As a pediatric nurse, certified breastfeeding counselor, and mama who breastfed two of her own babies, I have had TONS of experience with breastfeeding. The items I talk about in this post are all of the breastfeeding must haves I wish I knew about before having my babies.
Even with my previous work experience, there are still plenty of things I wish I had known as a new mom. I definitely had my fair share of difficulties navigating breastfeeding both of my little ones. After reading this you will know about multiple products that will make your life easier and hopefully give you a smooth breastfeeding journey.
I’ve listed here the 10 most used items that I feel are breastfeeding must haves for new mamas!
1. Haakaa
This item was such a lifesaver for me postpartum while nursing! The haakaa is a silicone pump that connects to your breast to catch any letdown (milk that drips out on the other side while you’re nursing). I would put my baby on one side to nurse and connect the haakaa to the other breast baby wasn’t using.
Once my milk came in, I would collect anywhere from 1-3 ounces. This required no extra effort from me and I was able to build up a small stash of milk in the freezer. It also helps if your baby is only nursing on one side for the whole feeding, so you don’t feel so full and uncomfortable until the next feeding.
2. Hydrogel Soothing Pads
Regardless of how great of a latch your baby may have, your nipples are going to be tender and sore! Hydrogel soothing pads were hands down the #1 must-have item for me. I didn’t discover them until I had painful and cracked nipples with my first, so they were packed and ready in the hospital bag with my second baby!
Putting these on right away definitely helped any soreness I had. Medela has an inexpensive option that works great and Lansinoh also makes really nice ones as well!
3. Nipple Cream
This item goes hand in hand with the hydrogel soothing pads at the beginning of breastfeeding! Apply a generous layer of nipple cream after EVERY feeding. When in doubt, apply the cream! My personal favorite is Earth Mama Nipple Butter.
No need to wipe off any residual as it is safe if the baby gets a little taste. I bought two and kept them in the most common places I would nurse my baby (or one in the diaper bag!).
Extra tip: apply a layer of nipple cream before putting your breast pump on. This helps significantly with the rubbing of your nipple inside the flange.
4. Breast Heating Packs
These breast therapy packs are essentially heating pads for your breasts. They help so much in the beginning when your milk is coming in and you experience engorgement. You can place them on for comfort or you can also use them while hand expressing or pumping a bit of milk to help decrease any engorgement.
5. Reusable Nursing Pads
You often hear nursing pads being recommended for breastfeeding moms. Some women may leak milk through their entire breastfeeding journey, while others may not leak at all. If you are someone that experiences leaking, I highly recommend reusable nursing pads.
My favorite brand of reusable nursing pads is Kindred Bravely. They are soft, wash well, and even come with a cute little carrying case! In my opinion, these were way more comfortable than the scratchy disposable nursing pads.
6. Manual Pump
Breast pumps can get really confusing and how do you decide which is the best one to get?! That can be saved for a whole other post, but hands down a manual pump is a great place to start (also sometimes called a breastfeeding hand pump).
They are inexpensive and so portable! You can use it really quickly to express your milk without having to set up a whole station with multiple breast pump pieces, tubes, and cords. And it’s a great tool in the beginning stages of nursing when your milk comes in to get some quick relief. I recommend this one by Medela!
7. Nursing Pillow
When your baby is first born, they are a tiny little squish that doesn’t have much control over their body movements. Add in being a first-time mom learning to breastfeed for the first time and it makes for some awkward, difficult positions trying to get baby to latch.
A nursing pillow can be a huge help in supporting the baby while you work on getting that latch right. I tried a few and always went back to my Boppy. I found that sitting in a supportive armchair (like a rocker) helped me and my baby get into a comfortable position. And a bonus is you can pick cute covers!
8. Nursing Bras
A nursing bra is a bra that has a special clasp at the top so you’re able to pull the bra down to get easy access to your breast for nursing. There are so many nice options out there nowadays ranging from really affordable to higher-end quality.
I recommend starting with a more affordable option in the beginning as your breast size will change throughout your nursing journey. I’ve linked two options here and here.
9. Nursing Tanks
Nursing tank tops have the same function as nursing bras. I found these to be really helpful in the early postpartum days when I was at home with my baby and wanted to be comfortable. They can also be a great option if you want to wear a cute, non-nursing friendly top. You wear the tank underneath and then pull your shirt on top up when ready to nurse without exposing any of your belly.
These are my favorite because they give me compression as well as comfort, and they’ve lasted me through both of my baby’s breastfeeding journeys.
10. Snacks & Water
My last must-have is a complete necessity, and that is snacks and water nearby at all times! Breastfeeding makes you extremely hungry and thirsty. Some snacks that got me through those early days were granola bars, these energy bites by The Defined Dish, and fruit!
Bonus Must Have!
11. Nursing Cover
If you choose to use a cover while nursing out in public, I found this one to be way easier and more functional! The top allows you to look in and see your baby to help get things situated. And it’s much cooler inside than the wrap covers. Definitely not necessary to have a cover, you do you mama!
I hope you find these breastfeeding must haves as helpful as I did in your breastfeeding journey. No matter the outcome, you are an amazing and perfect mother for your baby!
Other Posts You Might Like:
- The Best Proven Ways to Increase Your Breastfeeding Milk Supply
- 18 Surprising Postpartum Body Changes No One Tells You About
