Your feeding packing essentials

Got your delivery bag ready to go? Your phone chargers and coming home outfits are essential, but so are your breastfeeding supplies. There’s a lot to remember before the big day – so we’ve got your feeding essentials covered.

• Front-opening robes and PJs – your boobs are going to be out, a lot. This makes breastfeeding easier but also comfier and on your own terms. 
• Nursing bras – bringing one or two wire-free nursing bras will give you some support and comfort as your supply kicks into gear.
• Silver nursing cups – silver cups (also called silverettes)  are naturally designed to soothe and protect sore nipples.
• Nipple cream – lanolin-based creams and balms will be key for soothing and healing your nipples. Your care team can also give you extras at the hospital.  
• Breastfeeding pillow – great for supporting your new little one, and can double as your own extra pillow. 
• Snacks – breastfeeding can burn up to 300-400 calories a day. Keeping protein-packed snacks on hand helps you keep up with on-demand nursing. (And let’s be real – your snacks are better than the hospital’s.) 
• Pacifiers – they are generally not recommended for use until breastfeeding is well established, or about 2 weeks after delivery. Due to this, many hospitals don’t have or are unable to offer them to you. Like many parenting decisions, this one is up to you. If you’d like your baby to have one – bring a few options with you to see what your baby may like.

• Pump – unless your feeding plan is only pumping, the hospital can provide one and check your flange size at the hospital.
• Formula – the hospital will be able to provide this if you need/want it and often like to use formulations they’re familiar with to track babies calorie intake. 

If you don’t remember something, don’t sweat it. The hospital will give you the essentials you need.