Breastfeeding Must Haves
Breastfeeding is the hardest, yet most rewarding act a mother does. Breastfeeding forms such a beautiful bond between a mom and her baby. A bond that only the two of them will ever get to experience and understand. Aside from all of the beauty in breastfeeding, it isn’t always has easy as it seems. I hope that with this list, other moms out there are able to have a successful breastfeeding journey as I have.
Nursing Bras
You can always wear a normal bra, but nursing bras come in handy so much when breastfeeding.
Nursing Tops
In the first few months of breastfeeding, I was super self-conscious about breastfeeding in public. I was scared someone was going to see my boobs or my after baby belly. Nursing tops really came in handy. You don’t have to lift your shirt completely up, your bottom torso is covered, and its overall a more comfortable feeling. There’s also dresses and other cute outfits too made for nursing mommas out there.
Nipple Balm
Breastfeeding in the beginning can be tricky. Occasionally moms will experience soreness and tenderness or even cracked/chapped nipples. I good nipple balm is great to have on hand for these moments.
Nursing Pillow
I can not even begin to explain the back, shoulder, and neck pain I have gone through because of breastfeeding. This is due to poor posture while my baby breastfeeds. Having a nursing pillow helps elevate your baby up to your breast, so you don’t have to lean over. A nursing pillow also helps support your back during feeds.
Breast Pump
My baby had been exclusively breastfed for two years. He never took a bottle, so I never have to have a constant pumping routine. I understand other moms do not have that luxury. Although I didn’t pump much, I had two pumps that I loved. The WillowGo was my favorite. It’s a hands-free pump. I was able to pump while cooking dinner, playing with my son, and even driving. There are tons of options for pumps out there. Insurances also cover pumps.
Large Water Bottle
Staying hydrated while breastfeeding is so important. Breastfeeding takes a lot out of mommas, so we need to be sure to take care of ourselves as well. Easier said than done, trust me, I know!! I bought a 1/2 gallon sized water bottle and have kept it by my side ever since.
Haakaa
The Haakaa hands free pump comes in handy when you need to keep a stash of milk in the freezer. You simple put it on your other breast while your baby is nursing on the other side.
Reusable Nursing Pads
When you breastfeed, you leak. It comes in handy to have a nursing pad in your bra, at all times, to help absorb any milk the may leak out.
Nursing Cover
Nursing covers come in handy when you’re out in public and want a little bit of privacy. They also come in handy when nap time falls into the time you’re out. It can help baby feel a little more secluded and cozy. Although when my son got to be a little older, he did not like being covered up while he ate, so I only used a nursing cover when he was a newborn.
Milk Storage Bags
If you will be pumping then you definitely need something to store your milk in. It’s important too to record the date and time the milk was collected on the bag before freezing. Your pump sometimes comes with a bundle of storage bags, but for some moms it may not be enough. The brand linked is my favorite.
Twiddling Necklace
This is something I never invested in, but still consider getting. In my opinion, nothing is more annoying than your baby twiddling your nipple while breastfeeding. It’s the worst when you’re already overstimulated.
Lactation Massager
I never invested in one of these because truly I never needed one. But I know a few moms who this would have come in handy for. So far (knock on wood) in my two year breastfeeding journey, I have only had two clogged ducts. If I had this issue more often, then I would have definitely invested in a lactation massager to help.
I hope that sharing my must have items will help a breastfeeding mom. Whether you’re new to the breastfeeding world or on your fifth baby, there is always something new to learn and use when it comes to being a parent.