In today’s post we’re going to cover what supplies you need for breastfeeding.
While you technically only need yourself and your baby to breastfeed I’m a firm believer that the more help the better.
Breastfeeding can be hard for moms. Sadly a lot of women quit breastfeeding before they want to because they don’t know about these tools that can help make it easier.
I’ve compiled this huge list of breastfeeding essentials that helped me to breastfeed my daughter until she was 18 months old.
20 Breastfeeding Essentials You’ll Wish You Had
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure here.
Nipple Cream
When you first start breastfeeding your nipples can get sore, cracked and may even bleed.
Lansinoh’s Lanolin Nipple Cream comes to the rescue to soothe and protect your sore nipples while they adjust.
It’s safe for baby an offers quick relief for mom.
Find in on Amazon HERE.
Pineapple Juice
Not something most moms would typically think they need for breastfeeding right?
Pineapple juice is actually an anti inflammatory and women drink it to unclog clogged milk ducts!
I did it a few times when I breastfed my daughter and it worked great.
Find it on Amazon HERE.
Breast Pump
I recommend getting a breast pump even if you won’t be going back to work. You’ll need expressed milk if there’s an emergency and you need to leave your baby or even if you’d just like a break and want someone to give baby a bottle.
Find out how you can get a breast pump free HERE.
Storage Bags And Containers
You’ll need somewhere to store and freeze that expressed milk.
I used Lansinoh bags because the price was right and they didn’t leaked compared to some other bags I used.
Find it on Amazon HERE.
Boppy Pillow
A boppy pillow is a breastfeeding must have. It props baby up and supports them, giving your arm a break.
It can also be used during tummy time and to help baby sit up.
Find it on Amazon HERE.
Comfy Chair
You’ll find yourself with your butt stuck in a seat a lot when you’re breastfeeding your baby. Especially during the newborn phase when your baby nurses very often.
With so much time spent sitting, a good rocker or glider is a smart investment to keep you comfortable.
Find this one on Amazon HERE.
Burp Cloths
My favorite burp cloths are these ones from Carters. They’re the perfect size and shape and they’re very absorbent.
Because whether you breastfeed or bottle feed your baby is likely to spit up a lot regardless and you’ll need plenty of burp cloths to catch the mess.
Find it on Amazon HERE.
Nursing Cover
If you’re modest or feel shy nursing in public you may feel more comfortable using a nursing cover.
I didn’t like using a cover when I was breastfeeding and my daughter didn’t like it either but I did keep one close.
My daughter got distracted easily and would stop nursing and look around to anyone or anything making noise, leaving me completely exposed.
I’d pull my cover over myself until she was ready to continue.
This nursing cover is great because it can be worn as a scarf and can be used as a car seat cover as well.
Find it on Amazon HERE.
Nursing Tops
Nursing moms do not need to sacrifice style. There are tons of cute tops that make it easy to nurse your baby anywhere.
You can also use the two shirt technique where you wear a nursing tank top under a regular shirt and pull the regular shirt up while the tank top keeps your stomach covered.
Find these on Amazon HERE.
Daytime Nursing Bras
I am in love with these nursing bras from Motherhood Maternity. I’m pregnant with my second child now and I’ve already outgrown my regular bras.
I just bought four of these and I am in heaven. I’m actually wearing this exact bra as I write.
They’re just a little roomy because I bought the size I was when I was nursing last time. So I’ll have room to grow when my milk comes in, but with the adjustable straps they fit great now and will fit great when baby comes.
I spent a lot of time searching for a quality nursing bra that was comfortable and didn’t break the bank and this is it.
Find them on Amazon HERE.
Nighttime Nursing Bras
Probably my least favorite part of nursing was having to wear a bra to bed. If I didn’t I’d wake up in the middle of the night with a shirt soaked with breastmilk.
When picking a nighttime nursing bra you only need one that will hold breast pads to soak up any leaked breastmilk while you sleep.
These bras aren’t super supportive like what you’d expect from your daytime bra. What they lack in support they make up in comfort which is what you want when you’re sleeping.
Find them on Amazon HERE.
Hands Free Pumping Bra
If you plan on pumping at all or especially if you plan on pumping exclusively you need a hands free pumping bra.
Otherwise you’ll be stuck sitting and holding yours, bored out of your mind for honestly who knows how long.
Trust me it’s worth the investment.
Find it on Amazon HERE.
Disposable Breast Pads
If you’re anything like me you’re going to leak a ton of breastmilk in between feedings or during feedings from the breast your baby isn’t nursing from.
Save yourself from a soaked bra and shirt with these disposable breast pads.
Find them on Amazon HERE.
Reusable Breast Pads
The disposable pads are great in the beginning when you’re leaking a lot but they can get expensive.
Once my milk supply adjusted I switched over to these washable pads.
Find them on Amazon HERE.
Breast Therapy Packs
These TheraPearl Breast Therapy Packs offer relief for breastfeeding moms in two ways.
They can be used cold to relieve engorgement or hot to relieve plugged ducts and mastitis.
These packs can also be used warm with your breast pump to encourage milk let down and reduce your time spent pumping.
Find them on Amazon HERE.
Lactation Massage Roller
Breast massage helps maintain proper milk flow.
This massage roller gives your hand a break and can relieve pain from engorgement and clogged ducts.
Find it on Amazon HERE.
Milk Savers
A lot of milk can be wasted through leaking. If you’re trying to build a stash of frozen milk you should try these milk savers.
These bags will collect milk from the nursing breast while breastfeeding so none goes to waste.
Find them on Amazon HERE.
Nipple Shield
If you’re having trouble getting your baby to latch, if they have a tongue tie or if you have inverted nipples you may want to try a nipple shield.
Find it on Amazon HERE.
Breastfeeding Bin
Like I said, you’ll find yourself sitting a lot when you’re breastfeeding. Moms like to keep all their breastfeeding supplies in a bin next to their breastfeeding chair.
Your bin can include burp cloths, milk saver bags, breast pads, water bottle, snacks, phone charger, etc.
Find this on Amazon HERE.
Eat To Feed Recipe Book
This recipe book has 80 healthy recipes for breastfeeding moms. These meals contain ingredients that help boost your milk supply.
Find in on Amazon HERE.
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