Congrats on your choice to breastfeed! It’s one of the best things you can do for you and baby. The truth is, if you have boobs, you have everything you need to nurse. However, this list of breastfeeding essentials is everything you need to make breastfeeding easy and successful from the moment of birth. Number 1 is an absolute must!
The Postpartum Period
The postpartum period is a combination of the best and hardest time in your life. Having your new baby and all of the happy hormones floating through your body puts you on cloud nine. On the other hand, it can also bathe hardest.
A lot of moms think breastfeeding will simply come naturally. For some, it does. But for others, it’s an exhausting and painful experience that leaves them in defeat. Just like labor and birth, the more you know and the more you prepare, the better off you’ll be.
One of the most interesting things about the postpartum period is the breastfeeding paradox. It’s the most natural thing you can do with your baby. But it doesn’t always come naturally.
Get off to the breast start with this list of breastfeeding essentials. #1 is especially a must!
Breastfeeding Essentials for New Moms
Breastfeeding is funny. If you have boobs, than, really, you have everything you need. But these breastfeeding essentials make nursing so much more comfortable. These are items pumping moms will need too, or if you want to build a freezer milk stash!
Remember that you can always register for these items so that you have them ahead of time!
Click on any picture to learn more.
1. Breastfeeding Class
Taking a breastfeeding class (either in person or online) should be at the top of your list. It’s one of the most important breastfeeding essentials.
You avoid so many nursing issues that moms who don’t take a class run into. Learn a proper latch, different ways to hold baby, how to know if baby’s getting enough milk and more.
It’s also a great way to meet other moms and friends who are embarking on the same journey you are.
Related: Newborn Essentials Baby Can’t Live Without
Milkology offers a ton of different classes to choose from. From newborn basics to pumping and more, these classes are short and affordable.
Whether or not you take a class, you might end up having one of these common nursing problems. This blog has great information and free resources. Or you can contact a local La Leche leader to meet with. Your hospital or pediatrician typically has a lactation consult that’s free to use too.
2. Nursing Bras
Like maternity and nursing clothes, getting nursing-specific bras is up to you whether this should be on your postpartum essentials for mom list. During nursing, you can always wear your normal bras or sports bras and simply pull them up or aside.
Getting nursing bras can help as your boobs change size as they adjust to baby’s needs. That’s why it’s great to get bras that aren’t cup and size specific. It also makes boob access a bit easier, and they typically have padding to catch any leakage.
Amazon and Target both have a ton of great and affordable options. As always, buy a few extras so laundry doesn’t pile up.
3. Nipple Cream
Nursing baby is an amazing bond, but it comes with complications as you and baby become pros.
Even if you don’t have any problems with latching or nursing, it’s an adjustment having something sucking on your nipples all day everyday. Pay them a little extra attention and keep them in good health with a nipple cream.
This nipple cream is so soothing and heals dry, cracked or sore nipples. It’s organic and safe for baby to ingest. Plus, if you have any left over, it’s excellent for dry skin, lip balm or stretch marks!
4. Haakaa
A Haakaa is an absolute must! It has many uses. Most mamas use it to catch the let down from the other boob while nursing. The Haakaa can catch 1-3 ounces of let down each time you nurse. That otherwise would be wasted!
A typical newborn nurses at least 8 times a day. That’s anywhere from 8-24 ounces that a Haaka catches in a day!
It’s also excellent to use during hand expression. You can use it to relieve clogged ducts or engorgement or pumping on the go.
If you’re a nursing mama, a Haakaa is a non-negotiable on your breastfeeding essentials list!
Related: Postpartum Essentials New Moms NEED
5. Nursing pads
Nipples leak as a nursing mama. Especially during those first few weeks postpartum or when you’re nursing baby on one side.
Avoid messy, wet shirts with nursing pads. The washable ones are soft and unnoticeable. It’s also great to have disposable pads for ease or if the washable ones are all dirty.
6. Nursing pillow
Getting a nursing pillow is totally up to you! Some mamas swear by them and even take one in their hospital bag. Others don’t need them or simply use a normal pillow.
Free Download – The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom, Dad & Baby
If you’re going to get one, the Bobby and My Breast Friend are popular brands.
6. Breast pump
If you plan on bottle feeding at all, you need a breast pump. Unless you have a specific brand in mind, your insurance will typically cover the cost for one. Which is awesome because they can be several hundreds of dollars!
Call your insurance to see how to get one for free or you can use Aeroflow to do the work for you.
7. Breast milk bags
If you plan on pumping, you’ll need a way to store your milk. Storage milk bags makes life easy, saves room and allows you to build a freezer stash.
If you don’t need the milk for a bottle, breast milk is also excellent for milk baths to sooth diaper rash, dryness or sooth skin. You can also make lotion out of it, use it for stuffy noses or clogged tear ducts. It’s magical!
8. Hot and cold packs
Breastfeeding might get painful. There’s, unfortunately, a lot of trial and error when learning to nurse. These hot and cold packs are so relieving.
Related: Common Nursing Problems and How to Solve Them ASAP
Warming or cooling them will help your supply or sooth engorgement.
9. Nursing cover
Some mamas, especially new mamas, rely on modesty when nursing. This nursing cover is great because it doubles as a car seat cover!
10. Lactation cookies
Lactation cookies are always nice to keep on hand. If you have trouble with your milk supply, the ingredients boost production.
If you don’t, they’re also a great snack.
Make some ahead and freeze them or grab a delicious premade option from Amazon or the store.
11. Breast-like Bottles
Breastfed babies can be particular when it comes to bottles. They typically prefer nursing, so a bottle that is similar to breasts is a must on your breastfeeding essentials list.
This website does an excellent job of breaking down the best breastfeeding bottles. Learn the pros, cons and decide which ones might be best for baby.
Breastfeeding Essentials Conclusion
When it comes to breastfeeding, really, as long as you have boobs you can get the job done. The very best thing you can do set you and baby up for breastfeeding success is to take a breastfeeding class. It’s a much better way than trying to figure it out on your own.
You were born with everything you need to feed baby. However, this list of breastfeeding essentials will prepare you for anything you could need or want during nursing.
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