Breastfeeding is no walk in the park. There is a lot you’re going to need to know before you start… keep reading for a list of Breastfeeding Essentials.
Make sure you meet with a lactation consultant either in the hospital or soon after you get home. She will be your BEST FRIEND. Also, stock up on the essentials while you’re still pregnant. No one wants to be running around trying to find all these goodies once the baby is here!
Here are all of the goodies I loved during my first experience with breastfeeding in my post titled, “So You’re Going to Breastfeed?” I breastfed Annabelle for 20 months and feel that I have a pretty good idea of what worked and what didn’t work. I still love every single one of the items I listed. Now that I’m two weeks into my BF journey with Ailey, I have a couple more must-haves to add to my list.
one. Milkies Milk-Savers
Before Ailey was born, two of my friends recommended I purchase a Milkies Milk-Saver Milk Collector. The plastic cup catches the milk that leaks out of the breast not being used during a nursing session. I can’t believe I went a week and a half without one and seriously regret it. The first time I put on the milk collector and nursed Ailey, I collected one whole ounce of milk from the opposite breast. You must try this out.
two. Soothies
The first couple of days (and maybe weeks) of breastfeeding is rough on your nipples. My cousin bought me a box of Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads for my baby sprinkle. I am so grateful for the thoughtful gift because placing these gel pads in the freezer for an hour and then on my sore, cracked nipples feels so incredibly soothing. Unfortunately, these are not something you can wear for more than 72 hours, so make sure you order a few boxes.
three. disposable nursing bra pads
If you’re a milk goddess like me and your breasts constantly leak, do not waste your time buying machine washable nursing pads. I tried them for a few days with Annabelle and just felt gross walking around with soaking wet pads stinking of milk in my bra. If I wanted to stick with reusable washable pads I would need 6 pairs for one day and have to wash them every night. The disposable nursing bra pads are so much easier to use and toss when they become full.
Medela makes a variety of items that I really can’t live without. Two of my favorites are the Quick Clean Breastmilk Solution and Quick Clean Wipes for Pump Parts.
four. burp cloths
Breastfeeding can be messy. If your little one is anything like mine, she’ll need a couple of breaks to burp during a nursing session. While you attempt to pat out a little burp, your breast might just leak… everywhere. I tuck a burp cloth underneath the breast being used and then keep another burp cloth over my shoulder. I love these burp cloths made of cloth diapers because they absorb the milk/spit up so much better than store bought cloths resembling a washcloth or small towel. Maddie Colin and Riles on Etsy has the CUTEST burp cloths. Use AILEY10 for 10% off through December 31st.
omg that milk savor was the best thing ! It seriously saved me at times an entire 3 oz ! GLad everything is going well friend!
The gel soothies for sure! A nipple shield was a life saver for us while B learned to latch her first month. I also really liked alternating coconut oil with the Lansinoh to help heal sore nipples. The my breast friend pillow was a great support- I liked it better for the boppy when nursing when she was very tiny! Water and having snacks withing easy reach was important for me and I liked having an app where I could time nursing sessions.
Wow. Thank you for compiling all of these! I am definitely pinning them for later!
Definitely a comfortable nursing pillow!