I am now officially 7 months into my breastfeeding journey. I was asked if I was going to breastfeed when I was pregnant and I just assumed I would. I thought it would be easy because I viewed breastfeeding as natural. Truth is, it’s so different than what you expect it to be. It’s pain, tears, fear, and anxiety and it really takes a toll on you.
I’m not trying to scare any expecting moms out of breastfeeding.
I’m trying to be realistic. It’s hard and not for every mother. Breastfeeding should be an informed choice. I don’t think I’m the only one who has been blindsided over deciding how to feed your baby.
Because I was underprepared I want to share what I learned along with the products I use when I started breastfeeding. I would appreciate the use of my affiliate links I provided but it’s all about your preferences! Read on to help you decide whether you will breastfeed or not.
Feeding Cover
If you plan to be out and about with your baby or even if he’s a little older and is easily distracted these are great! Mine doubled as a car seat cover which is also useful! My tip for this one is to find a breathable type because your baby will be in there and I often worry that my baby will overheat while feeding.
Cotton Nursing Cover – Large Breastfeeding Cover with Built-in Burp Cloth & Pocket: https://amzn.to/3cFUOk4
Baby Car Seat Cover Canopy and Nursing Cover Multi-Use Stretchy: https://amzn.to/3z04KMA
Nursing Pillow
(Also referred to as a boppy pillow) This saved my arms, and since I received two, I used one to sit on while I recovered. These have so many uses beyond feeding such as tummy time or to help sit up. I’m so grateful for these. These come with decorative covers so make sure you are buying a pillow and not just it’s cover!
Gray Taupe Watercolor Leaves: https://amzn.to/3PRurpB
My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow: https://amzn.to/3b1FzkW
Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow: https://amzn.to/3PNCjIv
Rocking chair
If you had to pick one item from this whole list this is the one. You’ll want this because if you plan to breastfeed you’ll be holding your baby for so long and often you’ll want to save your back and arms, plus it can be helpful to rock babies to sleep. There are so many options for these and I’ve been trying different methods. Look out for a blog post about my recommendations for a feeding chair soon!
Small Rocking Accent Chair: https://amzn.to/3b3FtsP
Stork Craft Tuscany Custom Glider and Ottoman: https://amzn.to/3v5rEB9
Swivel Rocker Recliner Chair: https://amzn.to/3PttcwX
Nursing Pads
These nursing pads may sound silly but you’ll need them to stop leaking milk all over you, your bra and clothes, and baby, and more.
Seriously when you feed and not use the other boob it will still be stimulated to let down and trust me you can’t just hold it with your hand and hope for the best. To be eco-friendly there are washable ones. Make sure you change these out often.
Reusable Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding with Carry Bag: https://amzn.to/3b398m3
Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding: https://amzn.to/3v9kGev
Lansinoh Reusable Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding Mothers: https://amzn.to/3Q6sHJh
Nipple Cream
Now I used this mostly while at the hospital where they provide some. After several months I haven’t found the need for it.
But, if you want to last in your breastfeeding journey I recommend you use some nipple cream for at least the first two weeks. They are the most brutal you will feel with feeding your baby.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding: https://amzn.to/3AyojMZ
Nipple Shields
These can come in handy during those first two weeks as well. This process is temporary as your baby learns to feed it will hurt less and they will latch better. Consider these as an option if you are struggling and not ready to give up.
Medela Contact Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding: https://amzn.to/3ASClKr
Nursing bras
These are all that I wear now. I recommend you have several of these as they can get messy and realistically you might fall behind on laundry. Remember: your breasts will grow due to your pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you will need to size up.
HOFISH 3PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing: https://amzn.to/3e0fsvK
Suekaphin Nursing Bra 5pack: https://amzn.to/3AU5Xr5
Nursing shirts/clothes
Having nursing clothes can be so helpful! Shirts and dresses both to make you feel dressed up but also ready to feed. I’ve ruined a lot of my clothes so it’s nice to have an option that would minimize the amount of stains on my clothes. I would have a few options for these as well.
Ekouaer Women’s Maternity Nursing Tops: https://amzn.to/3wxBlZR
Bearsland Women’s Maternity Nursing Tank Tops: https://amzn.to/3AyofNf
Water bottle
A water bottle is an item I didn’t realize I would need. I get more dehydrated quicker all throughout the day. With this I am able to work on a good habit of drinking enough water everyday as well. Personally I feel like the straw helps you drink more water. This specific one keeps water cold for so long and I love the colors!
Reduce 40 oz Mug Tumbler: https://amzn.to/3ATwAMy
Burp cloths
I’ve mentioned before that you will leak milk but you will also spray and at times your baby will spit up. I suggest you have a few of these on hand for feeding and burping of course. I have several of these myself.
Burt’s Bees Baby – 5 Pack of Burp Cloths: https://amzn.to/3pSgMn8
Snacks
You burn calories while breastfeeding. I felt more hungry now than I did while pregnant. I ate many bananas, granola bars and oatmeal. There have been times I kept a stash of granola bars next to the seat I breastfeed. Of course eating more healthy snacks are a good idea but these are just a quick temporary filling snack to keep you going.
Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Dark Chocolate: https://amzn.to/3pUksVv
Lactation Massager
To help stimulate let down and to help with pain these can be a good solution. The description reads “Heat + Vibration Adjustable for Clogged Ducts, Improve Milk Flow, Engorgement”. Just another product you don’t realize can make a difference.
Momcozy Warming Lactation Massager: https://amzn.to/3cqzMWC
Breast Therapy Pack
Once my milk supply came in I suffered a lot of pain from engorgement and I found these. I usually used it as a cold pack but I know that using it as a heating pad would be beneficial too.
Lansinoh TheraPearl Breast Therapy Pack: https://amzn.to/3qcygux
Pump
If you have insurance you may be able to get a free pump. Look into this! I got a free Spectra pump with its accessories. If I had known how much I’d want to pump I would have also looked into wearable pumps. These can make the process so much easier and worth the consideration.
Mumeasy Double Wearable Breast Pump: https://amzn.to/3AwtHjC
Pumping bra
Talking about making pumping more convenient, I ordered one of these soon after I started to pump. I hated having to hold the bottles and it made me trapped to only pumping which was boring. Preferably find the one that is a pumping bra and not just the attachment.
Simple Wishes X-Small/Large | Hands-Free Breast Pump Bra: https://amzn.to/3Ria0mh
Bottles
Going to need bottles to give your baby milk. I was gifted these which my baby preferred.
MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle, Baby Essentials: https://amzn.to/3QZAusX
Milk Storage
If you plan to build up a stash you’ll need a dependable storage. I’d personally felt that the silicone would be better because of it’s functionality and less plastic but I can see why you might not have time to wash them or have a lot of milk to store. Weigh the pros and cons for your unique situation.
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags: https://amzn.to/3CEbhAb
haakaa Silicone Breast Milk Storing Bag(9 oz,5pk): https://amzn.to/3ATcBxC
Milk collector
I mentioned before that you will have both your breasts stimulated at the same time and that means you might waste milk from the unused breast. It would be helpful to catch the leaking milk with the silicone pump or the collection shells to aid in building your stash. This is less cleaning than pumping which I prefer.
Elvie Catch Milk Collection Shells: https://amzn.to/3qavUfX
haakaa Manual Breast Pump Breastfeeding Pump: https://amzn.to/3cuNd86
Of course it all comes down to your preference. I provided items I’ve used throughout my breastfeeding journey. Feel free to let me know if there are others I’ve missed as I am only 7 months into it and am willing to learn more!