nursing station essentials

Breastfeeding moms log countless hours in our nursing chairs. In the early weeks, when nursing sessions seem to last forever, one can start to feel a bit stranded.

A well-stocked nursing station can help keep you physically, mentally and emotionally nourished while you nourish your new baby. Here are ten nursing station essentials:

1. Burp cloths – You will definitely want a couple of these within arm’s reach during the first few months. As spit up decreases with age, these cloths can double as drool dabbers, nose catchers and tear driers.

2. Vitamin D drops -- Health Canada recommends all breastfed, healthy term babies receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU from birth through the first year. Ask your doctor about one-drop-a-day Baby Ddrops or other appropriate supplements.

3. Lanolin and breast pads – If you are lucky, you may not need these for long. But, when you need them, you REALLY need them. Leave-on lanolin products, such as Lansinoh, help to soothe and heal sore, cracked nipples and are safe for baby. To protect your clothing from leaks, as well as from the greasy lanolin, reusable cloth breast pads, like these available from Saskatchewan’s own BabyLuvBoutique.com, are convenient, comfortable and earth-conscious.

4. Infant nail clippers and files – Those sharp little nails grow so quickly you will want to keep the clippers close. Make sure the area is well-lit when clipping baby’s nails. (I know from personal experience that the 3 a.m. feeding is perhaps not the best time to clip tiny nails.)

5. A box of tissues – Whether used for keeping up with all the emotions that come with motherhood or spelunking for boogies, this is a must have!

6. Writing and reading material for you and baby – A pen and notebook are must-haves to capture thoughts, milestones, your baby’s ever-changing feeding schedule, to-do lists, phone messages, honey-dos, goals, or that idea you just came up with for a great children’s book. Keep that novel, magazine or immunization pamphlet you want to read nearby for those times you need a break from child-gazing. It is also never too early to begin reading to your child, and reading a couple of board books is a great addition to a nursing routine.

7. Skin lotion and lip balm for you and baby – Constant hand-washing can leave your hands incredibly dry and a baby’s sensitive skin is often flaky from spending the last nine months in fluid. Find a lotion for sensitive skin -- preferably in a pump -- that would be good for you and baby. A soothing lip balm, such as Saskatoon's own bōbē's Lip Balm, is both an essential and a luxury, especially in the chapping winter months. It is a good idea not to share lip balm with your child, since they are born without the germs that we have in our mouths that cause tooth decay. (My winter baby had chapped lips in the beginning, and I used a little of the same leave-on lanolin described above directly on his lips to help soothe them.)

8. Clock radio – It will be important to keep an eye on the time to monitor your baby’s emerging feeding schedule. Since music can soothe both baby and mother while nursing, the best timepiece for a nursing table could be a clock radio with CD player or iPod docking station.

9. Cordless telephone and essential numbers – It is important to have access to your support system, especially in the first few months as a new mom. Always have your cordless phone and important numbers such as family, new mom friends, other supportive friends without children who will talk to you about things other than babies, your doctor, the Health Line, Healthy and Home Postpartum Support, and other lactation specialists. Click here for a phone list of area support numbers.

10. Nourishment for Mommy – Nursing mothers require adequate water and nutrition for a good milk supply. Stock your nursing station with a reusable water bottle -- such as the Purica Steel flask available at The Better Good on Broadway -- and healthy snacks.

Once you have organized your station, you will need to spend a little time each day restocking it with clean cloths and pads, water and snacks. This is one way a partner could support you.

If you have a special comfy chair that you plan to nurse from, a small side-table or basket works well. For moms who prefer not to commit to one place, a portable nursing caddy may be the best bet. Any reusable bag, basket or caddy could work well around the house. It is also important to outfit your diaper bag with several of these essentials for nursing on the go.

Long breastfeeding sessions don’t have to leave you feeling as though you’re stranded on a deserted island. With an organized nursing station and a sweet baby to cuddle, you’ll have everything you need to survive this stage of life!

Share your favorite nursing essentials with other Saskatoon moms in the comments section below.