Breastfeeding Essentials - What to Buy for Nursing as a New Mom - Breastfeeding Tips
Gosh, I was so at a loss of what to get when it came to breastfeeding. Being a new mom, I really didn't want to make a mistake, but at the same time I had to get prepared! In my head breastfeeding seemed like it shouldn’t be too complicated just because it is something natural, but that thing is, you still want to have the right things to make it easier for you.
As it got closer to my due date I started researching what I needed for breastfeeding and pumping. Believe me when I say I read all the blog posts, searched all the Pinterest posts, and talked to all my surrounding amazing mamas.
I found quite a bit of information so I started gathering what everyone told me I needed. Now, for me, I chose to do both nursing and pumping. I wanted to be able to be out and about and give my baby a bottle, but I also wanted to be able to breastfeed at home. So just keep that in mind when you are reading some of the items below.
Now that my little girl is 2 months old, I wanted to give you the top items that are a definite must
Breastfeeding Essentials - What to Buy for Nursing as a New Mom
1. Breast Pump :
Honestly, whether you are breastfeeding, pumping, or being like me doing a combination of both I believe a breast pump is needed. This way if you are over producing you can alleviate any discomfort you are having by pumping the milk. If you are under producing you can pump a bit extra to help your body understand that it needs to produce more.
With the breast pump I really wanted to be mobile so I ended to getting the Momcozy brand. This was the first pump I got so I don’t have experience with any other ones, but I do love mine! It makes it to where I can walk around and not be stuck to a wall or a pump machine.
2. Nursing Bra’s :
I tried so many different nursing bra’s. A bra is so important and so freaking hard to find a good one. I would suggest trying different brands and seeing which you like best. The bummer part about this is that you are going to either have to find them in the store, which for some reason was incredibly hard, or you are going to just have to return them.
I found that you definitely need to size up one. Your boobs are going to get bigger and smaller and then bigger again as the day goes on.
After trying many of the different brands the two I like the best are the American Eagle one and the Kindred Bravely Simply Sublime one. The American Eagle one is incredibly soft and just lovely. The Kindred Bravely one has a wonderful thick band under your boobs that just feels so comfortable.
3. Nipple Balm / Cream :
Oh man this is a MUST HAVE! The first week or so this saved me. Then I started using it less and less, but let me tell you, it was such a blessing to have when I needed it.
Your nipples are not used to being sucked on constantly with a sucker fish type of suction. It isn’t comfortable. In fact, it is pretty uncomfortable until you and your baby gets into a rhythm.
4. Nursing Bra Pads :
Unfortunately you are going to leak milk. It is a bummer, but it is true. I wanted to be able to change out my pads on quicker schedule than I was my bras so I decided nursing pads were a must.
There are two different types of pads, reusable ones or ones you can throw away. I bought the ones you can throw away and they aren’t great. They stick to your nipples. When your nipples are already sore from nursing, possibly even cracked or chapped, the last thing you want is to have to tear a nursing pad off of that sore area.
I quickly found out that they make the reusable ones that you can wash. These are so freaking comfortable and soft. This to me is hands down the way to go if you want to buy nursing pads.
5. Breast Milk Storage Bags :
You might be fortunate enough to over produce milk. If this happens you are going to need some way to store it in your freezer. So, make sure to get you some breast milk storage bags.
6. Mason Jars or containers to store your milk throughout the day
Since I am pumping I need containers to store my milk that I pump. For me, that was mason jars. I just love mason jars for some odd reason. Just make sure to get yourself some glass jars that you absolutely love. This way you will open your fridge and smile .
7. Fridge Organizers
I have a really hard time keeping my fridge organized. Now with the breast milk you really gotta stay organized especially if you are over producing. You want to use your older milk first. So you always want to have that in front. Then you also need to remember how many days you have had your milk in the fridge. They say that don’t let your milk sit for more than 4 days max. If it has been 3 days I typically bag it and freeze it.
There were two different organizers that I bought:
8. Battery Pack Charger
This was definitely a must for me. That way I could charge my pumps anywhere we went. We were planning a one month road trip for the summer so I had to make sure I had something to charge my pumps just in case we were somewhere with no electricity.
9. Baby Bottles
Obviously if you are going to bottle feed your baby you are going to need bottles. There are so many different bottles out there. Make sure to do your research and pick one that you are comfortable with. My main suggestion is make sure you get a slow flow. You don’t want any sort of fast flow bottle.
10. Baby Bottle Cleaning Tools
Sponges work…. dishwashers work… but ultimately you are going to want to get yourself some baby bottle cleaning tools . They have all sorts of brushes and kits out there . I also use these to clean my breast pumps.
Ok, there you have it. My top 10 breastfeeding essentials. Things that you are going to want to have as a new mom starting her breastfeeding journey.
If you have any suggestions please comment below. I would absolutely love any breastfeeding tips :)
Wishing you nothing but beautiful days!
Bess
