10 Essential Items For Breastfeeding Mums

Any breastfeeding mother will tell you that a good pump is an essential piece of equipment. There are two types of breast pumps— manual and electric. 

Manual breast pumps are typically more lightweight, making them easy to transport for mothers who travel often. They are also very quiet, so you can pump discreetly, even while your baby is sleeping nearby. As they don’t require batteries or power cords, they are also much less likely to break down. Try the popular Pigeon Manual Breast Pump that comes with a handle to stimulate milk flow. Alternatively, you may also consider the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump with Suction Base & Silicone Cap 150ml, whereby you can simply squeeze the base of the pump to stimulate milk supply.

Meanwhile, electric breast pumps like the hospital-grade Spectra S1 Plus Double Breastpump are more efficient. They can extract milk faster and with less effort, making them an excellent choice for mothers who have trouble expressing milk or need to pump frequently. When paired with a pumping bra like the Pret-a-Pregger Prolacta 3-in-1 Handsfree Pumping Bra, electric pumps can also be used hands-free so you can continue with your day-to-day activities.

Other breastfeeding accessories to get along with your pumps include flanges, tubings, steriliser, and spare parts. To learn more about getting the correct breast pump and accessories, read our guide to choosing the right breast pump for your unique breastfeeding needs. 

After pumping your breast milk, properly storing your liquid gold is important, so your efforts do not go down the drain. 

Here’s what you need to know regarding keeping your breast milk fresh in Singapore’s hot and humid weather:

• Storing your breast milk at room temperature in Singapore is not possible. If you’re outside, you can put your breast milk in a cooler or insulated cooler pack for up to 24 hours after pumping.
• You can refrigerate your breast milk for up to four days. Be sure to place it at the back of the refrigerator where the temperature is the coolest.
• If you aren’t going to use the refrigerated breast milk within four days, you should freeze it in a freezer or deep freezer for up to 12 months. However, using the frozen milk within six months is recommended.

When storing breast milk, it’s best to use proper storage bags made with food-grade material that is safe for both mother and baby. Usually, the breast milk bags will have a double-zip seal to prevent leaks, and they are marked with measurements so that you can easily track how much milk you have stored. Regular plastic bags are not recommended as they are not leak-proof and may contain chemicals that can leach into the milk. 

Alternatively, you can also store your breast milk in BPA-free plastic bottles with tight-fitting covers. Consider getting the Hegen PCTO™ Express Store Feed Starter Kit that grows with your child. Simply store your milk in a single container and swap the lids to feed bub when needed.

Breast pads are designed to absorb leaks from breasts during breastfeeding or pumping. They are usually round or crescent-shaped and fit inside a bra cup. These are necessary for any nursing mother as they keep your garments dry, preventing any embarrassing wet spots from showing through clothing. While you may not need to use breastfeeding pads all the time, they can be a lifesaver during those early weeks and months when your body adjusts to nursing.