not until around days 3-5 postpartum that you will notice a change in milk production, as your colostrum transitions to mature milk. It will change in color and volume. Colostrum is typically very thick and sticky, so breast pumps are usually not an effective method of removing colostrum from the breast/chest. If you feel it is necessary and still would like to bring a pump, I suggest a manual pump over electric pumps for expressing colorstrum. However, if you plan to be pump dependent, I highly recommend bringing your pump with you. The lactation staff at your birth location can help you learn the settings of your specific pump and also guide you on a routine to follow to protect your milk production while you express for your infant. While immediately after birth is not an ideal time to size flanges, since we sometimes see mild edema (swelling), you can ask the lactation staff to assist you with your flange sizing and remember to follow-up once all swelling as subsided for additional sizing. If the situation arises where you do need a breast pump, most hospitals will be able to provide you with a double electric and/or give you a sterile kit that includes a manual pump.
○ “Should I bring my Haakaa to the hospital?” The silicone pumps are wonderful, but, it really doesn’t prove be to be necessary nor effective in removing colostrum from the breast. I advise against packing your silicone pump, only because I guarantee you will not benefit from it until your milk transitions to mature milk.
○ “Do I need to bring milk storage bags or breast/chest pads?” No, they are not necessary to pack. Because colostrum is in small amounts, you will likely not need storage bags until your milk begins to transition to mature milk and you begin to express. Absorbent breast pads can be packed, especially if you experienced antenatal leaking, but are not entirely necessary until your milk volume increases, increasing the chance of leaking to occur. If you do need these things, most postpartum caregivers will be able to provide them to you.
○ “Should I bring nipple cream?” I personally have packed nipple cream in both of my hospital bags. It is a very small item and will not make a big difference to pack in your bag. Creams can be helpful to relieve painful nipples, dry, or cracked nipples. But remember, if you have damaged nipples, you should seek advice and guidance from a lactation professional. Creams should only be used as a temporary solution. If you need any cream relief for your nipples, the staff in your birth location can typically provide you with lanolin. However, keep in mind that lanolin is animal based (wool) and can cause allergic reactions. Research shows it also increases infection rates. I would ditch the creams all together and seek out guidance from a lactation professional if you are experiencing pain. As always, use your best judgment when applying these products!
○ “Should I pack my Boppy or breastfeeding pillow?” I packed my breastfeeding pillow with both my births and only ended up using it with my first child. A Boppy is typically not needed, as you can use regular pillows for support. However, some parents do like having the option of having the breastfeeding pillow available. It may be a good option if you would like to have more support and prevent pressure on a painful cesarean incision while nursing.
○ “I’m worried about latching. Should I bring a nipple shield?” I recently watched a TikTok video of a lactation professional discussing the overuse of nipple shields vs. getting correct lactation help when latching problems arise. I often see and counsel parents who were given a nipple shield “in the middle of the night by a nurse” because “the baby wouldn’t latch” or the term “flat and small nipples" was thrown at the parent. Nipple shields are great devices and have helped many families to breast/chest feed. However, they are devices that should be considered carefully with the pros and cons - especially of long term use! Nipple shields are not baby shower gifts and you do not need to pack one in your hospital bag “just in case”. In the event that latching is painful or you are having problems getting baby to latch, latch deep enough, latch on both sides, or stay latched… you should contact the lactation professional at your birth location immediately for assistance. If there is a clear need for a nipple shield, your lactation professional will assist you and follow-up with you through the process.