Tuesday 10 March 2015

BABY: Getting prepared for combined feeding with NUK - Breastfeeding


As my due date is quickly approaching we have been considering how we would like to feed our baby and for us it wasn't as simple as saying 'breast is best, so let's do that'. We wanted to make a more informed decision, so we looked into the pro's and con's of both bottle and breastfeeding. There are clear benefits to breastfeeding, which you can't deny makes it the better option for your baby. But it doesn't mean it's the only option and I've also read about how hard breastfeeding can actually be. The journey towards breastfeeding confidently isn't always a smooth one, so I didn't want to put myself under lots of pressure, just in case I do find it really difficult or can't do it for some reason.

I do intend to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6ish weeks, but then start to combine feeding - a combination of bottle and breastfeeding. There are many reasons for this, one being so that my husband has the chance to bond with our daughter, as well as it would give me some time to rest/sleep. I know a lot of Mummy's that have opted for this method of feeding and it's worked really well for them. We only intend to introduce one bottle a day, probably in the evening so I can sleep for longer than 2 hours at a time. I also intend to express for the bottle feed, rather than use formula milk, as I've read that if you reduce the amount of breastfeeding you do then your milk supply will decrease too, which I don't want to happen. These are all intentions at the moment and we will have to see how our feeding journey goes but planning on combination feeding does mean we will be prepared for either breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
NUK have a wide range of products that can aid your chosen feeding journey with your baby, whether that be breastfeeding, bottle feeding or combined. The NUK Luna Electric Breast Pump* (£69.99) is the perfect product to use if you do decide to express. After speaking to other Mummy's the general view was that if you do decide to express then investing in an electric breast pump makes the process a lot easier and quicker. Anything that is going to make life easier with a newborn baby has got to be a winner, as at the moment I can only imagine how exhausted and challenging life is going to be for those first couple of months.


The Luna Electric Breast Pump has a wide range of features that makes this electric breast pump stand out from others...
  • Simple but sturdy design, made in Germany.
  • High expressing action due to a 2 phase rhythm which simulates a baby's natural suction when breastfeeding.
  • Fully adjustable suction strength for particularly gentle expressing.
  • Can be operated with just one hand and is easy to clean (few parts).
  • Can be mains or battery operated and includes a global adaptor which is great for travelling.
  • Compatible with all NUK First Choice baby bottles and teats.
  • Pack includes a stand, 150ml breast milk container with screw ring and sealing disc, First Choice Plus Silicone Teat Size 1 (0-6 months) small feed hole, protective cap, mains plug and adaptor plug.
    I love how compact it is, yet has the same features as much larger electric breast pumps. You can see from the picture above, it fits perfectly into one hand, allowing ease of use and still looking after a baby. It's ideal for travelling too, even if that's just to your family or friends house. It even comes with a range of plugs, so you can take it on holiday and not need to buy any conversion plugs! I'd say that's an excuse to go on holiday abroad :) 
    Storing expressed breast milk correctly is important and the NUK 150ml Breast Milk Containers* (2 pack - £7.99) are ideal. You can store, freeze and warm the breast milk in these containers, as well as feeding your baby directly by attaching a NUK First Choice Anti-Colic Wide Neck Teat. This saves time, sterilising and storage space, not to mention the convenience of it for being out and about!
     
    They are also compatible with the NUK Jolie Manual Breast Pump. Once your little one isn't breastfeeding anymore, or you have stopped expressing, you can use these containers for storing baby food in - such a versatile product!
    One 'must have' product for breastfeeding are breast pads, leaking nipples are not only inconvenient but could be embarrassing. I'll never forget the time someone I knew had finished breastfeeding their baby, heard another baby crying and suddenly she was leaking all over her dress and had to go to the toilets to try and dry the area with the hand dryer. Leaking is inevitable at some point during breastfeeding but it doesn't mean most women don't want to try and reduce the risk. The NUK Ultra Dry Breast Pads* (24 pack £2.99) are designed to fit your breast perfectly, making them almost invisible and very comfortable. I forgot they were there, which is exactly what I'm looking for in breast pads!
Have you got any tips for expressing or breastfeeding?

Feel free to leave me a comment - I love reading every single one :)

Helen x


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4 comments

  1. This is exactly what we're planning on doing. We bottled fed indiana so I know how much easier it is having your oh helping out at night xx

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  2. This is our plan, too - hopefully breastfeed exclusively for the first wee while and then introduce occasional bottles so my partner can help out at night and have the freedom to take the baby out on his own without worrying too much about feeding schedules (such as they are!).

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  3. I plan to do the same as you, to breastfeed for the first weeks then introduce a bottle with expressed milk so my partner can also feed. Like you I don't want to put too much pressure on myself in case I find breastfeeding hard. x

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  4. This sounds like a sensible approach to feeding. How did it work for you in the end? Do you have a review of how this pump worked once you put it into practice? Thanks for help!

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