Nursing Moms...when did you get nursing tops?

Did you see the nursing shawl that I put into the survival kit, yet? That is good to have in the diaper bag, if you get caught someplace where there's not much privacy.

Within the next couple of weeks, I'd pick up one or two nursing tops for your hospital bag. I had two nursing gowns with me at the hospital, too.

Regarding the pump - I would buy it ahead of time too. I did not do this, and I was sorry once we got home. By the time we rented the hospital pump, my milk supply had suffered.

Do you have plans to rent a hospital pump in the beginning? If so, you can delay opening the retail pump. But, if you're not planning to rent the hospital pump, you will need to use your pump right away. Even if your baby is not latching right away, you need to start pumping like crazy when your milk comes in, in order to prevent engorgement and ensure your body knows to keep producing milk.

Another reason to open your pump before baby arrive - you'll want to make sure all the parts are there, and sterilize everything so that it's ready to use.

Just wanted to add - I got my nursing gowns at Sears. They had a great selection of gowns with matching robes!

I did see the shawl Claud I plan on putting that in my hospital bag, as I am pretty private person (like you know)

I will look at Sears for the gowns. My breastfeeding instructor said that Target has great, inexpensive sports bras that are wonderful for nursing moms. She said the nursing bras are not as comfortable or easy as those so I plan on getting 3 of them to start.

I dont think you need to buy much 'nursing apparel' until you feel really comfortable with nursing and see if you like nursing tops, and see which styles you like or dislike. If anything buy different styles, so that you try them all.
My sister has been BFing for over 4 years (3kids) and she has maybe owned and never really was crazy about 4-5 nursing tops.
Again, this is just opinion and basing on what Ive heard and seen. I nursed for about 3months and I never was able to adapt to nursing tops.
Several moms in my moms club nurse when we are out, and none have nursing tops.
Its completely up to the mommy in what clothing she feels comfortable with, that she can be discreet, and feel a sense of privacy when she is out.
Ive seen some nursing tops that are really nice, so im sure there are some good options out there.
If you plan to be home most of the first few months you really dont need any right away.

My personal opinion is, nursing top or not, a mom needs to adjust to nursing 'in public' and its more a matter of youre feeling comfortable, than what type of top you have. I could have had a coat draped over me, I just didnt feel comfortable nursing in the living room right away... I hope that makes sense.

Happy Nursing !

In the hospital (in my case and in almost everyone Ive visited), you almost always have a curtain for privacy, so you can be in your birthday suit and you will have privacy..
(well except for those (is it HOURLY?) temp checks after the baby The nurse becomes your best friend... Maybe that was just in my case since a temp was one of the factors in my getting a c-section.

I feel the same about nursing in front of dad or brothers.. I know what you mean.

and after giving birth (and having exposed your body to so many people ), the duration of the time at the hospital you will probably not feel uncomfortable around the nurses. Actually they were with me frequently coaching me on nursing and seeing how I was doing, and some even let me go nurse by them because I was asking so many questions
Tangent. one nurse was so sweet. She went and photocopied about 20-30pgs of BFing info for me and my roommate.. She was a true doll... another nurse helped me pump when I was engorged and boo-hoo-ing.. You do get privacy if and when you need it, but know that the nurses are there to be by your side also, ANY TIME

I am very anal about my 'body' during birth. That is why I went with a one-women midwife. She and a nurse will be the only ones (with DH, of course) in the labor room with me. I already told my midwife I will not allow the nurses to do checks during the labor,just her. I know some people say you don't care, but I do and have asked for that to be respected.

But I know the nurses can help you with nursing and questions and I plan on asking them while I am in the hospital. I think only a c-section requires hourly temps though.

I dunno about hourly, but I was disturbed every few hours to do a blood pressure/temp check.

Yeah Claud, maybe it was every 2 hours, but boy did it $tink when I was finally getting some sleep.


Michele, Ive never worked with a midwife, or dont know how the mw-hospital relationship works, but Im sure the hospital will respect your wishes. Im sure there are certain things that they will have to do though.