Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding journeys in Motherhood. It doesn’t always come naturally, it can be rough, and it isn’t for everybody – but for those who are able to experience this, it is amazing! I feel like Super Woman, knowing that for the past 18 months, I have been able to provide nourishment for my daughter.
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For those of you who are about to have a baby (and plan to breastfeed), for those of you with a new baby and are breastfeeding, and those of you well into your journey, I want to share with you the tools that I had that made my breastfeeding journey a great experience! These are items and resources you can have ready access too and that won’t break the bank.
1. Breast Pads
These are a must, especially early in the journey when your milk comes in and learns to regulate. If you have oversupply, these are your best friend. I liked the reusable vs disposable. They were more cost efficient and I felt they held up from leaks better. I chose to use the Bamboobies but there are tons of other brands too. The Bamboobies held up well in the washer and didn’t sour. They also hid well in my nursing tanks and bras and didn’t add extra oomph. My favorite breast pads are linked and shown below.
2. Nursing Bras
I got my first nursing bra when I was pregnant with B. I actually delivered her in it, and I am glad! We were in such a rush to the hospital, I wouldn’t have thought to bring it if it hadn’t been on. In the hospital, I switched over to the nursing tank as soon as I had visitors. It was easy access for B and comfortable for me. Since our breastfeeding journey was just beginning, I wanted to ensure that I didn’t have to battle clothes as we figured each other out. As she got older, I just made sure to have nursing bras and loose necked shirts. It made it easy to feed her and I again was comfortable. Be sure to invest in some of these though. Regular bras lose their shape and I feel are just hard to manipulate. My favorite nursing bra is linked and shown below.
3. Nursing Tops
I got a couple nursing tanks from Target to start out with. I then expanded to maternity tanks which have lots of extra give in the neckline and comfy loose tees. These made for a comfortable momma and easy access. My favorite tops are linked and shown below.
4. Nipple Butter/Cream
I started using Nipple Butter as soon as my breastfeeding journey started. I never experienced cracked nipples, overly sore nipples, blisters or sores. I was uncomfortable with a lot of brands because if you read the directions, you were to wash the stuff off before the baby nursed. If a baby can’t consume it safely, that’s a major red flag for me. I order Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter from Target. You don’t have to wash it off (baby safe) and it kept the girls hydrated, uninflamed, and comfortable. A jar lasted me forever and it was great that it could be delivered directly to my door. My favorite nipple butter is linked and shown below.
5. The Haakaa Breast Pump
The Haakaa Breast Pump was an absolute godsend for me. My body didn’t respond to manual or electric pumps. I also had oversupply. And then comes the Haakaa. I would latch it on the unoccupied breast and it would catch the letdown. No liquid gold wasted. I could also hand express into it and suction pump. I built a stash without ever being hooked up to the wall. I attribute missing Mastitis to the Haakaa. You need a Haakaa. I have the Haakaa linked and shown below.
6. Lactation Tea
My favorite Lactation Tea was Traditional Medicinals Mother’s Milk Tea. I’d add a little honey and be good to go. I didn’t start using this until my supply was established but especially when my cycle started back up, it would boost my supply to not lacking. Mothers Milk Tea is linked and shown below.
7. The Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner
This was a purchase well spent (and used by much more than myself). This pillow saves your back, shoulders, and sanity. When I battled strong letdown, this pillow was great for laid-back positioning.
Without these items, I feel I would have been lost in my breastfeeding journey! I feel that for any breastfeeding mom, these would be extremely beneficial to have onhand.
I would love to know what your favorite breastfeeding items are and which ones you felt weren’t necessary.
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This list is so good! And so important! I woah I had these essentials when I first started breastfeeding! Things would have been a whole lot easier.
Very informative!
Yes! My little girl was born last week and we have been breastfeeding! So many of these we have and use and are making it easier! I have a pump that I haven’t used yet but will soon!
Congratulations on your daughter and your journey! That is so exciting!
I agree with using reusable nursing pads! They are so much softer and hold up better than the disposable! Thanks for sharing!
I’m almost done breastfeeding my son and I have used 6 out of the 7 items! I wish I would have used disposable breastpads because of the low cost and environmental impact on disposable ones but honestly I didn’t even think about it. This list is great for a breastfeeding beginner!
Some great suggestions for nursing moms!
I’m currently pregnant with my second and definitely plan on getting a Haaka this time! I HATED pumping. I still get some PTSD with hearing the pump go off. *shudders* I had both the boppy and My Breast Friend and liked them both for different purposes. I liked that I could walk around with the My Breast Friend since it clipped to you and it made positioning a lot easier for me in the early days. I liked the Boppy when I became more comfortable with my breastfeeding journey.
Great tools to help a breastfeeding mama!
I can relate to the pump – it’s an emotional allergy. Mine sounded like Darth Vader and I still want to run when I hear one.
And congratulations on the upcoming baby
I wish I would have had some of these items when my kids were breastfeeding. It can be a challenge, but I think the rewards are tremendous. I can see how a lot of these things would make it easier.
It definitely can make a huge difference having the right stuff!