How to Set Up a Nursing Station for Breast-Feeding at Home

When you sit down to nurse your baby in the middle of a hectic day, it's a good idea to have everything you need close at hand. If you have older children who also need attention, this can be especially important.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nursing Pillows
• Cordless Phones With Answering Machines
• Mini Stereo Systems
• Armchairs
• Gliders
• Pillows
• Rocking Chairs
• Dried Fruits
• Juices
• Water
• Lunch Boxes
• Water

1. Set up a comfortable chair - preferably a rocker, glider or comfy armchair/recliner. Make sure its arms are high enough to support you while you hold your baby.

2. Set up a small table or basket next to the chair to hold the other elements of your nursing station.

3. Add a few pillows or cushions, and a nursing pillow if you have one.

4. Place books or magazines within reach; if you have an older child, have some picture books close at hand so that you can read together while your baby is nursing.

5. Keep a basket of toys nearby if you have a toddler or older child.

6. Stay hydrated by placing water or juice next to you, perhaps in a small lunch-size cooler or an insulated flask.

7. Keep trail mix, dried fruit or other healthy snacks within reach. Include snacks for your toddler or older child if necessary.

8. Take the phone off the hook or set up a cordless phone next to your chair.

9. Place a CD or cassette player and some soothing music nearby, or keep the CD remote control next to your chair.

10. Keep the TV remote close by if you plan to watch while you nurse.

Tips & Warnings

• Set up your nursing station before you go to bed at night. Then all you have to do in the morning is add fresh juice and snacks.
• If you have a toddler as well as a baby, be sure that everything in your nursing station is either child-safe (not a choking hazard) or childproof (locked safely in a box, a drawer or a basket with a secure lid).
• If you plan to have a cordless phone nearby, turn off the ringer; it can startle a baby in the middle of a nursing session or wake up a sleeping baby.

on 11/22/2005 I set up a nursing station beside my daughter's computer. She's 3 and still needs some guidance while on the computer, but having me nearby while nursing her brother kept her occupied and comfortable, leaving me free to nurse and help her as well.