So you’ve been planning to breastfeed your baby for a while now, maybe you are an expecting mom, a first time mom or a mom of a newborn, but you don’t really know where to start! Some people may tell you that you only need the baby and your breast to be able to breastfeed successfully, but I am here to tell you ALL of the things that helped me successfully nurse two babies. There are lots of wonderful things on the market, but here are the top 20 things you need for breastfeeding your babe.
Boppy Nursing Pillow // I seriously couldn’t have nursed without this pillow. It gives support and also allows for different nursing positions.
Hands Free Pump Bra // If you ever have to pump at any time, you NEED this hands-free bra. Nursing a baby while pumping on the other side is hard, but with the bra it’s super easy. Who wants to hold the bottles, anyway? Best invention, ever.
Kiinde Milk Storage // For the extra milk you pump and store for baby, these are the best and easiest ways to save them safely. I love the twist pouch and it also just drops into this bottle which was made for breastfed babies (no nipple confusion). Just make sure to talk with your pediatrician before introducing a bottle (usually not before 6 weeks old).
Spectra S1 or S2 // Hands down, the best pump in the world. I’ve tried several different ones and this one is the best. Best output and most comfortable. You will be able to get one though insurance. Here is my full review on the Spectra S1.
Nursing Cover // This nursing cover is from Copper Pearl and I personally use it. It’s the softest and provides the most coverage, plus it doubles as a carseat cover!
Bamboobies Nursing Pads // These are washable and made from Bamboo, so they are super soft. I have these and didn’t get the chance to use them with my second, but know that they would have been perfect for those unexpected leaks.
Disposable Nursing Pads // If you prefer not to wash and just throw away, these are the best for leaks!
Coconut Oil // Your nipples are going to be sore for the first few weeks. Coconut Oil is the best for healing, and you don’t need to clean the nipple off before your baby latches. This is a safe and natural oil for healing and works wonders. Also, squirting breast milk on your nipples and letting them air out helps.
Nursing Bra // You will need a good nursing bra. You might want to go get fitted after your milk comes in and again after your milk has regulated so you will have the perfect and seamless fit. This is my favorite nursing bra. This is also a good one.
Nursing Tank // These are the best for just lounging around the house or even layering with a cardigan when going out. They are easy access and so comfortable!
Breastfeeding Meter // This thing is SO cool. It tracks the amount of breastmilk your baby takes in during each nursing session. I wish I would have had this with my babies, because it would have saved me a lot of worry! There is an app to track and give you alerts. You can also check with lactation consultants to do weigh-feeds to make sure your baby is taking in enough milk. As always, check with your child’s doctor for any worries or issues.
Making More Milk Resource // I struggled with low supply with my first and oversupply with my second. I downloaded this book and it was incredibly helpful.
Water // It’s so important to drink enough water to produce enough milk. I would drink three of these bottles a day to make sure that I got 100 ounces a day. These are GREAT!!
Breastfeeding Apps // My favorite was WTE Baby because it tracked which side I last fed and what time, as well as how long she nursed. These are crucial for the first few weeks when you have to track feedings and weight growth. There are many great apps out there!
Nursing Necklace // As the baby gets older, he/she will start to reach up and grab your nose, hair, slap your chest, etc, haha! These will help distract the baby’s hands while nursing!
Breastfeeding Snacks // You are going to be the hungriest you have EVER been in your life while breastfeeding. Try to keep healthy and lactation-friendly snacks like these on hand. Warning: you will likely drop food on the baby. It’s okay!
Nipple Shields // In the rare occasion that your baby doesn’t latch, these will help you get started. Always connect with a lactation consultant first before trying this!
Milk Saver // When you are leaking during the first weeks of feeding your baby, this catch-all for breastmilk is a serious milk-saver and great for accumulating your stash! Just save it, store it and freeze it for later use – no pumping required!
Hand Pump // This is a silicone manual hand pump that can easily be used while nursing on one side. I think it would be a great way to store extra milk from those first few weeks! I would have loved to have this, but it is recently released and has great reviews!
Breastmilk Supplements // You will not want to do this until you have consulted your doctor and/or lactation consultant. If you need help producing more milk, these supplements are a great option before supplementing and/or stopping breastfeeding. Also, Fenugreek can cause tummy issues in small infants and/or infants with intolerances.
Read my post on How to Increase Your Milk Supply in 24 Hours.
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, I have many helpful posts pinned HERE. Follow along on Pinterest for more breastfeeding tips and success stories!
Read my Nursing Journey with #1 HERE.
Read my Nursing Journey with #2 HERE.
Read the 11 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Breastfeeding.
I would love to know if you used any of these products and if they helped you nurse successfully! I am all for FEEDING your baby, no matter what that looks like! So make sure you are checking with your doctors before making any decisions about feeding your baby. A fed and happy baby is the best baby!
This post contains affiliate links and/or items that were gifted for consideration. All opinions are that of my own.
Thank you for these helpful tips. I can list them down and make a check-list out of it.