Breastfeeding! If you are going to be Breastfeeding you are going to need some products or gear to help you. Make no mistake breastfeeding is tough! Seriously, you want all the help, products, and advise that you can find. Here are my top 10 breastfeeding essentials. In no particular order. These are the items that I feel are your breastfeeding “must haves” to accomplish the task of breastfeeding. Note, I didn’t list a rocking chair, recliner or nursing chair just because outside of being obvious, everyone has their own ideas on comfort, style and expense. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are 100% my own. Please read disclosure here.
1. Nursing bra or bra with no underwire: A good bra will provide some comfort, and breast pads can be added to help absorb any leaks. I really liked Bravado! Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. Comfort is the key.
2. Bottles: I took a gamble, and went with Playtex BPA Free Premium Nurser Bottles with Drop In Liners You put the milk in and when baby is done you just the throw away liner. All you need to spend time cleaning, is really the nipples. The bottles themselves you wash as needed.
You will need 4 oz and 8 oz bottle sizes. Playtex has interchangeable nipples (slow flow, medium, and fast flow). As they grow, babies will need faster flow. Get a few of each. Also, I breast-fed Sofia, and followed the rule of not giving a bottle or pacifier until week 4 to avoid nipple confusion. I think this helped her not to have any issues with the system I wanted to use. Check out my post on getting your own breast milk guidelines spreadsheet.
3. Breast Pump: Your breast pump may be (should be) covered by your insurance. Check with your insurance company! I used Lansinoh® SignaturePro double electric pump. It has three pumping styles and eight adjustable suction levels, has an LCD screen to keep track of the how long you have been pumping. A closed-system design reduces the number of parts cleaned and prevents bacteria and mold growth. It’s compact, and easy to carry. I took this to work an pumped every day on lunch at my office. It also takes batteries, so if you forget to take the plug you can still pump.
4. Breastmilk Storage bags: I used Lansinoh® Breastmilk Storage Bags These are the strongest breast milk storage bags on the market, with reinforced, double sealed side seams for extra protection. Each bag features the patented double Click ‘n’ SecureTM seal to prevent leaks. Tip**Write the date and how many ounces on the outside. When it freezes flat you won’t be able to tell how much you pumped (unless you actually can remember).
5. Boppy Pillow: The Boppy Pillow supports your baby as they grow and develop. It is a great nursing pillow that lifts the baby to a more ergonomic position for comfortable breastfeeding, and bottle feeding; giving relief to your arms and back. In addition to breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, the Boppy Pillow is very helpful for different stages of developing with propping, tummy time and learning to sit (kind of pre Bumbo) stage. The slipcovers are removable for easy washing and comes in many colors and patterns. Tip: I still use the Boppy to rest my knees when leaning into the bathtub, when giving Sofia her bath.
6. Nursing Cover – Breathable Cotton Breastfeeding Apron I really can’t say if one is better than another? If you are going to breastfeed you will want one. I personally think they are all pretty much the same.
7. Breastmilk storage: I used The First Years Breastflow Milk Storage Organizer Make room in your freezer for this little handy contraption. Nothing fancy or expensive but it keeps your milk organized and sanitary.
8. Nipple cream– I used Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve-HPA Lanolin I have to be honest…I really didn’t have to use this too much. I never even actually used the entire bottle. * If you put a little of your breastmilk on your nipples when your baby is done feeding; it will aid in heeling and act as a preventative for cracked or sore nipples. Little tip I picked up on in breastfeeding class. (Highly recommend taking a class)
9. Nursing pads– you can get disposable or reusable. I personally like going green when I can and used BC Washable Nature Organic Cotton Nursing Pads Leakproof Ultra Soft Non Toxic-Hypoallergenic Reusable Breastfeeding Pads Puts some in your baby bag and purse just in case. My main leaking times were at night when her feeding times started to merge and she was able to sleep longer (yay!) and was feeding less in the middle of the night. I would wear them to bed in my nursing bra.
10. Burp Cloths– You will use this all the time. My Silly Monkey has burp cloth’s you can personalize. You can also buy a pack from Gerber Burp Cloth. You will definitely need a bunch. I would also pack 2 burp cloths in your diaper bag until your baby is about 6 months old. Leave some at baby’s Grandparents house too.
That is it! Those are my top 10 essential breastfeeding products! I hope you found it helpful. If you are a breastfeeding mom reading this and are overwhelmed please don’t give up. Contact your local hospital, they can put you in touch with a lactation specialist. My hospital even had a program where you had a “warm line” that you could call 24/7 and even schedule someone to come to your house if needed, for FREE!
Please share with other moms!
Thanks for reading~
Carrie
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