As a mom who has been exclusively breastfeeding for over a year, I feel like I’ve tried every product marketed towards breastfeeding moms. One thing I’ve learned is you don’t need a ton of fancy things on your breastfeeding journey. You just need to find a few staple products that work for you and that will make your journey easier.
If you’re planning on breastfeeding, breastfeeding now or know someone who is, there is something on this list for everyone. These are my tried and true products that I fully endorse. Here is a list of my 15 top breastfeeding essentials:
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A Manual Breast Pump
Even if you don’t plan on pumping or you have an automatic pump I highly recommend a manual pump! I got this one from Medela and it is super compact and honestly works better than my automatic pump. I brought it with me to a bachelorette party and pumped in the car between destinations. A 10/10 for sure!
Sunflower Lecithin
A necessity for preventing clogged ducts! I have gotten a few and every time I got one I started taking these and it really helps!
Brewer’s Yeast Powder
A supply booster! I used this to make lactation cookies and brownies while I was pregnant. I froze them and then after I gave birth I ate one every day for about a month and my supply was great! There are a variety of powders to choose from but I prefer this one from Kate Naturals.
(Here is my favorite lactation brownie recipe!)
Hydration Supplies
The key to a good milk supply is hydration! Make sure you have giant cup of water at all times, and you can always add a hydration multiplier or electrolytes for an extra boost! Sugar-free Liquid IV is always my go to!
Breast Therapy Ice/Heat Packs
These are a lifesaver if you have a clogged duct or are engorged! Use the ice function for engorgement or if you’re feeling hot, and the heat function for a clogged duct to encourage milk flow.
Nursing Pads
If you don’t want to leak through your bra you need these! Especially if you use nursing or pumping bras without padding. The hospital will also likely give you disposable ones after giving birth but I prefer the reusable ones!
Nursing and Pumping Bras
They don’t have to be fancy, because you will get milk and sweat and spit up all over them! Even if you don’t think you’ll pump, get pumping bras too just in case! If you’re like me and didn’t know there was a difference, the pumping bra has cutouts so you can stick the flanges in your bra and they’re held in place.
My favorite nursing bras were this multipack from Amazon, and my favorite pumping bras are the Momcozy ones. Both have lasted me over a year!
Boppy Nursing Pillow
I have used this every single day for over a year! An absolute need! Make sure you get extra covers too because there will definitely be milk and spit up stains.
Nipple Cream
Use after every nursing session and you won’t have cracked/dry nipples! You can use a nipple butter like this one from Earth Mama or a nipple balm like this one from Honest. Both are amazing!
Silver Nipple Shields
These feel so relieving after nursing especially at the beginning! Your nipples will be sore and mine would even burn after long nursing sessions and using these really helped relieve that feeling. Use nipple butter, then put these on for the ultimate combo
Haakaa
I used this to catch my downflow while nursing and I got SO much milk I barely had to pump. Definitely a must have! You can also use it to soak your nipple if you have a clogged duct, or to manually pump.
Pajamas with Buttons
When it comes to postpartum recovery, pajamas with buttons are an absolute must! Honestly I didn’t even wear a shirt the whole first month home from the hospital I was doing so much skin-to-skin contact and nursing so often. You can find tons of affordable options that you won’t mind getting spit up and milk on and that are also cute! This nightgown and this matching set were my absolute favorites!
Snacks, Snacks and more Snacks!
Breastfeeding makes you SO hungry! I always liked to have tons of snack options on hand , especially for all the late-night nursing sessions. I always opt for snacks with oats like granola bars. Oats can help boost your milk supply! I was starving after middle of the night nursing sessions so granola bars were the easiest thing to grab and keep by the bed. The Bobo’s Bites were a staple for me!
I hope this list helps you narrow down the things you need before you start breastfeeding!
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