Ellen Steinberg's Most Important Things To Have Before Your Baby Is Born - Plus How To Find A Lactation Consultant

Here is baby expert Ellen Steinberg's list of The Most Important Things to Have Before the Baby is Born (Breastfeeding-related items):

Very Important Items:

• A breastpump - If you will be going back to work, if you plan to do a lot of pumping, or if you simply want the best, get a hospital-grade double (pumps both breasts at the same time) electric pump. You can rent one or buy one. If you do not need this type of pump, you may want to get a mini-electric model or a manual pump, or just learn how to do effective manual expression.
• Nursing bras - No underwire, look for good comfort and support. (I can fit you during late pregnancy.)

Other Items:

• Nursing bra pads
• Milk storage and freezing bags or bottles
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing footstool
• Hands-free pumping bra
• Sore nipple solutions - Lanolin, hydrogel pads
• Possibly feeding bottles - some are better than others for nursing babies

Ellen's advice on How to find a good lactation consultant:

Unfortunately, anyone can call herself a lactation consultant. In order to be certified, however, you need to have a lot of experience and pass an exam. An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is someone who has achieved these goals, and most likely is a very qualified lactation consultant. Many experienced, professional lactation consultants have not chosen to become certified. However, they may also be very qualified. If you live in Los Angeles, you can obtain a list of lactation professionals throughout the county and area from the Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles. Visit the website at breastfeedla.org and click on the Resource Directory link. In addition, you can go to Medela.com for a list of lactation professionals in your area that either just rent or sell Medela products (breastpumps) or who provide additional services.

Thank you, Ellen, for all of your fantastic expert advice! If you'd like to contact Ellen, you can reach her at (818) 345-4439 or at babyhelp@roadrunner.com.

This is the last post I have planned on the topic of breastfeeding. If you have any comments, recommendations, or a question that wasn't answered, please email me and I will do my best to help!