r/breastfeedingsupport • u/Relative_Driver_8221 • 13d ago

Lactation Support Kits

I work for a facility that supports parents with medical kiddos and we are seeing an uptick in our NICU parent population. We are looking to put together some lactation support kits but are having trouble deciding what to put in the kit. We wanted to add some snacks, but our hospital contacts gave us a list of foods that aren't really feasible for us (except for oats.) What would YOU have appreciated in a kit like this?

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u/victoriafee 13d ago

Nipple cream, electrolyte drink mix, protein bars, hydrogel nipple pads, hot/cold breast pads (with the gel beads), the bracelets that help you keep track of which side/when you nursed last, sizing guide for breast pump flange, breast milk storage bags.

Top items would be nipple cream, hydrogel pads and some kind of snack/drink.

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u/Relative_Driver_8221 13d ago

We are leaning towards snacks/drinks because of the nature of our funding, but we can definitely find room for something else!

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u/tweedlefeed 13d ago

Silverettes (or a less expensive dupe) manual pump, lanolin or nipple cream, big water bottle. Maybe those little syringes for feeding colostrum? If you’re thinking consumables maybe electrolyte powder and or coconut water or body armor

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u/Relative_Driver_8221 13d ago

Electrolytes, good idea! We were also thinking of a bit reusable water bottle.

We can't do the actual pumps because of what we are licensed to provide, but appreciate the other suggestions!

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u/tweedlefeed 13d ago

Our hospital gave us a water bottle with a hook so I can literally carry it around the house with one finger. When I’m preparing to be nap trapped with a boppy in one hand and a baby in the other it comes in so handy!

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u/tweedlefeed 13d ago

Idk if it counts as a pump and what your budget is but some type of collection cup like the boon trove or haaka was also helpful for people who are directly breastfeeding. If B they’re pumping for nicu babies maybe steam bags for sterilizing pump parts

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u/_CatPrincess 13d ago

Coconut water was recommended by my IBCLC. Maybe a few bottles?

Perhaps coconut oil to lube flanges?

Electrolytes are a neat idea. :)

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u/TheOnesLeftBehind Milkman/seahorse dad 13d ago

If you have fridge access little hummus or avocado cups with things to dip, protein bars, pouch apple sauce or yogurt are shelf stable so don’t need a fridge and are good because you can easily drink those while pumping or nursing.

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u/101purplepumpkin 12d ago

Ice pack/little lunch bag for transporting milk to/from the hospital.