Tips for helping with starting BF

heatherbee710

I am trying to finish up packing my hospital bag in the next few days, and am confused about what I should buy to help my breasts right after delivery and when I start BF? I have lanolin, nursing pads (2 boxes of 30 each ... I don't know how fast I will go through them? I'd like to have enough for a few weeks?), breastmilk storage bags (gotta go back to work eventually), breast pump.  I have a few nursing tanks and will be buying a few nursing bras as the time gets a bit closer.

 I am confused about what exact things I need for what. I hear people talking about nipple shields, and am wondering what exactly they do? Thanks!