So you’ve decided you want to breastfeed and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking about how easy this will be. The only breastfeeding essentials you’ll need are your baby and your boobs, right? I will say for some this is partially true but for the most of us it’s absolutely false.
Being a first time mom you’ll learn about all the things you were wrong about and as fun as it sounds, you’ll figure it out after many trials and tribulations. Now some moms can do without all the knick knacks of breastfeeding but for others you may find yourself needing a little extra help and that is perfectly fine.
I have complied a small list of products that have personally made the last 3 years of breastfeeding easier. Here are my top 7 breastfeeding essentials for new moms:
Nipple Cream
OK, getting straight to the nitty gritty you will definitely want some nipple cream to soothe sore and cracked nipples that are likely to occur in the first few weeks of nursing. I have tried many creams but I absolutely stand by this Motherlove Organic Nipple Cream.
Gel Pads
This is another essential to battle the pain of sore nipples. I found these Lansinoh Soothies to be a godsend from keeping your chapped nipples from rubbing against your bra or shirt. It definitely provides some much needed relief during those first few weeks.
Nursing Pillow
This is more of a luxury but still a staple in any nursing mama’s stash. I’ve gotten great use out of my Boppy with both of my girls and it’s great to use for sitting up and facilitating tummy time with as well.
Nursing Bras
You will quickly learn that your regular bras won’t work for getting your baby to your boob in a timely manner, especially while nursing outside of the house. Finding the right nursing bra for you is extremely important in maintaining a comfortable nursing journey.
Water Bottle
If you haven’t figured it out by now you are going to have to drink A LOT of water in order to keep up a good milk supply. It is so easy to fall behind on your water intake so keeping a good water bottle close by throughout the day is necessary for nursing moms.
Breast Pump
Every nursing mom needs a reliable breast pump. I actually did not bottle feed either one of my daughters much but I still ended up using my pump when I was engorged or on overnight trips without them. This manual Lansinoh pump has been my go-to for getting milk expressed quickly.
Lactation Supplement
I recommend that all nursing moms keep some kind of lactation supplement on hand because you will most likely experience a drop in your supply at some point in your nursing journey. I love lactation teas and cookies like this Mother’s Milk tea and these yummy Milkmakers cookies.
As I said before, many women can do without a number of these things but if you’re anything like me you may find them to be life-savers.
What are some of your favorite nursing essentials?
13 Comments
These are all items that I definitely use while I was breastfeeding. I really recommend the water for some reason you are always very thirsty.
This is very helpful, especially for first-time moms. Very timely since my best friend is about to give birth and has been asking breastfeeding questions. Shared this post with her. Thank you so much! 🙂
Thank you for sharing!
Great list. I miss breastfeeding so much!!
I can’t wait to be able to say that! Haha I’ve been feeding my girls back to back so it’s been a while since I’ve had a break but I definitely know I’ll miss it.
I wish someone had given me this list when I started breastfeeding. Some of these things are life savers.
Same, I wasn’t very prepared with nursing my first.
Thank you so much for sharing your tips! Breastfeeding can be a challenging time for many. I definitely agree that having quality nursing bras is essential.
Thanks for reading! I don’t know what I would do without my nursing bras. They make life 100x easier.
For me, it was my husband. My firstborn came a few months after emergency wrist surgery on my dominant hand, AND my supply took awhile to get established, AND she had lots of trouble with her latch besides. So for the first 2 months of her life, feeding required my husband to help position her/hold her into place, as well as his constant encouragement, and then her bottle-feeding her while I pumped.
Yes, I love that! A good partner is definitely needed in supporting a nursing mama. That’s great that your husband was so helpful through it all!
THis is such a wonderful list. I have actually used every single one of these items. And nursing cover?
Thank you! And of course, a nursing cover is definitely an awesome essential for breastfeeding. Especially when you have a distracted baby like I do!