Having milk makin’ boobs and a cute and hungry baby is great and all but having the right breastfeeding accessories on-hand is even more amazing! Breastfeeding is natural, yes, but it can also be very challenging.
Preparing yourself ahead of time with the right tools will definitely make for a much more comfortable experience and it will be much easier for you to navigate your way out of all the crazy things you may encounter while breastfeeding.
You’ll be glad to have these breastfeeding accessories on hand!
1) A good breast pump
Maybe your baby decided to come earlier than expected and is not yet strong enough to breastfeed well… Or maybe you will be returning back to work soon after you give birth and you need to build a breast milk stash ASAP.
Either way, sometimes it is possible to need a breast pump even when you’re breastfeeding. Manual pumps are cheaper and OK to use (been there done that…never again) if you will occasionally be pumping. But if you’ll be breastfeeding and pumping regularly you’ll need a good breast pump and a convenient breast milk storage system.
This wearable breast pump is wire, cord, and bottle-free and is perfect the busy mom who wants to build her supply while work, school, or on-the-go. Wear this under your clothes while you take a conference call, or while you cook, or even while you’re out shopping— and pump away!
This electric double breast pump is one of the most popular choices among pumping moms and is perfect if you’ll be pumping mostly from home.
This powerful hospital-strength breast pump double as a single and double breast pump, and is perfect if you need to build a breast milk supply quickly or if you struggle with supply issues. It also comes with a nightlight feature which is great for those late night pumping sessions.
Remember how I said that I’d never use another manual breast pump? Well, the Haakaa is the only I’d ever use since it’s not all the other breast pumps where you have to squeeze the lever thousands of times.
The Haakaa works more like a milk collector. When you breastfeed on one side, the other side often starts leaking. It works by suctioning onto your breast and collecting the dripping milk! You’d be surprised at how much milk is collected. #score
2) Burp cloths
Breastfeeding can get a little messy. Things happen, babies spit up…. Aaaaand if you’re like me and you have any experience with overactive letdown, then you know how much and how often baby face spraying is involved.
It’s pretty awful. My poor babies.
Do yourself (and the babes) a huge favor and grab a bunch of these super absorbent organic cotton burp cloths. Trust me, you’ll need them!
3) A glider or nursery chair
Sometimes, even using all the pillows in the house isn’t enough to keep you comfortable while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is tough as it is mama, so you deserve comfort.
Kinky necks and achy backs are not cute and not needed. Grab a comfortable non-toxic nursery glider for yourself and set up a comfortable breastfeeding station.
4) A lactation massager
Out of all of the breastfeeding accessories in this post, a lactation massager is one I have never owned, but 100% wish I had done it from the very start of my first breastfeeding journey. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve always had an issue with overproduction and that means that I’ve always dealt with engorgement and painful knots in my boobs.
Each time I nursed or pumped, I had to massage my breast manually (oooowwwww) to help get all the knots and milk out, so I didn’t develop mastitis. It was bad. A vibrating lactation massager does it all, from relieving engorgement to cutting pumping time, and emptying breasts more efficiently.
Over-producer or not, you can definitely use one or even 2 of these.
5) Super-absorbent nursing pads
My boobs were milk-making machines. Of all the breastfeeding accessories listed here, these nursing pads are ones that I could not afford to run out of.
To protect your clothes, pop these babies into your bra and take them everywhere you go for a quick change. Or, try these reusable nursing pads if you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option.
6) Nursing pillow
I used my organic nursing pillow religiously! Keeps baby in place, bottles in place (while pumping), and gives your neck, back, and arms and break. Literally a nursing mom’s BFF.
7) A mattress protector
Of all the breastfeeding accessories on this list, this is one you’re probably raising your brow at…but mama let me tell you! Not only did I love using this organic mattress protector during my postpartum recoveries, I also needed it because……I was suddenly a milk-making machine.
After giving birth, you will be leaking some fluids. Rather than risking having to throw out an entire mattress (especially an organic mattress) get yourself a couple of these. Definitely worth it and having two on hand makes cleaning up super easy.
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8) Nipple ointment
I remember the days when my nipples felt as if they had gone through the ringer. After nursing my baby and pumping, I’d walk around with this organic nipple butter slathered across my chest.
The good thing about organic nipple butters, besides the fact that they are super soothing, is the fact that they does not need to be washed off before nursing!
Note: Nipple pain during breastfeeding does not always mean that there is a problem. Even with a perfect latch, no anatomical issues such as tongue ties and lip ties, you may experience nipple pain. If you’ve never breastfed or haven’t done so regularly in years, sometimes your nipples go through the “breaking in” process (kinda like when you get new shoes).
My nipple pain completely disappeared after a few weeks of EBF, and I’ve heard of many other moms experiencing the same thing. Either way, if in doubt, check with a lactation consultant ASAP to rule out any issues.
9) Nursing Bras and Tanks
Nursing bras and nursing tanks are incredibly useful. They made breastfeeding in public super easy!
Nursing bras come in a wide range of sizes and the bras are all super soft, seamless, and wire-free. Having a bunch of these nursing undergarments is key to avoid doing laundry every day (who has time for that with a new baby?).
10) Muslin Blankets
I used my favorite ever organic swaddle blankets as nursing covers when I was new to breastfeeding in public.
I highly recommend using these muslin blankets because they’re of good quality, super soft, and airy. Besides, unlike traditional nursing covers, you can use these blankets for soooo many different things even after you’re done breastfeeding.
11) A Good Prenatal Vitamin
Your body needs certain vitamins and minerals to support breast milk production and to heal efficiently — especially during postpartum. Like many new, sleep-deprived mommies, it can be hard to get in wholesome meals multiple times a day, every single day.
Be sure to have high-quality prenatal vitamins on hand.
12) An Omega-3 Supplement
Taking an Omega-3 supplement daily is important for nursing moms. DHA is not only transferred from you to the babes during pregnancy, it is also transferred via breast milk. This DHA-rich supplement was recommended to me by my chiropractor.
DHA is super important from the third trimester of pregnancy until about 18 months postpartum, when your baby’s brain will go through its biggest growth spurt. By the way, it also works wonders for postpartum pelvic and back pain!
13) A breastfeeding or pumping log
Becaaaause…mom brain. I mean seriously, who has the kind of brain capacity needed to remember the dates and times of every single nursing sesh? If you do, I’m enviously side-eyeing you but most mommies are running on very little sleep!
14) Gel pads
I remember quite a few times where breastfeeding and pumping left me wanting to soak my nipples in buckets of ice. Since I couldn’t figure out the logistics of that, I used frozen gel pads instead to get relief. Having these on hand is a must, mama!
A good breast pump makes such a difference. It’s so important to have one that works well for you. There are all such great tips. Sierra Beautifully Candid
A good breast pump makes such a difference. It’s so important to have one that works well for you. There are all such great tips. Sierra Beautifully Candid
A good breast pump makes such a difference. It’s so important to have one that works well for you. There are all such great tips. Sierra Beautifully Candid
This was a great read! Since I am pregnant with baby girl #2 due next month all of these were very helpful tips. I didn’t have any success with my first born and breastfeeding, so this time around I am determined and full of self confidence that I can do it. I currently have my breast pump on the way and also purchased the “Haakaa” to help while nursing. I have high hopes this time around for successful nursing. Thanks for sharing.
This was a great read! Since I am pregnant with baby girl #2 due next month all of these were very helpful tips. I didn’t have any success with my first born and breastfeeding, so this time around I am determined and full of self confidence that I can do it. I currently have my breast pump on the way and also purchased the “Haakaa” to help while nursing. I have high hopes this time around for successful nursing. Thanks for sharing.
This was a great read! Since I am pregnant with baby girl #2 due next month all of these were very helpful tips. I didn’t have any success with my first born and breastfeeding, so this time around I am determined and full of self confidence that I can do it. I currently have my breast pump on the way and also purchased the “Haakaa” to help while nursing. I have high hopes this time around for successful nursing. Thanks for sharing.
Your list is very comprehensive. I love the idea of a breastfeeding class, that is so helpful for first time moms.
Your list is very comprehensive. I love the idea of a breastfeeding class, that is so helpful for first time moms.
Your list is very comprehensive. I love the idea of a breastfeeding class, that is so helpful for first time moms.