I remember when I was pregnant with my first child. I assumed breastfeeding would come easily and naturally. If I had read the title “Breastfeeding Essentials”, I would have thought, “What?! You don’t need anything to breastfeed!” Well, after breastfeeding two babies, I can tell you that there sure are some products to make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable. Confused about which breastfeeding products to invest in? Don’t worry, this ultimate guide has got you covered. Learn how to choose the right breast pump, nipple cream, nursing bra, and other essential products based on your unique needs. Make informed decisions and enjoy a hassle-free breastfeeding journey.
8 Essential Breastfeeding Products
Before I get in to the breastfeeding essentials list, you need a good breastfeeding resource! It can be a breastfeeding book, a lactation consultant, an experienced friend (recent experience is best, you mom may have forgotten all things you want to know!), and/or other source of breastfeeding information to give you the low down on what to expect but also what to do you encounter breastfeeding problems.
Now, here are several breastfeeding products to make the whole experience easier.
1. Nursing Pads
This was the most shocking to me. What?! My breast will leak? I had no idea until my boobs started spraying milk! Yes, my nipples just starting spraying milk right through my shirt when my boobs got full until I got myself some handy dandy nursing pads! You can get reusable cloth nursing pads or disposable nursing pads with waterproof backing. I found cloth more comfortable to wear but at work I wore the waterproof backing kind to not take any chances! Breast pads work to absorb nipple moisture and prevents leakage through clothing. You will be super glad you have breast pads! If you choose disposable, I suggest Dr. Brown’s Disposable Breast Pads since they are biodegradable. Here is my Amazon affiliate link to Dr. Brown’s.
2. Nipple Cream
Here is another one that I had no idea I would need. Nipple cream? What for? Well, I found that out when my nipples got sore and cracked. Don’t worry – sore nipples don’t last too long and it is worth it. There are lots of great brands and the nipple cream helps soothe and heal your nipples as they get used to the changes of being tugged on. I suggest you look for a lanolin nipple cream that is all natural and paraben-free.
3. Nursing Bra
Another must have! A nursing bra holds your nursing pad in place and unlatches to give easy access to one boob at a time. A total breastfeeding essential. However, you may not want to add this to your registry too soon. They suggest you measure for your correct nursing bra size no sooner than 3 weeks before your due date to ensure accurate sizing.
4. Breastfeeding Pillow
Now, a nursing pillow isn’t actually, essential but it is helpful. When you first start holding that baby up so they can get the perfect latch, the baby can get heavy! Especially in the beginning when you are exhausted and holding up the baby to your nipple while they feed for 20 minutes every couple hours is a lot of work! Again there are many different styles so you can choose the one that is just right for you. Some buckle on and some just slip around you. I had one with a buckle but I think I would suggest one without so it could get more use later just as a pillow. Here is my affiliate link for the most popular brand on Amazon.
5. Nursing Tops
A few nursing shirts, especially when you are new to trying to nurse in public areas, make things a whole lot easier and more comfortable. Nursing tops can get expensive quickly but you really just need a few for going out. I mostly used regular shirts and just lifted then up at home. Even when out, the baby covers the boob and tummy pretty well. A nursing cover scarf is another great alternative.
6. Breast Pumps.
If you aren’t returning to work, you may be thinking, “I don’t need a breast pump“. I suggest one even if you aren’t going back to work. A handheld manual one is great for those not going back to work because there will still be times when you find your boobs are full and need to be expelled but your baby is sound asleep. I found that keeping my boobs from overfilling was important to avoiding breast infection. I also found that it is easiest to get used to a manual. I had trouble expelling for the electrical pump until I got used to the manual. I suggest an electrical breast pump for those going back to work because they are so much more efficient if you need to use one often.
In the first week of breastfeeding, having the right essentials can make a big difference in comfort and confidence. Many moms focus on establishing a healthy milk supply, and a good hand pump or electric breast pump can help express milk and relieve engorgement. Wearing nursing-friendly tank tops makes feeding and pumping more convenient. Whether you choose a manual or electric pump, both can help ensure you have enough milk for your baby’s needs. Don’t forget some breastmilk storage bags.
7. Bottles.
If you use a breast pump, you will want bottles! There are many baby bottles with a more natural design that mimic the mom’s nipples and have a more natural flow. I used Philips Avent but there are many other good brands such as Dr. Brown’s. There is also new silicone coated glass baby bottles that get rave reviews. Even if you don’t plan on bottle feeding often, you will want the flexibility of being able to do so.
8. Bottle Warmer.
You may also find a bottle warmer useful for helping the caregiver in getting the bottle the just right temperature and ready for baby.
Conclusion
In the first couple of weeks, having the right breastfeeding essentials can help new parents get off to a good start. A breastfeeding parent may need extra guidance to ensure a good latch and support healthy milk production. It’s always a good idea to reach out to a lactation support provider or the baby’s health care provider for personalized advice. Getting the help you need early on can make sure your baby gets enough breast milk and that both of you have a positive experience.
Giving your baby the best thing you can—nourishment and closeness—starts with feeling supported and prepared. These are my favorite products to make breastfeeding easier. I breast fed both my babies till at least 18 months and found it to be totally worth it. I hope you find my list helpful in getting what you need to prepare for your little bundle of joy.
It is no wonder that lactation consultants consistently recommend these must-have breastfeeding products for a smooth and successful nursing experience. From nipple shields to nursing bras, these expert-approved products can make a world of difference for new moms.These breastfeeding essentials are sure to make breastfeeding easier for you. What breastfeeding products will you put on your registry?
Related Posts:
To Breastfeed Or Not? A New Mama Shares Her Experiences
Tammy says
Why do they always come out with these great inventions–after I have had 5 kids and nursed them all! Oh, well, I’ll have to tell all my mom-to-be friends about the sucklebuckle.