Breast Pumps & Accessories
Breast pumps have moved on a great deal in the last few years, the latest Medela Swing breast pump mimics the breast feeding of baby, using two phase expression - firstly stimulating, followed by a siphoning phase. Avent breast pumps are hand operated these work well for occasional expression. Once you have expressed your milk storage bags allow you to easily store milk either refrigerated or frozen without the need for sterilisation as they are ready to use.
Softcups
This is a means of feeding the breast fed baby without introducing a teat. The softcup is bottle shaped and allows baby to lap milk from a spoon shaped reservoir - the flow is controlled by you squeezing and releasing as necessary.
Haberman Baby Feeder
This a bottle type feeder with a teat, this gives baby the same or as similar as possible feeding sensation to the breast. The teat is squeezed rather than the sucking motion of a normal bottle's teat. The Haberman can also be used for babies with special needs as it is less tiring to use than a normal bottle system.
Breast Feeding Accessories
Nipple pads will keep your breasts dry and comfortable at all times, the pads can either be disposable or washable - it is a good idea to try both. Nipple cream will protect and repair your damaged nipples quickly, all brands are safe for baby during feeding.
Nipple Shields & Breast Shells
You can also use nipple shields to prevent dry, cracked nipples. Made from very thin silicone these fit over the nipple to protect them while baby feeds. The shields will need to be sterilised before and after each use.
These are used within your bra, they can be used in two ways, ventilation - to allow air to circulate around your nipples to allow them to dry and heal, or for collection - this is particularly useful while using a breast pump as you may find both breasts let down at the same time, the shell will allow you to collect that milk.
