Register for these 11 must-have items to help make breastfeeding a little easier!
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1. Nursing Pillow
This nursing pillow helped a bunch with my first newborn! You may be new to motherhood, new to breastfeeding, or just plain sleep-deprived, and the nursing pillow can be a big help!
If your baby is anything like my first baby, you’ll be holding your baby for a long time while they nurse. The nursing pillow will provide support when your arm gets tired from holding your little one.
You may even just be too tired to hold your little baby while they eat, and the pillow will allow you to rest your arms.
2. Pump
Having a pump is great, especially if you’ll be going back to work. You’ll want to have a pump to take to work so you can pump while you’re away from your baby.
Even if you’re not going back to work, having a pump is good to have just in case. When I had my second baby, I wasn’t working but still needed my pump because we couldn’t get her to wake up to feed as often as I needed her to. I didn’t want to pump this time around but had no other choice in those first few weeks.
Check with your insurance to see what you can get through them.
It’s nice to have a manual pump on hand too! I use this manual pump when we’re out and about, and the baby is taking a bottle.
It’d also be handy at night when your baby starts sleeping through the night, and you need some relief. Keep it on your nightstand, so you don’t have to get up and mess with your electric pump.
3. Pumping Bra
You’ll need this pumping bra to help make pumping hands-free. It’s comfortable and makes pumping a little easier!
4. Haakaa
A Haakaa can be used to catch milk that leaks from the breast that your baby isn’t latched to. Attach the Haakaa and save the milk that you catch to add to your freezer stash.
You can also use the Haakaa to help get rid of a clog. Just fill it with warm water and Epsom salt, and attach it to help draw out the clog. Make sure it’s full enough to cover your nipple, and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Do this as often as needed.
5. Muslin Swaddles or Flannel Blankets
Use these muslin swaddles or these flannel blankets instead of using burp cloths. Burp cloths are small and don’t always catch all of the spit-up that your baby might produce.
Avoid walking around with spit-up all over your shirt, and throw one of these over your shoulder to burp your baby.
They can be used as swaddles, blankets, and burp cloths, so you’ll get lots of use out of them!
6. Nursing Pads
I love these disposable nursing pads! I’ve tried several brands, and these are by far the best. You won’t have to worry about leaking at all while you’re using these.
If you prefer and want to save some money, use these washable nursing pads. I love that these can be reused! And they have saved me several times when I’ve run out of disposable pads and forgot to pick up a new box!
7. Nipple Cream
The early nursing days are tough! You’ll want nipple cream to soothe and heal those sore nipples in between feedings. The Lansinoh and Medela brands are my two favorites.
8. Nursing Cover
You may or may not choose to use a nursing cover, but if you do, I prefer the ones that double as a car seat cover! When you use this one, you don’t have to worry about being exposed because you’ll be fully covered.
9. Nursing Tanks and Nursing Bras
I love these nursing tanks! They have a built-in bra, so I wear one every single day instead of wearing a bra. I just put my nursing pads in and go about my day. They are comfy and easy to nurse in!
If you don’t want to or can’t go without a bra, I love these! They’re comfortable and super easy to nurse in!
10.Water Bottle
I use this water bottle while pregnant and breastfeeding. It’s a great way to keep track of how much water you’ve had and a great reminder to drink lots of water!
11. Snacks
Breastfeeding your baby is a good time to fill your belly. As a new mom, you have to take every opportunity to do things like eat, shower, sleep, etc. So, have some snacks nearby while your baby is nursing, so you don’t get too hungry throughout the day.
Extras
Some extra items you may want while breastfeeding are a blanket, a pillow to support your back, your phone and phone charger, and an app to track feedings.
Breastfeeding is hard, and these items will help make it a bit easier for you! You’ll be amazing at this whole breastfeeding thing! Just know that it does get easier, so don’t give up!
