Soooo much STUFF!!!

I feel this!! I’ve gone for disposable wipes and nappies for ease to start but have got some cotton wool balls to wipe with warm water as well. I’ve left a pump until I’ve settled into feeding. Have brought two bottles. My thought is, Amazon can send me stuff really quick so I can just order anything I need as I realize it! I looked up stuff for me quite a bit but from research it doesn’t get used (spritz for bits cold compresses etc) again I can just order if I’m struggling. It’s so hard isn’t it to know what to need!!!

I have the same question re pump and bottles! I want to breastfeed but don’t know if I need stuff ready in case I can’t.

I’m not buying a pump until I know I can feed. I’ve got a few bottles in case I can’t but they’ve all been in free gift packs. I’ll be taking some pre-made formula in my hospital bag just in case but will be waiting until I know I can feed to invest heavily in either direction x

I’m going to breastfeed however I have bought things just in case such as breast pump, breast freezing bags, and if I struggle I do have a prep machine, bottles and I will be having formula with me at hospital and at home too just to keep my mind at ease that despite whatever happens I’m prepared x

Which pump have you gone for? It feels like a minefield and potentially huge expense! Other half wants me to express so he can do some feeds but I'm not sure about it. Especially when you factor in the cost of sterilisers etc.

I was advised to wait before investing in a decent pump! You don't know what will happen/what you want until the time comes. Could always just start with a haakaa - super cheap and from what I've heard useful for overflow even if you don't do much other expressing. As regards to stuff I spoke to a few friends/relatives who already have a few kids and several of them had lists on their computer and went through what was essential vs nice to have vs not needed at all - you got anyone like that you could chat with?

I got a mix pack of MAM bottles just in case with the intention of bumping up on more if I can't breast feed or choose to express or need top ups for whatever reason

This is my second baby and I breastfed for 9 months with my first. If you want to breastfeed I wouldn't buy a pump just yet as it doesn't always work out and could be a waste of money. I didn't buy my pump until a couple of months in. I would really recommend buying a Haakka to catch your let Down from the boob you aren't feeding from and buy some milk storage bags

What have people got in terms of bottles and formula to take the hospital in case they can’t breastfeed?

@Alice most people bring in the little ready made bottles where i work as we don't have anything to sterilise the bottles with. X

@Jo ah ok thank you! Feel like an idiot when it comes to all of this!

I’m pregnant with my 2nd and breast fed my first baby for a year, I agree with Zoe, don’t buy loads of stuff until you see what works for you. And yes you can Amazon prime most stuff super quick! I was recommended by a friend to bring some ready Made aptimals in my hospital bag so that if you are asleep for example your partner can feed the baby. Feeding at the start can be really hard so it’s nice to know you have a plan b while you figure it all out and it takes a few days for your milk to arrive too! I don’t think they recommend you express for a few weeks so you’ll have time to get what you want. The mid wives will give you lots of support. Good luck!

You literally don’t need much in the first few weeks - sounds like your pretty sorted. I wouldn’t buy a pump until you know if you’re going to need/use it

I have got a mixture pack of mam bottles, however I do plan to breastfeed at first and then hopefully exclusively breast feed so dad can help with feeds and that way I also know how oz little man is getting in each feed. I went for the mamcozy pump as it was down from £189 to £101 on Amazon. Felt like it was too good of a bargain not to buy! I have got a few ready made bottles of formula incase for the hospital x