The Ultimate List of All The Breastfeeding Essentials You Need

Breastfeeding is one of those things that some moms find daunting while others get excited about it. If you fall in the first group, you are not alone. A lot of moms struggle with breastfeeding, especially during the early stages. The good news is that these days, there are a lot of resources available to help moms through such struggles. There are also several things that you can buy that will make your life a lot easier. 

In this guide, we will outline all the breastfeeding essentials that you need in your arsenal. Having these items on hand will make your breastfeeding journey a lot easier. 

Here is a list of some of the most important things every breastfeeding mom has to have: 

1 Breast pads

Once your breast milk starts coming in, you may experience leaking every once in a while. Breast pads are designed to help absorb this excess breast milk. They also protect your clothes from getting wet or staining. You have the option of getting reusable or disposable breast pads. Once you have a set, simply put them in your bra between your nipple and the bra lining. 

2. A nursing cover

Next up is a nursing cover. This will come in handy when you need to breastfeed in public. A nursing cover will give you some privacy and comfort no matter where you choose to breastfeed. With it, you will be able to confidently travel with your baby knowing that you can easily breastfeed them wherever the need arises. 

3. A nursing pillow

This is yet another breastfeeding essential that you cannot afford to not have. It will help you position your baby correctly during those first weeks while also providing you with comfort and extra support when you need it. A nursing pillow will also help reduce cases of reflux and gas in your newborn. 

4. Nursing bras

Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy and delivery. And as a breastfeeding mom, your breasts will change even more once your baby starts to breastfeed. They will become bigger and heavier due to breast milk production. When this happens, you need all the help you can get to support them. That’s where nursing bras come in. They will provide extra support and some much-needed comfort as you breastfeed. 

5. Milk bottles

Even if you are exclusively breastfeeding, it is always a good idea to invest in a few milk bottles, just in case. Milk bottles will help make the transition from breast to bottle as smooth as possible. With them, you will be able to get some of your freedom back as they’ll allow you to leave your little one with a caregiver and let someone else feed and take care of them for a while. 

6. A nursing chair

The next item on your list should be a nursing chair. Nursing chairs are special chairs that are designed to make your feeding sessions more comfortable. They have a special shape that will allow you to sit back and relax with your baby on your breast. This will allow you to focus on feeding your little one without fatigue setting in. 

7. A breast pump

Even if you are planning to breastfeed exclusively, a breast pump is an absolute must-have item. It will help you deal with engorgement that often occurs when your baby doesn’t feed on time for one reason or another. The breast pump will be a source of instant relief and it will not interfere with your breast milk production and supply. You can either get a manual or electric breast pump depending on your budget and needs. 

8. Breast milk storage bags

Breast milk storage bags go hand in hand with having a breast pump. Even if you are planning to breastfeed exclusively, you may still have to pump once in a while. When this happens, you do not want to waste all that precious breast milk. The breast milk storage bags will allow you to store your breast milk safely for later use. Plus, all that stored milk will come in handy if you ever leave the baby at home with a caregiver. 

Other items that are nice to have but not essential

The following items will make your life a little easier as a breastfeeding mom, but it won’t be the end of the world if you do not end up buying them:

• Cooler bags: For transporting breast milk (for example if you pump at work and need to take the breast milk home)
• Lanolin: To soothe those sore nipples
• Lactation aids: For when your supply is too low
• Water bottle: Hydration is super important for a breastfeeding mom! 

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding can be quite a challenge sometimes. However, if you approach it with patience, you should be able to figure everything out in no time. And with the list of breastfeeding essentials in this guide, things should be super easy for you. Good luck!