Feeding

I had a c-section, so I'm speaking from that viewpoint. When I gave birth, I did not instantly have something to feed the baby with! Most of those breastfeeding advocates make it seem like the colostrum will be there instantly. Perhaps for some, but most people have a hard time and have to wait 2-6 days for it to come in. If you deliver vaginally, its earlier and if you deliver with a c-section it will come in later.

Still make an effort to put the baby on the boob and request the hospital provide you with a pump so that you can start to get the process started even if nothing is coming out yet (Pump 15-20 minutes every 3 hours). You may have to supplement the feedings with formula. It will not mess up your baby with nipple confusion. They're not alert enough to notice or care. So don't be hard on yourself if the milk doesn't come in immediately and if you have to supplement with formula.

Product Reviews

Pumps
I recommend the Medela Pumps. However, if you're not positive about breastfeeding or you are pretty certain you will only do it for a few months, then go ahead and rent one. Its more cost effective. If you rent, you may have to purchase the tubes that connect to the pump, the breast shields, valves and membranes. I recommend going ahead and getting the Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags since you have to sterilize after each session. There is also a great starter set of Medela BPA Free Feeding Gift Set bottles which come with what you need initially to store breast milk.

Feeding Accessories
The Boppy is not very useful at all. Everyone registers for it, but honestly, it's very awkward to use. It's supposed to help prop the baby up when you're breastfeeding, but I would recommend using different size pillows that you can adjust around you and the baby to support any position you're in. They also show the Boppy being used to prop babies up, but we haven't got there so I can't speak to it yet.

Bottles
I initially used the Medela BPA Free bottles (mentioned above). Of course, your little one will outgrow those bottles really quickly! We also had concern of gas (that all babies have) so we thought to use the Dr. Brown Bottles. These are marketed to reduce colic and gas. Honestly, I didn't see a difference and they're a pain to clean since they have this extra piece to the bottle. After talking to our lovely Mom's on Call Nurse, she recommended Gerber's First Essential Clear View BPA Free Plastic Nurser with Latex Nipple. They come in 5 oz and 9 oz bottles. They're also only $3 for 3 bottles at Walmart. Make sure you get the flesh colored bottles. We absolutely love them and Binah has been doing fabulous with hardly any gas or spit-ups.

Formula
Eventually when you make the switch to formula, it can be difficult to figure out which brand and type to go with. Our Pediatrician said they're all the same. We stuck to Enfamil because that's what we were given in the hospital. I also know tons of people on Similac and Nestle Good Start. We tried the Enfamil Newborn and Gentle Ease varieties and they didn't suit Binah much, so we went with the Soy Prosobee and we've been using it ever since. Just go with your gut as you're trying out the different types.

Other Thoughts
Don't bother with a bottle warmer. They don't work well at all and you're better off heating it in the microwave.

You must get a great bottle brush to clean with! I use the Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottle Brush. I think anyone will do, I had bought this when I bought all the other Dr. Brown's stuff.

You must get the Especially for Baby BPA Free Bottle Drying Rack. This is a must and helps in drying out those bottles!

You must also get the Especially for Baby Dishwasher Basket. This is great for washing those caps, nipples, pacifiers and small toys in the dishwasher and for storage.

Last, but not least, I highly recommend you get the BornFree BPA Free Formula Dispenser. This container is great for portioning off the amount of formula you need when you are out of the house.