Breastfeeding is hard work! Not only is it hard work, but it can also be a lonesome journey at times. Don’t get me wrong, there are so many great things about breastfeeding, but it is just hard sometimes. These breastfeeding must haves for moms can make things easier for you!
I often found myself leaving a room or a conversation to breastfeed or pump. It can be lonesome to have to miss out on things because of this.
Although there are downfalls, there are so many amazing benefits to breastfeeding. There are many things that can make the breastfeeding (nursing or pumping) journey easier.
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Here are my must haves for breastfeeding moms:
- Haakaa
- This thing is amazing and I could go on and on about how much I love it. Instead of listening to my rambling about it, check out this post for my review of the Haakaa and how to use it.
2. Nursing cover
- I have a nursing cover that doubles as a car seat cover.
- I really like it for nursing in public and I love that it is dual purpose. It’s always with the baby and I don’t have to worry about forgetting it.
- I have a “traditional” nursing cover, like this one, that I keep in my pumping bag.
- This one works a little better for pumping. I like to have it with me when I can’t find a great place to pump.
- I have pumped in my car more times than I can count.
- This gives me a little more confidence when I have to pump in a less-than-ideal place.
- If you don’t want a boppy, you need something to help you stay comfortable and support your arms when feeding your baby.
- I loved the boppy, but I had a friend that hated it. She loved the My Brest Friend pillow. That pillow was too flat for me… I like my pillow to curve a little.
- Anyways, you need some kind of pillow to help you stay comfortable so your arms don’t feel like they are going to fall off!
4. Breast pads
- This is pretty self-explanatory… maybe you will get lucky and won’t need them, but I wouldn’t take that chance if I was you… you don’t want to end up a leaky mess!
- I started with disposable pads, but I like these reusable pads.
5. Nipple Cream
- Nipple soreness and cracked nipples are no joke… especially when you first start your nursing journey! I can tell you that I considered giving up more than once, especially in the beginning.
- Nipple cream certainly helped!
- I like to keep 3 jars/bottles on hand. I keep 1 in the diaper bag, 1 in the nursing station in our living room, and 1 in our bedroom (where the baby sleeps as well). I have used Earth Mama, Medela, and Bella B. I like them all. They are all different, but I don’t think I liked one more than the other.
- I did not know something like this even existed until I was struggling with a lot of nipple soreness and my doctor gave me a sample pack of these.
- They helped SO MUCH when I was starting my breastfeeding journey. I didn’t need them after the first couple of weeks, but they were a blessing!
- I did reuse them each a couple of times. So, just a couple of pairs are probably plenty.
- These were also amazing both when my milk was first coming in and when I had a clogged duct.
- These aren’t “essential”, but they certainly help you feel a little more comfortable.
- I also used them on my stomach when I was having uterus cramping after birth… I did not know this was a thing before I started having kids… and not to scare you, but it gets significantly worse with each child.
8. Nursing basket with snacks and drinks
- I kept a basket of goodies in our living room where I did most of my nursing during the day.
- It’s a real bummer if you get all comfy, start nursing, and realize you forgot a snack or your water.
- Here is what I like to keep in my nursing basket:
- Bottle of water
- Body Armor
- Snacks
- Nipple cream
- Nursing cover- in case I get company
- Nursing pads
- Receiving blanket- I use these for burp clothes
- I also keep my boppy, a pillow or two for my head, and a blanket right next to the spot on the couch where I usually sit.
9. Good books or Netflix or other subscription service
- Depending on how I was feeling that day, I like to listen to podcasts, read books, or watch a TV show if I am nursing when no one else is home.
- If my husband or other kids are home, I obviously don’t get an opportunity to use these.
10. A good pump and all necessary pumping supplies
- Of course not everyone who breastfeeds pumps, but if you do need to pump, here are the necessary supplies (in my opinion anyways) for pumping.
- Extra pump bottles… especially if you are working, you might need extras for daycare and you want to have some extra in case you don’t get time to clean all of them before the next day.
- Extra pump parts- take this advice from someone who learned the hard way… make sure you have extra parts, especially tubing and membranes. I accidentally tore a membrane one day at work and I could not pump on both sides at once. WOW was I engorged by the end of the day and it affected my supply for a few days after that. Long story short, get an extra set and keep it in your pump bag!
- Hands-free pumping bra- I love this hands-free pumping bra. I learned the hard way that they do not all come equal. But if you have a good hands-free bra, you can feed baby while you are pumping or you can work on your computer, fold laundry, etc. all while pumping.
- Steam Cleaner bags- these are nice to have if you are somewhere where you can’t get a good cleaning, like work or a hotel, etc.
- Car plug-in or battery pack- the battery pack I have for my pump works, but it doesn’t give as much suction as the car plug-in or the normal wall plug-in. But I like to keep the battery pack on hand. I was at work once and the power went out and I was VERY happy to have the battery pack at that time!
Of course, everyone’s journey is different, but that’s my list of must haves for breastfeeding moms.
I hope it helps someone and good luck on your breastfeeding journey.
Click here to check out my list of all other essential baby items.
Do you have other must haves for breastfeeding moms that you would add to the list? I would love to hear your ideas.
Are you currently pregnant? Check out this post on things to do 2nd and 3rd trimester to prepare yourself and your house for the birth of your baby.
