Hey guys! Are you a new or expecting Mama who is planning on breastfeeding your little one? I have been breastfeeding my baby girl for the past fourteen and a half months! We are going to be chatting all about all of my favorite breastfeeding products as well as those breastfeeding essentials that I ABSOLUTELY had to have!
As a breastfeeding Mama there were some products I enjoyed using and then there were those breastfeeding essentials. I love breastfeeding little Miss Riley Paige and I can’t wait to share all of my product favorites and essentials with you!
This post is all about breastfeeding essentials!
My Brest friend Nursing Pillow
This pillow is number 1 for a reason! I used this nursing pillow until Riley was one year old. This pillow wrap around your body and velcro into place, so if you need to stand up you don’t have to reposition it. I loved that the pillow helped me support Riley while nursing so my arms did not get tired.
One of the most challenging things about nursing a newborn is figuring out the position to hold baby and getting comfortable. With the my brest friend pillow I felt so much more comfortable getting the baby into a good position. It helped us so much!
In the very beginning I brought this thing with me everywhere! It helped me that much.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump
If you guys don’t know what the haakaa is your missing out! I used this thing as soon as I got home from the hospital. When your first establishing your milk supply your body produces more milk. For me when I was nursing one side I would leak on the other side. So, the haakaa suctions to the other side and catches the milk.
This is a perfect way to start storing some breast milk from the very beginning. I kept the haakaa right next to my nursing pillow so I always had them ready to go!
Nipple Shield
If you read the post about my breastfeeding journey, then you know these were super helpful for us in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Riley had a difficult time latching the in the beginning and these helped us get through the first few weeks!
After using them for a couple of weeks, Riley’s latch got stronger, and we didn’t need them anymore! We are still nursing to this day!
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
You NEED this stuff! In the very beginning your breasts are going to be a little tender and chapped. Having a good nipple cream helps so much.
I love and trust earth mama products because they are organic and use minimal ingredients. You want to be especially careful what nipple cream or butter you are applying because baby is eating right from you.
It is best to apply after a nursing session, so it has time to blend into your skin and less likely for baby to be consuming some.
Nursing Bras
I LOVE these nursing bras from H&M! They are super comfortable and lightweight. I have tried a couple of different styles, and these are a MUST HAVE for me. I am still wearing this same style.
I even use these nursing bras as a pumping bra! I am already wearing them so instead of changing to pump I just use these. I actually never purchased a pumping bra becasue these work so great.
To use these nursing bras as a pumping bra, unclip, pull strap to the other side of your breast, attach pump flange and, hook back together! Super simple!
**Could not find the exact bra to link. 😔 I found one very similar, the only difference is mine do not have a clip closure on the back.
Spectra Breast Pump
I used this pump a little when Riley was a newborn. I started to use it every day when I had to return to work when she was 6 months old. I really like this pump. It has a great suction and efficiently pumps out the breastmilk without causing any discomfort or pain.
The only thing I would change next time is I would get the battery operated one. As a full time working, breastfeeding mama, there were some days where it was challenging to fit in all the pumping sessions. I would have loved to have the battery operated one and pump on my way home some days.
If you’re not planning on going back to work until your done breastfeeding or not planning on pumping for anything other, then getting a little stash saved then the spectra s2 will be sufficient!
Breast Milk Storage Bags
These are super handy! After you pump you can store the breast milk inside these storage bags. You can freeze them as well. I have never had any trouble with these bags breaking or ripping.
It is important to follow the safety rules when storing breastmilk. These bags are presterilized and safe for storing breast milk.
Sterilizing Bags
Okay guys, these are a game changer! Instead of boiling water every time you need to sterilize your pump parts, which for me is every day 😝, you can use these sterilizing bags! You put your pump parts inside, add 2 oz of water, seal the bag and microwave for four minutes.
You want to be sure to wash the pump parts with soap before you sterilize them. These bags are also great because you can reuse them up to twenty times. There are also little numbers on the back you cross off after each use so you can keep track of how many times you’ve used a bag.
There you have it! Eight breastfeeding essentials I used and loved! I hope some of these products help you on your breastfeeding journey. I loved using these products and they helped me continue my breastfeeding journey even during challenges. If you want to get some inspiration about breastfeeding your little one check out my breastfeeding journey here!
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