As a first-time mom, breastfeeding can be hard. Although it's a natural thing, it doesn't always come naturally.
Here's a few must haves that help you along your journey!
With the right tools, education and resources breastfeeding can be a LOT easier.
Breastfeeding gear and must haves
1. Milkology Breastfeeding course
This course is hands-down the best resource to invest in for breastfeeding. Stacey goes in depth on all your questions about breastfeeding as well as things you would never have thought to ask.
2. Breast pads
When you are breastfeeding, your boobs will leak. That is why breast pads are ESSENTIAL breastfeeding must haves.
It will help save your shirts from some rather unpleasant stains, but also the embarrassement of leaking through your shirt when you are in public (no thanks!).
Ellie has a cool milk collection pad that replaces disposable pads. It will collect the milk so it's not wasted and then you can pour it into a bottle.
3. Nursing bras
Nursing bras have clasps that can quickly unlatch so baby can feed. They are also very comfortable!
You can read more about our favorite nursing friendly maternity bras here.
4. Nursing Tops
Breastfeeding means a lot of whipping your boob out to feed your baby. To make this a little simpler, nursing tops are another must have you should consider or even a nursing friendly dress.
5. Nursing Pillow
Breastfeeding is all about positioning baby in just such a way that they can nurse with ease. Nursing pillows will help you prop baby up to your boob to help!
This nursing pillow buckles around you so you can position baby easier without needing to reposition the pillow too.
6. Nursing Cover
The next breastfeeding must have will depend on the individual, but having a nursing cover will make breastfeeding in public a little less awkward.
Okay, don't throw me under the bus for saying that!
This one on Amazon can be used as a nursing cover and also a carseat cover.
7. Lanolin Nipple Cream
Another must have you will want if you are breastfeeding is some nipple cream. This helps soothe your cracked and sore nipples!
8. Vitamins
If you want to breastfeed, another thing you will need is to keep taking your prenatal vitamins. This helps keep your supply going!
Pink Stork makes vitamins formulated for nursing moms, so check those out too!
9. Nipple Shield
Nipple shields won't be for every woman, but if you have flat or inverted nipples, you will want these!
These will help baby latch on and make breastfeeding easier(ish).
I won't sugar coat it though, breastfeeding with inverted nipples will be HARD!
10. Breast Pump
Even if you are breastfeeding, having a breast pump is still an essential. This wearable willow breast pump is our favorite!
In order to help quickly grow your supply, it's a good idea to pump after breastfeeding.
You might not get much at first, but it will send a message to your body that it needs to create more supply.
For a more affordable option, try a Hakaa manual pump to express any leftover milk.
Related: best breast pumps
11. Bottles
Bottles are also a must even if you are breastfeeding.
If you ever intend on having someone watch your baby (date nights, daycare, etc) someone will need to be able to feed your baby with a bottle.
Related: 7 Best Baby Bottles in 2022
Other things to have
- water bottle-staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your supply so get one you can carry around with you wherever you go.
- lactation snacks that help support supply like these cheddar crisps
That's really all there is to it! You might also want to have a water bottle that you can carry around with you, because staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your supply.
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