Getting ready to have a baby? Hoping to be able to nurse? Just like bottle feeding it comes with some things that are pretty helpful and important! I have compiled a list of my favorite products, and what I use daily while nursing. Some moms might need more, some might need less, but I really hope this list helps you gather up some products, and be ready for that LO!
Nursing Chair/ Comfy place to sit! – I have a pillow that follows me around the house if I’m not sitting in my glider.
Water and healthy snacks readily available– You burn tons of calories nursing, and you have to stay nourished to be able to nourish your LO. ***This is an area where I have DH help. He usually runs and fills up my water and grabs me a little snack***
Breastfeeding pillow– There are a few brands out there, but my favorite is the Comfort and Harmony Mombo Nursing pillow. It’s a 2 sided firm/soft pillow. One side is soft for the baby to lounge on, and the other side is firm providing great support for nursing. It’s also a pretty snug pillow, meaning it keeps its shape and stays snug around you. The Mombo is closed more than most pillows, so I have found that the baby sits in it nicer. I purchased the one with the vibrating insert to help keep little ones happy. The price on the Mombo is about the same as other pillows too (around $35). It’s all about preference and comfort so you can relax and feed baby.
Nursing pads– See my review for more details, but Lansinoh pads are the best! When you breastfeed you tend to leak a little in between feedings, and when you let down while nursing. You have to have something in your bra to catch that milk or you will be drenched.
Nursing bra– Nursing bra’s are made with a little clip on the top so you can pull down the front of the bra and feed. I have multiple, but my favorite is the sports bra style. I feel like they keep everything in place the best, and I never feel like I’m going to have a slip and leak. I get mine from Motherhood and they are usually around $30, but you can catch sales and coupons to get them a little cheaper.
Feeding cover– Not all moms feel comfortable just feeding without something covering them a little. You can buy feeding covers from most stores that carry baby items, but I just made my own. I will blog a tutorial about that in the near future so you all have access to that easy little project! Look for nursing infinity scarf.
Nipple cream– Lanolin is a MUST! Especially when just starting out. It’s safe for baby, and makes you feel so much better so quick! I usually purchase Lansinoh brand, because it goes on the nicest. Medela and Earth Mama Angel Baby make a nice one also.
Cooling compress– when you are starting out your nipples get a little chapped and sore, these help with the tenderness and give you a little break from feeling so sore.
Pump– If you are going back to work or just want to be able to pump once a day so that your DH or family can feed LO you have to have a pump. In most cases your insurance will cover it FULLY! So be sure to ask about getting it covered. They are pricey, but you get what you pay for! I have the Medela Pump In Style Advance and I don’t think I could go without it! ** If you are going to pump regularly I also recommend a pumping bra. It lets you go hands free, so you can work or do what you need to and pump at the same time.
Milk storage bags – Milk is only good in the fridge for a week, so if you know you aren’t going to use it the best thing to do is freeze it. I buy Up and Up brand from Target.
There are tons of other little things to help with nursing, if you are having a hard time, but this is the main list of things you will need as soon as baby arrives.
Hope it helps ladies! Nurse on!
~Amanda
Perfectly Imperfect Parenting 