If you’re expecting a baby soon and planning to breastfeed and wondering what all you’re going to need? Then I have the perfect list for you!
I am currently nursing my second child in about 2 years and I know that breastfeeding can be difficult or at the very least, uncomfortable, when you don’t have the right tools.
Don’t get me wrong, if all you can manage is your boob and your baby then you have all you truly need. BUT if you are looking to make things more comfortable and have those breastfeeding sessions go a little smoother, take a look at what I use on a daily basis:
Nursing Pads
I have 2 types that I use. In the early days when I am leaking a lot more, I use disposable ones. They keep up with the letdown and you don’t have to worry about getting them washed!
However, when I get further along in my breastfeeding journey and I’m not leaking quite as much, I got reusable ones.
I liked these as they were more comfortable and more practical than single use disposable pads and cheaper.
They are not as absorbent so they can get uncomfortable if you are having a heavier day of leaking. I simply kept extras on hand when I was out and about but I didn’t usually need to use them.
After a little longer I stopped leaking entirely so I was able to do away with nursing pads all together.
Easy Access Bras
I used the Momcozy sports bra almost exclusively except when I needed to wash it. Then I moved on once I stopped nursing.
I got these bras to wear with different shirts that the sports bra didn’t work well with. These have worked well for about a year now.
The last kind of bra you should really get are bras for sleeping. These sleep bras are necessary to keep hold of the nursing pads so that you aren’t leaking milk all over your pajamas, baby, and bed. They are also soft and comfortable enough to not really feel like you’re wearing a bra.
Water bottle
Breastfeeding requires LOTS of hydration and so having a good water bottle is essential! You would be wise to get an easy to handle water bottle with a large capacity, if possible. I got a 40 ounce bottle with a handle for everyday use.
My only complaint with the one I have now is that it doesn’t fit well in our stroller so I got a smaller 24 ounce bottle.
Nursing pillow
There are a lot of options for supporting your arm and baby while breastfeeding. In a pinch I have used a blanket, I’ve used my leg, I’ve even used a table!
However, having an actual pillow is pretty nice and a lot more comfortable. You could use a normal bed pillow, it will work just fine so long as it is supportive.
If you have it in the budget though, Frida Mom made a nursing pillow that has an added level of comfort and convenience. It has 3 separate pieces that allow you to adjust the pillow to the needed size for your baby throughout their growth. The cover is removable and everything is washable.
The added convenience comes in with a strap you can buckle around your waste to keep the pillow from shifting and falling when you don’t want it to. You can also add an ice pack to the back but I have not used this feature yet.
Burp Rags
Babies spit up. It’s basically a rule and they are good at following it. Even if they don’t actually spit up they often drool or end up with milk all around their mouth.
Long story short, you need some kind of burp rag. I don’t recommend towels because you want something softer and washcloths are a little too small.
My favorites have been these Burts Bees burp rags and it might sound strange but I found the small swaddle/receiving blankets to be the best for the earlier days when I was producing a bit too much and they were still learning how to stay latched. I kept these flannel ones folded to a manageable size and that way there were several layers available and when I would use one part of it I could usually refold to reveal a clean area.
Collector Shells
With my first kid, I used a Haaka to help collect let down from one side while the baby was eating from the other.
The milk collection was nice but I had a few problems with it. If it got too full, it wouldn’t stay suctioned as the weight would pull it off. The size and location made for great kicking practice for my baby while he ate–effectively knocking it off several times and covering me and my stuff in milk.
Lastly, it really needs to be suctioned on which can create problems as it signals to your body that the milk is actively needed instead of passively letting down. This can create extra problems for you if you have a clogged duct or an oversupply.
This second time around I got these Collector Shells that stay nicely in my bra and collect the milk in peace without creating a big suction. You can create a suction but I found just placing it allowed the milk to fall in still.
It’s a big game changer and allowed me to get some milk into the freezer without really trying or creating a supply issue.
Sunflower Lecithin
This was recommended to me with my first and dealing with engorgement and clogged ducts. It really helps me so talk to your doctor/midwife/lactation consultant and see if they recommend this for you.
I keep a bottle in my cupboard and anytime I start to feel a clogged duct coming on I start taking them and I feel like it makes a difference.
A Word of Encouragement:
If breastfeeding is a struggle for you, you’re not alone. Even experienced mommas can struggle to find their footing when feeding a new baby. This is, however, temporary. Stick with it, address any issues you have and eventually you will find your rhythm and it will become cherished time with your little one. A time will come before you know it when your breastfeeding journey will come to an end and you’ll find yourself missing it.
Hang in there momma…you’ve got this.