If you’re a new parent you’ve probably been told to follow your instincts and breastfeeding will be a breeze — that it’s entirely natural and instinctual. HA!
For the vast majority of parents, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Despite how natural the process is made out to be, figuring out the early days of feeding your baby can be incredibly difficult, overwhelming, and one of the least intuitive parts of becoming a parent.
Between dealing with clogged milk ducts, trying to handle a painful latch, recovering from a tongue-tie clip, facing bouts of mastitis, and standing in a shower crying over leaky boobs, the reality of nursing is often a beautifully chaotic, milky mess.
One of the best ways to ease the physical and mental stress of nursing is equipping yourself with the right breastfeeding essentials — for both you and your baby! Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to breastfeeding supplies, tech, snacks, and books to help you feed your baby with confidence.
1. Best nursing pads and other leakage essentials
Even with all the knowledge under your belt, leaks happen. One solution to mask those wet spots is to invest in nursing pads. Bamboobies offers a variety of nursing essentials, including washable nursing pads. They’re discreet, soft, comfortable, and super absorbent.
Plus, their cute heart design makes them impossible not to love.
If you notice your opposite breast is dripping during a nursing or pumping session, the Haakaa is for you. This silicone manual breast pump is genius. It suctions to your non-nursing breast and collects any precious milk so it doesn’t go to waste. If you’ve ever cried over spilled breast milk, you’ll surely appreciate this.
2. Breastfeeding essentials for managing an oversupply
Beyond leaky boobs, you may be making more milk than your baby needs. This is called oversupply or hyperlactation syndrome.
Not only can this be overwhelming for your baby, it can be incredibly painful and frustrating to you. While it can take time for milk production to regulate to your baby’s needs, there are things you can do to manage the process and help you feel more comfortable along the way:
- 3-in-1 Therapy Packs: These packs can be used cold or hot. Try them cold if you have swollen, painful, or blocked breasts. And gently massage towards your chest and armpit to reduce inflammation. For engorged breasts, a warm pack may help encourage your letdown.
- No More Milk tea: This caffeine-free tea from Earth Mama Organics can help you reduce your milk supply if you’re trying to manage oversupply or looking to wean.
- A lactation consultant: This is a health professional that specializes in breastfeeding. They can help with things like reducing your milk supply — and they’re the best friend that you and your boob never knew you needed. Schedule a lactation consultation or let your OB-GYN know if you have any concerns.
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3. Lactation teas and breastfeeding snacks
On the other side of the coin, it’s also common to have trouble making enough milk. One thing that can really help is making sure you’re getting enough hydration and nutrient-dense calories to help refuel your body.
Here are some breastfeeding essentials to help boost your supply:
- Lactation teas: Mother’s Milk Tea by Traditional Medicinals is a comforting blend filled with organic herbs that help support healthy lactation.
- Breastfeeding snacks: If you’re a foodie, try delicious Boobie Bars in yummy flavors like peanut butter, blueberry muffin, and oatmeal chocolate chip. Packing healthy snacks with dried fruits and oats can also provide clean energy for a busy mom.
- Supplements: While whole foods are the best way to get nutrients during breastfeeding, a can supplement can help you fill nutritional gaps. Try Legendairy Milk’s Lechita to help boost supply.
4. Best nipple creams for breastfeeding
If you have sore or cracked nipples, finding the best nipple cream for your breastfeeding journey is essential. Here are three nipple creams to try (and they double as a great lip chapstick!):
For a complete care routine, Frida has an amazing Breastfeeding Survival Kit stocked with nipple cream, hot + cold packs, and various nipple pads to help make sure you’re covered for whatever breastfeeding throws at you..
5. Best breast pumps for first time moms (and other breastfeeding essentials)
For all those pumping mamas out there, the right pump can make the entire process faster, easier, and way more comfortable:
- Electric breast pumps: Double electric breast pumps are the most popular option if you plan to pump regularly or are trying to build a pumping routine. They’re efficient, reliable, and help shorten each pumping session by pumping both breasts at once. There are many types of breast pumps — try the always-popular Spectra S1 Plus.
- Wearable pumps: A wearable breast pump gives you even more hands-free flexibility while you pump. While they aren’t usually as strong as electric pumps, they’re incredibly convenient for pumping as you commute, work, or manage things around the house. The Elvie Pump and Willow Go are two great options.
- Manual breast pump: These may not be the best option for your regular pumping sessions, but they’re great to keep on hand for things like relieving fullness or backup pumping. Try the Medela Harmony or Frida Manual Breast Pump.
Other pumping and breastfeeding essentials
And don’t forget these essentials that’ll make your pumping sessions even more convenient:
- Properly fitted breast shields and extra pump parts can improve comfort and milk output during each pumping session.
- A supportive nursing bra (like this one from Simple Wishes) makes hands-free pumping much easier.
- Breast milk storage bags help safely store and organize expressed milk in the fridge or freezer.
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6. Essential breastfeeding books for expert guidance
Despite how “natural” breastfeeding is supposed to feel, there’s a lot to learn to help make it make sense for you and your body. These books offer the practical guidance, reassurance, and solidarity you’re looking for.
Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Teresa Pitman
Dedicated to supporting nursing mothers, the internationally respected La Leche League has set the standard for educating parents for generations. This classic guide covers everything from feeding cues and nursing positions to expressing and storing breast milk.
Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins
A bestseller for more than 30 years, this book equips breastfeeding moms with accessible, encouraging information to overcome potential difficulties and nurse successfully from the very first week through weaning.
Work Pump Repeat by Jessica Shortall
The practical, relatable, and humorous guide to surviving the working world as a breastfeeding mom. Shortall offers a roadmap for negotiating your pumping schedule with colleagues, navigating business travel, dealing with pump parts, and problem-solving when forced to pump in less-than-desirable locales.
Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD
Written by a psychologist and IBCLC, this evidence-based guide addresses common problems like nipple pain and low milk supply while keeping a mother’s mental health and emotional well-being at the forefront.
Lactivate! A User’s Guide to Breastfeeding by Jill Krause and Chrisie Rosenthal, IBCLC
A judgment-free advice book filled with modern knowledge to help clear a plugged milk duct and create the ultimate biological synchronization between you and your child.
Working and Breastfeeding Made Simple by Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA
This book takes the mystery out of milk production and breast shields. It puts you in control of your experience with straightforward explanations of how milk is made, regardless of your work setting.
Making More Milk: The Breastfeeding Guide to Increasing Your Milk Production by Lisa Marasco, Diana West, IBCLC
Endorsed by La Leche League International, this is a must-read if you’re concerned about your supply. It offers effective strategies covering alternative therapies, nutrition, and birth issues.
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Breastfeeding is hard but you’re not alone
Between clogged milk ducts, painful latches, leaking boobs, endless pumping sessions, and worrying about your supply, breastfeeding can feel a lot harder than anyone prepares you for. The good news is that with these breastfeeding essentials, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Ready to feel stronger and more supported in the postpartum period? Join the V-Hive for pelvic floor workouts, recovery guidance, and a community of moms who get it.
