So, you’ve decided to breastfeed your baby.. now what?
Whether the breastfeeding journey for you lasts two months or two years, my hope is that these breastfeeding essentials will help you feel more prepared for what lies ahead! As someone who is about to enter into nursing for the second time, all I can say is that the act of feeding your baby from your body is hard no matter what information or products you have in your arsenal to prepare you. But with time, experience and the right tools – it can get so much better!
If you’d like to read more about our breastfeeding journey, you can read my post: “breastfeeding: how i got my baby to gain weight” here!
The Breastfeeding Products I Highly Recommend.
Medela Breast Pump – This is the breast pump I used most with my first son. I had another one that I liked, but I didn’t start using it until later on. Medela is well known for being a reliable brand with easy-to-find replacement parts and supporting accessories. This pump had great suction and I love that it came with so many essentials to get you started.
Also, If you haven’t purchased your breast pump through insurance yet, I highly recommend using Aeroflow Breastpumps. You simply enter your insurance information and they’ll show you which pumps are available at what prices to you! I’ve used them both times now and love how easy they make the process 🙂
The Hakaa Breast Pump – If you read the post I referred to here, then you know how much this little handheld pump saved us during my first go at breastfeeding! You can use it for everything from catching letdown, to suctioning a small amount of milk to find engorgement relief, and even for pumping the full amount out of one side without ever having to mess with cords! It’s truly the most useful breastfeeding tool that will save you so much time and energy!
Jessica Simpson Clip Down Nursing Tanks – These are my favorite tanks for both nursing and maternity wear! I had three for my first son and have since purchased two more. These nursing tanks have a built in shelf bra, a hook and eye in the back that makes hiding straps easy and effortlessly hold nursing pads in place. They also come with plenty of stretch and room for your growing belly. I’m currently wearing one and am 36 weeks pregnant! I plan to bring these to the hospital with me to wear with a robe.
Seamless Nursing Bra – I’ve tried a few different nursing bras but, so far, this is my favorite. It was referred to me by a friend and I just love how comfortable and functional it is. You can criss cross the straps if you need to, it’s super affordable and the padding it has stays in place when you wash it! I would recommend sizing up in this one, though.
Lactation Boosting Muffin Recipe – At some point in your breastfeeding journey, chances are you’ll be in search of a lactation boosting recipe that actually works. This is the recipe I used and LOVED as it offered great results and was a delicious treat that even my husband enjoyed!
Boppy Nursing Pillow – I recommend bringing this with you to the hospital to use from the very start! It helps so much to learn how to hold baby in the beginning and assists in their positioning during every feeding session. Whenever I didn’t have mine to use I’d always get cramps in my arms and was just far less comfortable.
Lansinoh Nursing Pads – Whether it’s been a little too long between feedings or you hear a baby cry at the grocery store.. you’re going to want to be wearing nursing pads 😉 These are the ones I like. They’re really soft so they don’t irritate your nipples and you can peel off the back if you need to stick them to your top or bra to keep them in place.
Breast Therapy Pack – I love that you can put these either in the freezer or in the microwave (or one in each) to help relieve pain, swelling or engorgement. During your nursing journey, odds are you’re going to encounter one issue or another that having these babies on hand can help relieve!
Nursing Cover – I’m a fairly modest person by nature, so the thought of nursing out in public made me slightly nervous at first. Having this nursing cover brought me peace of mind whether I decided to use it or not. The great thing about this one is that it can be used for so many other things as well – a car seat cover, high chair cover and more. Its really soft and super stretchy. Plus, you just toss it in the washer to easily clean it when you need to!
Nursing-friendly Pajamas – These can be anything that button-up or clip down! You can always wear something like a nursing tank and a pair of shorts or pants to bed, but my favorite thing to sleep in is a big sleep shirt or nightgown, so this one is perfect!
Nipple Butter – It’s pretty much inevitable: dry, cracked nipples are just something mamas deal with when it comes to nursing. This is what I used and found it to be really soothing and moisturizing. It’s also has zero lanolin in it, so you don’t have to worry about washing it off before nursing again!
shop the post.
Leave a Reply