Best Baby Shower Gifts: Feeding products for both breast & bottle fed babies (Part 2)

Before baby is even born moms start to think about feeding their new bundle of joy. While most women plan on breast feeding, it doesn't always work out or last long for one reason or another. Either way, you're going to need some items for those natural feeders of yours. Here's a few ideas that make great gifts. For more feeding-related items, check out part one and part three.

Breast pumps are something almost all mamas will need, but what kind to get- that's the question. On a basic level, there are two kinds - manual and electric. Manual is for those mamas who won't pump very often. Electric pumps are for moms who will return to work or want or need to feed their baby expressed breast milk instead of nursing baby. You may not know which kind of pump you need until after baby's born. Some babies are good eaters and good latchers, others not so much. Here's a look at two good electric choices. Both Medela and Lansinoh also make high quality manual pumps too. They are both brands you can trust.

Medela's new Freestyle breast pump is hands free and wireless for maximum mobility when pumping breast milk... perfect for moms who go back to work at an office or for just convenience to pump and do chores or browse the net all at once. It looks a little weird to wander around with while using, but what breast pump doesn't look a little odd. It comes with a great pack that includes a nice size bag for portability, extra bottles and even a freezer pack to keep the milk you pump cold. The only downside - you have to be wearing a bra to use it as a hands free product. But being breast feeding mamas almost always wear a nursing bra for maximum comfort and support, that's not much of a downside. Watch a video of how it works HERE. This would great a great choice for office co-workers to pitch in and buy together.

Lansinoh also makes a quality electric breast pump. It's much more of the no frills variety but still gets the job done and is priced at under $200. The Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump is designed for everyday long term use. It has dual independent controls for both speed and suction so you can simulate your baby's nursing pattern. Watch a video of how it works HERE. Go HERE for a chance to win one of these great pumps for FREE! There's also a separate contest to win a manual pump by Lansinoh HERE.

Pumping or not, breasts need extra care in the weeks after baby comes. Here are some ideas for that...

The Shower Hug is heaven for those sore, engorged boobies. It provides secure and super soft protection in the shower, where the water can hurt instead of relax the tender parts. This is a product invented out of sheer need and genius of a mama who understood the pains and needs of new moms. (It's essentially a towel that velcros around the upper torso.)

Relax those hard working boobs too with The Happy Company's Breast Buddies. They smell so incredibly good. You pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds and put on sore breasts. The warmth and the lavender smell combine for ultimate comfort, even if you have to do stuff while you put them in your bra, you'll feel relief. They reusable too. And if you need a little cooling off before baby comes, you can put the Breast Buddies in the freezer for a different kid of refreshing treat for those of us pregnant in the heat of summer. One size fits all.

LilyPadz are reusable, non-absorbent nursing pads. They allow you to go leak free without a bra and even while swimming, and still they're breathable and adhesive free. Lily Padz are really thin and lightweight too. And like so many great products for moms - Lily Padz were invented by a mom who was tired of wasting money on disposable pads. Read about using and caring for them for a long life HERE.

Soothies Lansinoh Gel Pads provide relief for sore nipples. These soothe cracked skin and encourage healing. Store them in the fridge for a cooling sensation and some relief from summer heat. They're reusable for up to 3 weeks too.

Nursing pillows are a really helpful item for new moms and are really a must have for breastfeeding. Here are two unique ones that make great gifts...

Cushie Pushie is another great mom invented product. (Read my interview with her HERE.) These are small pillows made to correctly position the breast for easier latching and breastfeeding. By keeping the breast pushed up, it also frees up a hand. They come in several sizes and fabrics, including organic fabrics.

The You Pillow is a unique U shaped maternity and nursing pillow. It makes breastfeeding easier once baby arrives, can be used for added support while bottle feeding and while baby is still holed up inside mom, it can be used as a pillow to comfort mom in those awkward end of pregnancy days. I like it cause it gives support while being really comfortable. It's like a Boppy but better because it has more uses. It comes in several different fillings and fabrics in different price ranges and for different needs.