Why do I need this? There's so much to know!
How do I use it? Reference this booklet for explanations on why and how to use each product in the bundle (plus descriptions of products not included with advice on when & why they might be relevant); evidence-based cheat sheets with tips and advice on common issues and questions; and words of wisdom and support from other parents.
Why do I need this? To save your clothes from spit ups, which often happens when babies are burped. Burping is important because it helps get rid of uncomfortable gas bubbles that get stuck in baby's stomach from swallowing some air during feeds. Spitting up is very common independently of burping too, especially in the first several months of life when the lower esophageal sphincter is still developing (this is the muscle between the esophagus and stomach that closes after you swallow to keep food from coming back up.)
How do I use it? Drape across your shoulder or lap before you burp your baby and keep handy for cleaning up spitup.
Which brand? These Little Unicorn burp cloths are something special: thick and large (but not annoyingly big), with four quilted layers of 100% cotton muslin to be extra absorbent, curved sides to fit the curve of your shoulder, and reversible with a pattern on one side and solid color on the other. Moms rave about their quality. Your bundle includes one muslin burp cloth in the pretty and neutral Taupe Cross pattern.
Why do I need this? To keep your shirt and bra dry from leakage.
How do I use it? Place between your bra and breasts with absorbent side facing breast. Machine wash and dry using the laundry bag included.
Which brand? Your reusable nursing pads (10-count) from Kindred Bravely are highly rated and cover all the bases of what you might want in a reusable pad: made of soft organic bamboo, highly absorbent, machine washable (laundry bag included), contoured to stay in place in your bra. They also come in a cute waterproof bag that you can use at home to store your clean pads, or when you're out and about to discretely stash pads that get wet.
Why do I need this? To soothe and heal dry, cracked, or sore nipples, which is common in the early weeks as your breasts get used to nursing. Nipple balm hydrates the skin of your nipple, promoting healing between nursing sessions and making you more comfortable. If you have persistent cracked nipples, abrasions, or bleeding, an IBCLC can help you evaluate and fix the cause.
How do I use it? With clean hands, first apply colostrum or expressed milk to the nipple, then air dry and apply balm.
Which brand? Earth Mama’s organic nipple butter is effective and a very popular choice among moms. This rich, moisturizing, and buttery cream is safe for your baby’s mouth, non-GMO verified, and uses no petroleum, preservatives, or lanolin (lanolin is a common ingredient in nipple creams and is safe for babies, but some moms prefer to avoid it because of pesticides used in the process of obtaining lanolin from wool). Your bundle includes the 2 fl. oz. (60 mL) size jar.
Why do I need this? IBCLCs often recommend cold therapy to ease inflammation and swelling (cold reduces blood flow). On the other hand, a warm compress increases blood flow, which can reduce muscle pain and encourage milk flow.
How do I use it? Freeze, insert in protective cloth covering, and apply to breasts in between nursing sessions for up to 20 mins at a time to relieve pain and swelling from engorgement. For warm therapy, heat pack in microwave per package instructions and apply to breast before nursing or pumping to encourage letdown. Do not use heat between nursing sessions as it can worsen swelling.
Which brand? These Lansinoh reusable breast therapy packs are the most popular brand of cool/warm breast packs on the market. They are soft and flexible so conform well to the breast, have a hole in the middle to make them compatible with any breast pump, and have a protective washable cloth covering to more gently transfer the cold or warmth to the skin and breast. The box includes 2 reusable gel packs with 2 washable covers.
Why do I need this? To catch and collect extra milk. The Haakaa works by suctioning to the breast and collecting milk while your baby nurses on the opposite breast, and it comes in handy for catching leaks that may otherwise be lost in a nursing pad and for gently pumping extra milk that you can save for later. Some moms also use it for clogged ducts; see Content Library for a video on how to use it this way.
How do I use it? Squeeze the round body of the pump and place it centered over your nipple on the breast opposite the one you are nursing on. Release your grip and the suction should secure the pump to your breast. Many IBCLCs recommend only using on the breast that baby has already fed from, both to ensure proper weight gain by enabling baby to get the easy initial milk flow, as well as to avoid potential oversupply issues. Wash after each use. Dishwasher safe, and safe to sterilize with any steam sterilizing system or boiling water.
Which brand? What doees Haakaa have in common with Google, Post-It, and Tupperware? It's a brand with a standout product that is so ubiquitous that the brand itself has become a generic term for the product. It seems that most breastfeeding moms today at least try it to see if it works for them. Your Haakaa is the 5oz Gen 2 Silicone Pump with lid to avoid spills.
Why do I need this? Use milk storage bags to safely store breastmilk in the fridge (up to 4 days) or freezer (6-12 months) to feed to your baby later. They come with a large area to write the date and number of ounces in the bag.
How do I use it? To store, remove excess air from the filled bag, seal, and lay flat in freezer to freeze. Once frozen, store upright to keep your milk stash organized so you can use up your milk from oldest to newest.
Which brand? Many moms love the Medela bags because they are very sturdy, making them easy to stand upright on their own and to pour milk into bottles. Your bundle includes a pack of 50 bags.
Why do I need this? A nursing cover can come in handy for when you need to nurse in public but want a bit of privacy. It's not a requirement, as breastfeeding is not anything you need to hide, but many moms feel more comfortable using one and say it helps them not feel chained to being at home. A nursing cover is also helpful if your baby gets easily distracted while eating, and has lots of other uses (see below).
How do I use it? The nursing cover in your bundle is designed like an infinity scarf so you can wear it around your neck and pull it down when your baby feeds. This type of nursing cover is also versatile; even if you choose not to use it when nursing, many moms love to use it as a cover for a car seat (its universal fit allows for handle access), highchair, shopping cart, or stroller.
Which brand? Itzy Ritzy, a mom-and-dad founded company creating stylish parenting gear, has one of the most popular nursing covers on the market, called the Mom Boss 4-in-1 Multi-Use Nursing Cover and Scarf. It's very breathable and stretchy, and lots of moms also love it for its versatility even if they don't use it for nursing. Your bundle includes the black & white stripe pattern.
Why do I need this? We've included this as a gift for you! You'll probably get more thirsty than usual while breastfeeding so we wanted to share a little something extra to help you stay hydrated. This 24oz water bottle is BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and has a flip straw lid for easy straw sipping that you can flip back to seal to keep the straw from getting dirty.
How do I use it? Keep it filled and nearby wherever you nurse. Machine washable top rack. Do not microwave.